Support Us
Artistic excellence, accessibility, and audience engagement make An Appalachian Summer Festival unique. Because the festival is committed to affordable ticket prices, revenues from ticket sales cover only about 43% of its annual costs. Private support from festival donors must fill the gap in order to ensure a continue commitment both quality programming and affordable ticket pricing.
We are extraordinarily fortunate that our community embraces the arts so passionately, and that festival donors and sponsors have chosen to support An Appalachian Summer Festival so generously. This loyal annual support is the critical element in sustaining the artistic quality of the festival, enabling it to thrive for over three decades.
CORPORATE SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Sponsorships are Good Business.
Corporate sponsorships are good business. As a sponsor of An Appalachian Summer Festival, your company will realize tangible marketing benefits in return for your sponsorship investment, while supporting one of the premier arts programs in the Southeastern U.S. and positioning your company as a partner with one of the region’s most highly attended public events. Sponsorship opportunities begin at the $5,000 level, with benefits accruing as the level of sponsorship increases. Regardless of the sponsorship level you select, the festival’s staff will be pleased to work with you in creating an integrated sponsorship program designed to meet your company’s unique marketing objectives.
High Visibility. Promotion. Hospitality.
Our highly diverse audience of 27,000 makes us the ideal partner in reaching specific target markets. Among the benefits available to corporate sponsors include:
- Special Events (receptions, dinners, company nights)
- Free tickets and/or discount vouchers for employees and VIPs
- Recognition via festival publications, advertising and media coverage
- High visibility among the festival audience, including on-stage recognition
- Other benefits specifically tailored to our sponsors’ needs
Ideal Demographics.
As with most arts patrons, festival audiences comprise an important demographic profile: our typical audience member is age 45+, upper middle income, and well educated. Festival audiences are informed consumers, who support businesses that are committed to the arts in their communities.
We’re Prosperous, Dynamic and Growing…
In recent years, the festival has experienced growth in every aspect of its operations, including ticket sales, attendance, corporate sponsorships and individual giving.
A Track Record in the Corporate Community.
In polls conducted by Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corporation, a festival sponsor for the past ten years, 97-100% of its customers surveyed have voiced support for the company’s continued sponsorship of An Appalachian Summer Festival.
CORPORATE SPONSORSHIP LEVELS
Detailed below are specific benefits associated with each of the corporate sponsorship levels offered by An Appalachian Summer Festival.
I. Festival Underwriter ($5,000)
$5,000 level: General support of festival performances
Benefits:
- Free half-page ad in Festival Playbill (distributed to audience at all performances);
- Inclusion of logo in Season Brochure;
- Six tickets to events of the sponsor’s choosing;
- VIP parking benefits during festival;
- Website recognition and link;
- Recognition in Festival Playbill (on corporate sponsor page, and in “festival supporters” listing)
- Recognition on lobby wall during the festival season
- Inclusion in a “thank you ad” placed in High Country newspapers at the conclusion of festival season;
- Invitation to the festival’s annual Patrons’ Reception
- Invitation to other university VIP events
II. Single Event Sponsor ($10,000)
$10,000 level: Sponsorship of a large-venue festival performance at the Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts (or a special event in another venue)
Benefits:
- On-stage recognition, prior to the sponsored performance;
- Lobby display on the evening of sponsored festival performance;
- Inclusion of corporate logo in section of the Festival Playbill, Season Brochure, festival poster, and festival website pertaining to sponsored performance;
- Print, radio and TV advertising credits;
- Press interviews (local and regional radio; MTN);
- Credit line in all press releases pertaining to sponsored performance;
- Free half-page ad in Festival Playbill (distributed to audience at all performances throughout festival season);
- 20 free tickets to sponsored performance;
- Recognition on lobby wall during the festival season
- VIP parking benefits during the course of the festival;
- Invitation to annual Patrons’ Reception
- Invitation to other university VIP events
III. Performance Series Sponsor ($20,000-$49,000)
Sponsorship of selected performances, as part of a series
Benefits:
- On-stage recognition, prior to each sponsored performance in the series;
- Prominent recognition as a performance series sponsor, via lobby signage throughout the course of the festival season;
- Prominent visibility via lobby display acknowledging performance series sponsors;
- Ticket benefits, to be determined based on the needs and interests of each sponsor, as well as ticket availability;
- Artist “Meet and Greet” benefits, based on the interests of the sponsor and the availability of selected artists;
- VIP parking benefits during the course of the festival;
- Employee discounts for tickets to sponsored performances;
- Inclusion of corporate logo in section of the festival playbill, brochure, poster, and website pertaining to sponsored performances;
- Print, radio and TV advertising credits;
- Free full-page ad in Festival Playbill (distributed to audience at all performances);
- Credit line in all press releases pertaining to sponsored performances;
- Press interviews (local and regional radio, TV, newspapers)
- Website links;
- Recognition on lobby wall during the festival season
- Inclusion in a “thank you ad” placed in High Country newspapers at the conclusion of festival season;
- Invitation to annual Patrons’ Reception
- Invitation to other university VIP events
IV. Lead Sponsor ($50,000+)
$50,000+ (depending on artists and series selected);
Sponsorship of selected performances, as part of a series
Benefits:
- ALL of the benefits outlined above (under “Performance Series Sponsorship” benefits) PLUS status as an overall sponsor of the entire festival;
- “Naming opportunity” for corporate recognition in connection with a festival performance series;
- Special reception or other event targeting a guest list of the sponsor’s choosing;
- Private dinner party with the Chancellor and selected guests.
