EVERETT — Saundra Cope and her husband Walt Gillette are proud to live in this city.
As Village Theatre kicks off the final and public phase of its capital campaign, the nonprofit organization has named the youth education center in Everett in honor of supporters Cope and Gillette.
Philanthropists, Village Theatre subscribers and former Boeing executives, Cope and Gillette have dedicated their efforts to supporting the arts.
Their names now adorn the KidStage theater across the Wetmore Theater Plaza from the Everett Performing Arts Center.
At a reception Thursday in their honor, Cope said Everett is her “chosen hometown.”
“There is no other place in the world where I would want my name associated,” she said. “We enjoy Village Theatre as a garden of theatrical delight, and like any garden, Village Theatre needs a nursery where young stock can grow and bloom. We see Village Theatre’s Youth Education Programs as the nursery where aspiring playwrights, engineers, designers, directors, composers and actors can develop their skills. These programs enhance the life skills for each student regardless of where life may take them.”
In a statement from Village Theatre, executive producer Robb Hunt praised the couple.
“Walt and Saundra have been subscribers since Village Theatre started bringing shows to Everett, and their enthusiasm has been felt in so many ways over the past 17 years,” Hunt said.
The couple recently encouraged and helped KidStage do more for low-income youth, and their own grandchild is involved with the program.
Owned by the city of Everett and leased to Village Theatre, the Cope Gillette Theatre serves more than 1,500 kids annually, and over 7,500 people pass through its doors as students, audience members, cast members and apprentices.
KidStage programs are available to everyone, regardless of the ability to pay, and programs exist for young people ages three to 20, said Village’s youth education director Kati Nickerson.
Village Theatre’s $2.8 million capital campaign was launched to raise the funds necessary for the building’s transformation from a bank building into a state-of-the-art 170-seat theater space and youth education center. With the city driving the timeline of the project, Village Theatre has raised more than 90 percent of the money.
The campaign is now open to the public to help cover the final $200,000 cost of renovation. To donate, email Frank Stilwagner at fstilwagner@villagetheatre.org.
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