Northern Sky Theater Announces Burn the Mortgage – Build the Bridge Campaign Goal Achieved

Northern Sky has raised $500,000 that will be matched by anonymous donors

Fish Creek, Wis. (October 6, 2023) – Northern Sky Theater has successfully reached its $500,000 ‘Burn the Mortgage – Build the Bridge’ campaign challenge goal through the generosity of more than 200 supporters. Those gifts will now be matched by anonymous donors, allowing the company to achieve two fiscal objectives in 2024 and beyond: retire the balance of its construction loan debt and start a self-managed endowment that will help ensure the company’s long-term sustainability.

The campaign was launched with an event celebrating the 25th Anniversary of Guys On Ice on July 23rd. The company officially reached its goal on September 23rd.

“I have to admit, it felt a bit daunting to add what is essentially a $1M campaign for our future at a time when we know our immediate need for support to balance our 2023 budget is also critical,” stated Associate Managing Director, Holly Feldman. “But when this extradordinary opportunity came along, we knew our supporters would rise to the challenge. And, boy did they come through.”

Once matched, the company will apply $350,000 directly to the mortgage on the creative center, built in 2019, essentially ‘burning’ the mortgage three years ahead of schedule.

In addition, Northern Sky will seed a self-managed endowment with a beginning balance of $650,000, essentially building the ‘bridge’ to the company’s future.

“To be able to raise $500,000 in just 8 weeks is truly humbling,” added Artistic Director, Jeffrey Herbst. “It is a true testament to our long-time fans who stand by us and continue to inspire us to write shows specifically for them. We’ve said it a thousand times, ‘We do it for you, and we can’t do it without you.'”