- Additional customized benefits geared to the specific interests of the sponsor.
For more information on how your company can become involved with An Appalachian Summer Festival, please contact:
Denise Ringler
Director, ASU Office of Arts and Cultural Programs
828.262.6084, ext. 103
weissbergdr@appstate.edu
Current Corporate Sponsors
Media Sponsors
RESTAURANT SPONSORS
SUPPORTERS
Become a Supporter!
Artistic excellence, accessibility, and audience engagement make An Appalachian Summer Festival unique. Because the festival is committed to affordable ticket prices, revenues from ticket sales cover only about 43% of its annual costs. Private support from festival donors must fill the gap in order to ensure a continued commitment both quality programming and affordable ticket pricing.
Online Giving Form >>
Download Donor Packet >>
Consider an Endowment Gift
Providing long-term financial security for the festival means creating a strong endowment. We need festival patrons to step forward by making a current gift, or a planned gift, to ensure the continuation of programming our audience values. Gifts may be specifically targeted to the area of programming you wish to support, and can also carry the name of the donor(s), or be designated in honor of or in memory of a friend or family member. To learn more about endowment opportunities, please call Denise Ringler at 828-262-6084, ext. 103.
2020 Donor Levels & Benefits
Chancellor's Circle ($10,000 or more)
- Artist “Meet-and-Greet” opportunity
- Opportunity to host pre- or post-concert reception in Schaefer Center
- Recognition on Schaefer Center donor wall throughout the festival season
- Reserved, numbered VIP parking space
- Plus all benefits described in categories below
Artists' Circle ($6,000-$9,999)
- Named performance or guest artist chair (with recognition in festival playbill)
- Gold VIP stainless steel wine tumbler (with free refills during all Schaefer Center performances throughout 2020 season)
- Opportunity for autographed performance program or headshot
- Plus all benefits described in categories below (*excluding silver stainless steel wine tumbler)
Bravo! Circle ($3,000-$5,999)
- Two tickets to all festival performances* (upon request, excluding catered events)
- Silver VIP stainless steel wine tumbler (with discounted refills during all Schaefer Center performances throughout 2020 season)
- VIP parking privileges
- VIP seating at Holmes Center events
- Plus all benefits described in categories below
Benefactors' Circle ($1,200-$2,999)
- Donors at the $2,500 level and greater are eligible to receive the Chancellor’s Society Parking Pass (on-campus parking privileges)
- Two tickets to a performance by the Eastern Festival Orchestra* (upon request)
- Concierge service (seating consultation) with Sarah Heustess, Director of Sales and Patron Relations
- Plus all benefits described in categories below
Patron ($600-$1,199)
- Invitation (for two) to annual VIP Patrons Reception
- Two tickets to a film as part of the Weicholz Global Film Series* (upon request)
- Plus all benefits described in categories below
Contributor ($300-$599)
- Exclusive 2020 Festival Decal
- Plus all benefits described in categories below
Friend ($125-$299)
- Email notification regarding upcoming events (include email address and opt-in on enclosed donation form)
- Plus all benefits described in categories below
Member (Up to $124)
- Recognition in annual festival playbill (for gifts made before May 15, 2020)
- Advance email announcement of festival season
*Ticket premium may apply
Thank you to our generous 2020 donors
An Appalachian Summer Festival deeply appreciates the support of its contributors. This list reflects contributions and pledges made solely to An Appalachian Summer Festival Annual Campaign from October 1, 2019 through May 31, 2020. Please note that this list does not include gifts to other areas within Appalachian State University.
Premier Sponsors ($100,000 and above)
- Bonnie & Jamie Schaefer/Westglow Resort and Spa & Rowland’s Restaurant
- The Rosen-Schaffel Endowment for Classical Music Programming
Lead Sponsors ($50,000 and above)
- Larry & Barbara Freiman
- The Budd and Nanette Mayer Family Foundation, Inc.
