Mertens Family pledges support of "A Capitol Idea!"

The Mertens Family posing at the Capitol Civic Centre
with Executive Director Matthew Schliesman.
Pictured, left to right from front are: Scott Mertens,
Lexie Mertens, Michelle Gibeault, Bryanna Mertens,
and Matthew Schliesman.

Enthusiasm for the Capitol Civic Centre’s $1 million face-lift campaign continues to flourish. In addition to the generous support of the West Foundation and the Capitol Civic Centre Board of Directors, many individuals have pledged their financial support of the project.

The Scott Mertens family has committed their support of the Kadow Room enhancement portion of the renovation. Improvements include creating an additional entrance to the Kadow Room Museum for enhanced access. In addition, the Mertens Family’ pledge will finance Kadow Room Museum improvements; essentially, this room will benefit from an extensive renovation. These enhancements will not only be aesthetically appealing, they are a means to expand the multi-purpose accommodations of this important space, and better incorporate it into the overall lobby.

“The current efforts to restore, repair, and improve this important community treasure are proving to be quite a joyful undertaking. The Capitol touches so many lives, and contributes so meaningfully to what makes the Lakeshore a truly exceptional place to live. The staff and board are grateful for the support that is coming in from individual donors, companies, and foundations. With the momentum continuing and people jumping on-board, we look forward to achieving our fundraising goals and undertaking the actual physical projects next summer,” stated Matthew Schliesman, Executive Director, Capitol Civic Centre, Inc.

The Capitol Civic Centre campaign reaches far beyond the walls of the theatre and facilities; it is, indeed, an investment in the community.

“I have had the  opportunity to work with other organizations in various expansion and building projects. The greatest source of pride experienced comes after all is said and done and you can see how the vision to take the risk and make the investment pays off and how it betters the organization involved and betters the whole community,”  Board president John L. Sadowski stated.

Peggy W. Pitz, Capitol Campaign Associate Administrator, continued “[The Capitol] is one of many destinations that puts Manitowoc on the map… its history, offerings, and caliber of performances and performers, and the talented family of performing arts groups. The location in the heart of downtown makes it critical to the economic development not only of downtown, but to this community.”

Presently, Capitol Campaign Committee members are hosting on-stage events at the Capitol, with individuals and businesses. During the next phase of the campaign, slated to launch in November, the campaign will expand to a more broad, public approach.

For more information about the Capitol’s face-lift, or to arrange a campaign presentation with your family, business, or organization, please contact Schliesman at matts@cccshows.org or (920) 686-6424.

Wisconsin Public Service Foundation Contributes $15,000 to Capitol Civic Centre

Pictured left to right: Peggy Krey, Capitol Civic Centre-
Operations Director, Peggy Pitz, Capitol Civic Centre-
Associate Campaign Manager, Dayna Watson,
Wisconsin Public Service- Community Relations Lead,
Matthew Schliesman, Capitol Civic Centre- Executive Director.

The Wisconsin Public Service Foundation has provided a $15,000 contribution to the Capitol Civic Centre.

Through the course of a year, Executive Director, Matthew Schliesman hopes to raise $1 million dollars in an effort to restore, repair and improve the facility. Multiple projects will be completed with funds raised through the campaign.  Improvements include: technical systems, safety and security upgrades, and enhancements to guest services. 

In 2012, The Wisconsin Public Service Foundation enriched deserving organizations by more than $1 million. The Foundation is a private, charitable foundation funded by shareholders of Wisconsin Public Service Corporation. Its charitable giving has no impact on electric and natural gas rates. In 2012, more than 360 associations and worthwhile causes representing interests in education, human services and health, community and neighborhood development, arts and culture, along with care for the environment received funds from the Foundation.

Brennan Seehafer Productions has made a contribution to “It’s a Capitol Idea!”.

Brennan made his presentation at a recent campaign reception after sharing
what the Capitol means to him, having grown-up on the Capitol stage. Pictured in the Capitol
lobby, front row from left are: Paula Fox, Campaign Co-chair; Brennan; Joe DiRaimondo,
Campaign Co-Chair; back row from left : Jack Sadowski, Board President; Peggy Pitz, Campaign
Administrative Associate; Matthew Schliesman, Executive Director.

CAPITOL $1.2 MILLION RENOVATION GARNERS COMMUNITY-WIDE SUPPORT

Support for the Capitol Civic Centre’s $1.2 million renovation continues to grow, with more than 200 donations to date. In addition to on-stage presentations and facility tours by invitation, the public aspect of the campaign is now in full-swing. Colorful campaign pole banners line Eighth Street (from Washington to Franklin Streets) and the campaign has been promoted in print and digital outdoor, on radio and television, and with online and social media.

The campaign committee, led by Executive Director Matthew Schliesman and facilitated by Campaign Associate Administrator Peggy W. Pitz, with the support of Campaign Co-chairs Joe DiRaimondo and Paula Fox (and further support of the Board of Directors) continues to share the message of the importance of this valuable historic asset with the community.

According to Schliesman, “The fact that the community saved and restored the Capitol 26 years ago is still an amazing story. That we are now coming together to make major repairs and improvements more than a quarter century later is just common sense. The Capitol Civic Centre is an integral and vital part of this community. The technical upgrades, aesthetic repairs, and improved guest amenities will not only energize up the physical place, but add new excitement to our programming, to the downtown, and to the Lakeshore at large.”

Among the 200-plus donations and pledges by individuals, families, businesses, and foundations thus far, the first donation was presented by Manitowoc Noon Rotary and the most recent donation was presented by Brennan Seehafer Productions. For more information about “A Capitol Idea!” call Peggy W. Pitz, Associate Campaign Administrator, at (920) 686-6422.