July 19, 2010

DANIEL L. RITCHIE, DENVER CENTER CHAIRMAN, ANNOUNCES CHALLENGE GRANT

Daniel L. Ritchie, Chairman of The Denver Center for the Performing Arts, has announced the “Ritchie Challenge.” He will match any new or increased donation between now and June 30, 2011 up to $500,000.

“The world has changed,” said Mr. Ritchie in his announcement. “Economic models that worked for cultural institutions are being challenged and we at The Denver Center are no different. We face endowments that must be rebuilt, facilities that must be not only maintained but improved, and funding that is less secure than it was just two years ago.”

Despite challenging times, the Center maintains its commitment to bring the best Broadway touring productions to the market and mount its own Denver Center Theatre Company productions that are unsurpassed in quality, creativity and inspiration. While this commitment is not without risks, Mr. Ritchie is confident his challenge grant will not only be matched but exceeded.

“I believe that the people of the Rocky Mountain region want and really appreciate world class theatre — and that together we can achieve this goal.”

The Ritchie Challenge will help fund theatre education programs for more than 50,000 students as well as a season of highly-anticipated productions: The 39 Steps, Dracula, The House of the Spirits, Ruined, Billy Elliott, West Side Story, Next to Normal and 9 to 5.

Donations to the Ritchie Challenge Grant may be made by phone at 303.446.4813 or online at denvercenter.org/Ritchie.