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You Can Play A
Part!
Each year, we join
together to make the magic happen at The Francis Wilson Play House. With
a contribution to our theatre, you can share in this excitement and
become a member of our family of donors.
Join Us
By joining with other corporations, individuals and foundations in making a contribution, you can continue the excellence and vitality of The Francis Wilson Play House and truly make a difference in advancing the cultural life of the community!
Building Fund Current and Future
FWP is
located on a parcel of land leased from the City of Clearwater under a
99 year $1.00 per year lease that expires in 2034. We own the building
and all of its furniture, fixtures and equipment. The theatre is debt
free, and we have never borrowed from anyone. We exist on the revenues
from our annual memberships and box office sales. Because our box
office prices and annual membership fees are so low, FWP never shows a
capital surplus.
The FWP Board of Directors knows that the current building
[originally built in 1936, rebuilt after the fire in 1942, and
expanded over the years] will not economically survive another
27 years since maintenance bills are going up every year.
Further, our current seating capacity of 184 seats is not
economical since we have to pay play and musical royalties based
on a 300 seat minimum, so it is obvious we need a larger
auditorium. Therefore we are “looking” for an affordable new
theatre site and have started a Building Fund that may take us
30 years to accumulate, but we have to start somewhere.
 Now is
the time to start planning, and now is the time to buy that land
while land is still available and more affordable. Our primary
source of funds is you, our Members and your contacts. There are
a number of ways that you can contribute to the FWP Building
Fund, and one way is Long Term Giving.
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Wills
– You could name FWP in your will for a small stipend. Choose
an amount that will not materially impact your estate,
but will be large enough to preserve and ensure the long term
existence of FWP.
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Trusts
– When a Trust is used to care for your loved ones, make sure
they are well taken care of. But there is usually a
“remainder”, funds left over after the Trust has accomplished
its prime objective. It would be appreciated if you name FWP
as the beneficiary of that remainder.
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Property (land and buildings)
– FWP can accept property
as a
charitable contribution. When you give property to FWP your
tax deductible contribution is the current value of that
property, not what you paid for it years ago.
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Property (cars, boats, etc.)
– If you have a car or
 boat you
are considering getting rid of; why not give it to FWP. It's
tax deductible.
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Life
Insurance Policies
– A small amendment to your existing or new life insurance
policy naming
FWP as an additional beneficiary will cost only “pennies” but
in the long term will reap “dollars” for FWP.
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Old
Insurance Policies
– If you have a life insurance policy you are considering
discontinuing or dropping, why not let FWP pick up that
policy, pay the future premiums, become the beneficiary and
reap the long term benefits. While not always economically
advantageous to FWP, we would appreciate an opportunity to
consider it.
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Planned
Giving
– A little bit now and then, or better yet, regularly,
can add up. Why not consider making a commitment to a monthly
contribution to the FWP Building Fund? Pick an amount that is
within your means and we will provide the stamps and
envelopes.
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Introductions
- Introduce your friends or acquaintances that are prepared to
support the arts with financial denotations to Francis Wilson
Playhouse.
If you elect to join the Francis Wilson Playhouse Building Fund
program, please notify the Box Office [727/446-1360]. We will
assume all of the “paperwork” responsibility and even pay for
legal assistance and other costs, if that is necessary.
If you have any questions, you may contact the House Manager at
any FWP performance, or please call (toll free) Byron Ellison,
FWP President, toll free at 866/754-0404 anytime.
Donations to Francis Wilson Playhouse Inc. are tax-deductible
under IRS code Sec. 501(c)3. Consult your attorney or tax
advisor to determine the best way to maximize your giving while
minimizing your tax consequences. |
