The challenge was given during the final concert of the Temple Jazz Festival with Gordon Goodwin.
An anonymous philanthropist issued the challenge to encourage the people to support the project.
Rosemary B. Hauser, executive director of the Temple College Foundation, stated that this challenge has added excitement to the campaign and has presented a wonderful opportunity for potential donors to double the impact of their gifts. She is grateful to the donor for their visionary insight into the importance of the project.
The Performing Arts Center serves Temple College as a teaching facility and is home to the Temple Symphony Orchestra and the Temple College Jazz Festival. It is used by a multitude of local school districts as well as the entire Temple community. Over the past several years, many improvements have been made to upgrade the facilities to meet the expanding needs of students and the community. Funding for projects in Phase I and Phase II has come to the college through bond issues as well as grants from the E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation and private donations.
These projects include new and improved sound and lighting equipment, expansion of the stage, installation of a new orchestra shell, and many cosmetic touches. A new heating, ventilation and air conditioning system and new seating will be installed this summer.
Phase III addresses the need for expansion. Plans call for a new instrumental rehearsal hall, a new black box theatre, additional classrooms and practice rooms, expanded rest rooms, a green room, an expanded balcony with elevator to the second floor as well as lobby enhancement and improved overall appearance. The price is estimated at $5 million or more.
To quote the namesake of the building, Mary Alice Marshall, “Life without the fine arts is like life without fresh air. Help Temple College open this window for many generations to come.”
