Theater Winter Haven receives anonymous donation
Carla Bayron reports.
WINTER HAVEN, Florida. – Community members in Polk County are providing financial support to local organizations affected by Governor Ron DeSantis’ veto of all arts and culture funding earlier this summer.
The Winter Haven Theatre, which sells more than 70,000 tickets annually for its various productions, is expected to receive a $145,000 state grant in the next fiscal year.
“I was saddened to see the arts become a political football,” said Dan Chesnicka, the theater’s executive director. “I think we’re getting past that. I think we really provide a great service to the people of this community and all of Polk County and beyond.”
Chesnicka believes the cuts would have to be made in non-revenue-generating areas and would disproportionately affect those who really need it.
“It’s things like our theater program for children with developmental or physical disabilities,” Chesnicka said. “Our group of older performers that goes into nursing homes and assisted living facilities.”
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To ease the financial burden, local philanthropists through the Polk Arts and Cultural Alliance and the GiveWell Community Foundation donated $200,000 to seven local organizations, including the Theatre Winter Haven, which received $35,000.
Allianz CEO Darly Ward said in a statement: “While this certainly does not replace the entire amount Polk Grant recipients would have received in the budget, it is wonderful to see local supporters stepping in and helping.”
“What it means to us emotionally is just as important as what it means financially, because we know there are some members in our community who share the same values as we do,” Chesnicka said. “It makes serving Polk County and Winter Haven even more rewarding.”
Although he is still discouraged by the veto, Chesnicka says this funding will allow them to focus on scholarship programs for the children so that those without means can continue to have access.
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