Paramount Annual Appeal 2023!
December 2023
Dear friends,
Every community needs a special gathering place – a focal point for experiencing art and culture, history and humanity. In Peekskill, that place is the Paramount Hudson Valley Theater.
We come to this beautiful historic landmark to listen, learn, and laugh; to celebrate and to mourn; to forget our loneliness, to break down barriers, to share our experiences and humanity. Help us ensure the vitality of the Paramount and its programming for generations to come by adding your generous support with a year-end gift.
PHVA: Celebrating a decade at the Paramount. Exactly ten years ago, a handful of people who love the arts and Peekskill and the Paramount Theater got together and created a brand new nonprofit called Paramount Hudson Valley Arts (PHVA). Back then, we had a tiny little budget and a great big idea – to bring new programs to the Paramount’s stage that would celebrate the history and diversity of cultures in Peekskill and the Hudson Valley.
Step by step, we did that. From 2013-2018, as the Paramount’s resident arts nonprofit, PHVA forged strong community partnerships, welcomed local artists and artists of color to the theater, and engaged new audiences. PHVA built on the dedication, hard work, and tremendous achievements of the passionate Paramount patrons who believed in the importance of the arts.
Our little nonprofit grew steadily and in the fall of 2019, we were honored to take over all operations at the Paramount – and devastated when a few short months later, we were forced to shut down our theater due to the global pandemic. PHVA found new ways to serve community during COVID, such as hosting critical blood drives.
Thanks to support from board, our community partners, and our loyal audiences, PHVA and the Paramount survived and we are stronger than ever. There are many wonderful reasons to support PHVA in our 10th Anniversary year.
Here are just a few:
• PHVA showcases international, national, and local talent. This season at the Paramount, you’ll see renowned touring musicians as well as local bands, professional and community dance troupes, cutting-edge comedians from NYC clubs and national TV; new works by New York playwrights as well as opera and theater performances simulcast from around the world.
• PHVA helps kids see their first live performances at the Paramount. Just last month, when PHVA presented the world-renowned Ballet Hispanico dance troupe for the first time at our theater, we welcomed 300+ children and families from the Peekskill School District for FREE. Over 80% said it was the first time they had seen a professional dance company.
• PHVA hosts our community’s milestone events at the Paramount. Our theater is an important and accessible venue for important celebrations like high school and college graduations as well as annual gala events hosted by local community groups.
• PHVA is committed to accessible arts for all. PHVA works to make the arts affordable for everyone. For example, we have provided free tickets to veterans and military families to all Paramount shows this year. Over 3,000 vets, active duty servicemen and women, and their families have attended performances for free in 2023, thanks in support from PHVA’s donors.
• Supporting PHVA and the Paramount helps our city thrive. Our year-round schedule of programs and events attracts a steady stream of residents and visitors to downtown Peekskill. That’s good for local restaurants, shops, and other businesses.
Like all nonprofits and businesses, PHVA faces rising costs. Some theaters and arts centers have been forced to increase their ticket prices to offset those costs. We don’t want to do that.
PHVA’s dedicated staff works hard to keep our programs affordable for all of the communities that we serve. You can help us ensure that the Paramount Theater continues to be a gathering place where everyone can see inspiring performances and events.
Now more than ever, we need a place in our community where all people can come together in peace, harmony, and joy. As the winter holidays approach, I hope you will consider making a year-end, tax-deductible contribution to Paramount Hudson Valley Arts.
Warmly,
The Paramount Hudson Valley Arts Team
The Paramount Hudson Valley Arts is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organization. Your donation to PHVA is tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.