Festival Sponsors ($25,000 and above)
- Steven & Elaine Brooks
- Martin & Doris Rosen Giving Fund/Debbie Rosen Davidson & David Rosen/ Charles & Nancy Rosenblatt Foundation
- The Muriel & Arnold Rosen Endowment for the Arts
- Helene & Stephen Weicholz
Chancellor’s Circle ($10,000 to $24,999)
- Boone Area Visitors Bureau
- Wendy & Mike Brenner
- Broyhill Family Foundation, Inc.
- Goodnight Brothers Produce Company
- Ralph S. Grier
- Mast General Store/John & Faye Cooper
- McDonald’s of Boone/Venda & Ralph Lerch
- National Endowment for the Arts
- Christine Petti (in memory of Dr. A. F. Petti)
- Neil & Nancy Schaffel
- Tina & Gary Silverstein
- SkyBest Communications, Inc.
- Letty & Keith Stoneman/Circle S Foundation
- Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.
Artist’s Circle ($6,000 to $9,999)
- Chetola Resort/Kent & Shelley Tarbutton
- Creekside Electronics, Inc.
- Myron B. & Anne C. Liptzin
- Peter & Joni Petschauer
- Mark & Nancy Tafeen
Bravo! Circle ($3,000 to $5,999)
- Judy & Michael Adler
- The Alfred B. and Josette L. Glover Family Foundation
- Appalachian Home Care/Ellen Harrell
- Joan & Albert Benbasat (in memory of Esta Perlow)
- Natalie & Penn Broyhill (in memory of Jere Dabbs)
- Sue & Steve Chase
- Courtyard by Marriott
- Lynn & Barry Eisenberg
- Merle & Louis Feinberg
- Adrienne Finkel
- Mary & Nick Friedman
- Holiday Inn Express
- Sandy & Marc Kadyk
- Morris & Kathleen Lioz
- Mike & Pam McKay/The Art Cellar Gallery
- Roger & Helen Michelson
- Daniel W. & Harlene E. Mitchum
- PNC Bank
- Peabody’s Wine & Beer Merchants
- Peak Insurance Group
- CDR Gerarda Persad & CW3 John Persad
- R. Y. & Eileen L. Sharpe Foundation
- Scholars Bookshop at the University Bookstore
- Sandi Finci Solomon
Benefactor’s Circle ($1,200 to $2,999)
- ACBC Fund of Triangle Community Foundation
- Frank & Kay Borkowski
- The Bruce J. Heim Foundation
- Susan & Harvey Durham
- Ralph Glaser, Jr. & John A. Pfeifer
- Susie Greene
- Jerry & Rebecca Hutchins*
- Jenny & Wayne Miller
- Edith S. Peiser
- Bill Pelto & Linda Larson
- Edmund & Louise Reiss
- Sally & Russell Robinson
- Alex Sink
- Minnie & Bob Snead
- Kenneth & Gerry Wilcox
Patrons ($600 to $1,199)
- Ira & Brenda Abrams
- Jonathan & Marisue Beloff
- Katy & Mickey Boles (in honor of Lynn Eisenberg)
- Wayne & Teri Bonomo
- Hanes & Lida Boren
- Dottie & Barry Cook
- Lisa Cooper & Russ Curtis
- Drs. James and Kathryn Douthit
- Randy & Margaret Edwards
- Judie Feinberg & Sonny Harris
- Molle Grad (in memory of Ed Grad)
- Megan Hayes & Michael Kitchell (in honor of Kaaren & Lowell Hayes, and the matriarchs of AppSummer)
- Sarah & Troy Heustess
- Linda & Ed Kelly
- Barbara & Mark Moskowitz
- Larry & Nanci Tolbert Nance*
- Carol Quintero & Laurie Weiner
- Traci Royster (in honor of Denise Ringler & Sarah Heustess)*
- Dr. & Mrs. Morris F. Segall
- Sam Tallman & Mike Zuravel
- Julie & Tom Trueman
- Mary Underwood & Ben Henderson*
- Steven & Darlene Wagner
- Todd Wright
Contributors ($300 to $599)
- Connie Adams
- Byron E. Bean (in honor of Bonnie Bean)
- Howard & Kathryne Brafman
- Dr. Craig & Rose Bridgeman
- Stephanie Poet Cohen (in memory of Jim & Dolly Poet)
- Mr. and Mrs. Stuart Darrow
- Tracey & Paul Ford
- Hank Foreman & John Baynor
- Marie Furches
- Dan Gaugert & Terry Harper (in honor of Anna Gaugert)
- Sali Gill-Johnson
- Russell & Christine James
- Renée & David Lieberman
- Mr. and Mrs. James Long
- Dr. Berge & Meliné Markarian
- Denise & William Ringler
- Drs. Bernard & Michaela Segall
- Marilyn Smith
