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 continued commitment to 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 28,000 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
ADVERTISE WITH US
Put your business front and center of our engaged and sophisticated patrons by advertising in our Playbill,
distributed at more than 25 events in the month of July.
For more information on how your company or business can advertise with An Appalachian Summer Festival, please contact:
Allison West
Director of Marketing
828.262.6084, ext. 107
westal1@appstate.edu
FESTIVAL SPONSORS & SUPPORTERS
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.
Give Online >>
Download Donor Form >>
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.
2023 Donor Levels & Benefits
Chancellor's Circle ($10,000 or more)
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Priority seating at all events
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Reserved parking space throughout festival season
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All benefits described below
Artists' Circle ($6,000-$9,999)
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Invitation to a curator-led VIP fine wine tour of the Turchin Center’s galleries
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Recognition in playbill and onstage, prior to performance
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All benefits described below
Bravo! Circle ($3,000-$5,999)
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Two (2) tickets to select festival events (upon request; excludes Darius Rucker tickets)
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Concierge ticket assistance
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VIP parking privileges throughout the season
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Chancellor’s Society parking pass (for donors at the $5,000 level and higher)
- All benefits described below
Benefactors' Circle ($1,200-$2,999)
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Invitation for two (2) to the complimentary opening night celebration under the tent, to include two (2) guests
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Complimentary beverage card for use at Schaefer Center performances (limit 2 drinks per person per event)
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All benefits described below
Patron ($600-$1,199)
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Two tickets to one (1) Broyhill Chamber Series performance (upon request)
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Certificate to apply toward festival merchandise
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All benefits described below
Contributor ($300-$599)
- Two tickets to one (1) film featured in the Nancy Tafeen Global Film Series (upon request)
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Behind-the-scenes Schaefer Center tour opportunity (by appointment, upon request)
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All benefits described below
Friend ($125-$299)
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Festival-branded canvas tote bag
- All benefits described below
Member (Up to $124)
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Donor recognition in festival playbill and on website (for gifts made by May 12, 2023)
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Advance email announcement of festival line-up
Thank you to our generous 2022 supporters
*2023 Sponsors will be listed soon – gifts must be received by may 12, 2023*
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, 2021 through June 1, 2022. Please note that this list does not include gifts to other areas within Appalachian State University.
Premier Sponsors ($500,000 and above)
- An Appalachian Summer Festival Programming Endowment / Nancy & Neil Schaffel*
- The Barbara and Larry Freiman Endowment*, given in memory of Larry Freiman by Barbara, their children and grandchildren
- Christine Petti* (in memory of Dr. A.F. Petti)
Premier Sponsors ($100,000 and above) -
Bonnie & Jamie Schaefer
- The Rosen-Schaffel Endowment for Classical Music Programming*
- Steven & Lainey Brooks*
- John & Faye Cooper*
Lead Sponsors ($50,000 to $99,999)
- Barbara Freiman (in memory of Larry Freiman)
- Wendy & Mike Brenner*
Festival Sponsors ($25,000 to $49,999)
- Martin & Doris Rosen Giving Fund / Debbie Rosen Davidson & David Rosen / Charles & Nancy Rosenblatt Foundation
- The Muriel & Arnold Rosen Endowment for the Arts
- Hayes Charitable Trust*
- Creekside Electronics Inc. / Lane & Joan Robinson*
- Ralph S. Grier*
Chancellor’s Circle ($10,000 to $24,999)
- Allen Wealth Management
- Appalachian Home Care, LLC / Ellen Harrell
- Joan & Albert Benbaset
- Wendy & Mike Brenner
- Broyhill Family Foundation, Inc.
- Circle S Foundation / Keith & Letty Stoneman
- Lynn & Barry Eisenberg*
- Explore Boone
- Goodnight Brothers
- Robert E. Grier*
- Anonymous
-
Myron B. & Anne C. Liptzin
- Peak Insurance Group / Chuck & Anna Eyler
- Peter & Joni Petschauer*
- Bonnie & Jamie Schaefer*
- Neil & Nancy Schaffel
- Gary Silverstein (in loving memory of Tina)
- Mast General Store / John, Faye & Lisa Cooper
- McDonald’s of Boone / Venda Lerch (in memory of Ralph Lerch)
- SkyBest Communications, Inc.
- Nancy Tafeen (in memory of Mark Tafeen)
Artist’s Circle ($6,000 to $9,999)
- Chetola Resort / Kent & Shelley Tarbutton
- Creekside Electronics, Inc. / Lane & Joan Robinson
- Peter & Joni Petschauer
- Helene & Stephen Weicholz
Bravo! Circle ($3,000 to $5,999)
- Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Vincent Properties
- Natalie & Penn Broyhill
- Sue & Steven Chase (in memory of William Ringler)
- Courtyard by Marriott
- Lynn & Barry Eisenberg
- Louis & Merle Feinberg
- Adrienne Finkel
- Holiday Inn Express
- The Horton Hotel
- Sandy & Marc Kadyk
- Janice & John LaCapra*
- Suzanne Lasky Gerard & Bill Liebman
- Morris & Kathleen Lioz
- Joseph P. Logan*
- Peabody’s Wine & Beer Merchants
- Mike & Pam McKay / The Art Cellar Gallery
- Roger & Helen Michelson
- Francesca K. Field & Janet P. Pepin
- PNC Bank
- R.Y. & Eileen L. Sharpe Foundation
- Sandi Finci Solomon
- The Bruce J. Heim Foundation
- University Bookstore
Benefactor’s Circle ($1,200 to $2,999)
- Hanes & Lida Boren
- Frank & Kay Borkowski* (in memory of Meliné Markarian)
- Dan Cameron Family Foundation
- Susan & Harvey Durham (in honor of Barbara Freiman and in memory of Larry Freiman)
- Josette & Alfred Glover (in memory of Kent & Shelley Tarbutton)
- Susie Greene* (in memory of Meliné Markarian)
- Jerry & Rebecca Hutchins
- Joe Logan (in honor of Lynn & Barry Eisenberg)
- Jenny & Wayne Miller
- Bill Pelto & Linda Larson
- Alex Sink
- Minnie & Bob Snead
- Helen Easter Snow (in memory of Dorothy & Howard Easter, & Priscilla Bratcher)
Patrons ($600 to $1,199)
- Ira & Brenda Abrams
- Jonathan & Marisue Beloff
- Carol Berns & Ted Silver
- Carol & Morty Blumberg
- Carolina Mountain Life Magazine
- Howard & Kathryne Brafman
- Stephanie Poet Cohen (in memory of Dolly & Jim Poet)
- Barbara Watkins Daye
- Nick & Mary Friedman
- Molle Grad (in memory of Meliné Markarian)
- Marilyn & Don Green
- Kristina Groover & Marian Peters (in memory of Dr. Rosemary Horowitz, generous patron of the arts)
- Megan Hayes & Michael Kitchell (in honor of Kaaren & Lowell Hayes, and the matriarchs of AppSummer)
- Mark & Barbara Moskowitz
- Larry & Nanci Tolbert Nance
- Traci D. