The Olean Theatre Workshop announces a $12,500 challenge grant from Western New York Foundation to help support the Workshop’s mission in general and Shakespeare in the Park in particular.

The challenge grant calls upon the Olean Theatre Workshop to strengthen fundraising from its board of directors and to establish a broader fundraising base in the community by raising an additional 100 season subscribers to donate at least $25 each. Upon satisfaction of this challenge requirement, the Workshop will receive $5,000 from the Foundation. The grant also requires the Olean Theatre Workshop to raise an additional $10,000 in foundation grants in order to receive an additional $7,000. The major portion of the funds will be available to be used for Shakespeare in the Park, bringing lighting and sound systems to this annual event. The remaining proceeds will be available for general operations.

"This generous and visionary challenge grant is a resounding vote of confidence in The Olean Theatre Workshop," said Nicholas Patrone, the Workshop’s executive director, "especially since this support comes on the heels of an $18,500 grant from the Western New York Foundation which helped renovate the Washington Street Theater and make it handicapped accessible. The board joins me in expressing our deepest appreciation for The Western New York Foundation's generosity, and commitment to help us achieve our goals."