- Janet H. Wilson
- Ellis & Barbara Aycock
- Bill Barbour*
- Kate R. Barrett
- Carol Berns & Ted Silver
- Blowing Rock Yacht Club
- John & Bettie Bond
- James & Margaret Bragg
- Larry & Carol Brown*
- Lorraine Childers
- Christine S. Davé*
- Barbara W. Daye*
- Byrdie Rae Denison (in memory of Edward L. Denison)
- Anna Gaugert
- Mr. and Mrs. Dan Glowa (in memory of David Glowa & Ben Bradley)*
- Dr. Louis N. Gottlieb
- Karen Gross*
- Gerald & Sydney Gura
- Laura & Kenny Kaufman
- Jane & Grady Lonon
- Gregg & Bonnie Marland
- Leslie & Richard Mayeron
- Lindsay Miller
- Susan B. Morgan*
- Doug & Susan Morton
- Carmen & Patty Patella*
- Mike & Sandra Perry*
- Bob & Karen Powell (in memory of Jack Branch)
- Marty Rice*
- Tish & Tom Rokoske (in honor of Ralph Glaser & John Pfeifer)*
- Barbara & Ed Rosasco
- Patrick K. Setzer
- Joanie & Robert Shirley*
- Bernice Snow
- Barbara Sugerman (in memory of Barry Sugerman)
- Ineke Thomas*
- Carol & Hank Thompson*
- Claudia Van Essen
- Cyn D. & John Weaver*
- Chuck & Lynne Weiss (in honor of Dr. John Pfeifer)
- Mary & Dale Whisenant
- Steve & Deena Zaron
Members (up to $124)
- Julia R. Adams (in memory of Gerald Adams)
- Anonymous
- Elizabeth H. Armistead*
- Francine Barr (in memory of Patricia Weberman)*
- Elizabeth Buchanan*
- Paul & Susan Caudill*
- Dr. & Mrs. Harold Carrin*
- Elaine & Jim Crowell*
- Duane & Ruth Daggett*
- Sondra & Bernie Edwards*
- Sandra Folts*
- Susan Graham (in memory of Dot Barber)*
- Jeff Handler
- Rosemary Horowitz & Jerry Hyman
- Barbara Hunsucker*
- Robin Hunt & Kenneth Steele*
- Lynda Lasseter*
- Diana Latendresse*
- Anita Laymon*
- Patricia Mauldin
- Howard Miller & Nancy Clark
- Ray Moretz*
- Beth Mueller
- Mike & Kitty Rominger*
- Marilyn Seward
- Jim & Sandy Sheatsley
- Helen Sirett & Ken Hendrix
- Gerald Traudt*
- Daisy Goodnight Waldrep
- Marlene Walter (in memory of Muriel & Arnold Rosen)
- Frederick & Donna Whitt (in memory of Grady Moretz)
- Bob & Maggie Wilson
*Friends of An Appalachian Summer Festival
Current Endowment Support
The following endowments have been established in support of An Appalachian Summer Festival and other cultural programs at Appalachian State University. Each of these endowments generates significant income each year, which supports the festival’s annual operations or donor-designated programs. We acknowledge with deep gratitude the individuals and organizations listed below for establishing these legacies of vision and generosity.
The Muriel and Arnold Rosen Endowment for the Arts
- Arnold and Muriel Rosen
The Rosen-Schaffel Endowment for Classical Music Programming
The Martin and Doris Rosen Foundation Endowment
- Martin and Doris Rosen
The Bob and Lillian Turchin Endowment for the Arts
- Bob and Lillian Turchin
An Appalachian Summer Festival Outreach Endowment
- Mrs. Roberta R. Balfe
- Kathleen Price Bryan Family Fund
- Gamma Beta Phi Society
- Mr. and Mrs. Willard Gortner
- Mrs. Florence Hecht
- Mr. and Mrs. Robert Heilman
- Mr. and Mrs. Norris Hodgkins
- Dr. and Mrs. Kenneth Peacock
- Mr. and Mrs. Fred Robinette
- Mr. and Mrs. Arnold Rosen
An Appalachian Summer Festival Unrestricted Endowment
- John and Faye Cooper
The Satie Hunt Broyhill Endowment for the Performing Arts
- The Broyhill Family Foundation
The Halpert Endowment for the Visual Arts
- Sol and Charlotte Halpert
The Mast Store Heritage Endowment for An Appalachian Summer Festival
- John and Faye Cooper
The Friedman Family Endowment for An Appalachian Summer Festival
- Ingrid, Mary, Max, and Nick Friedman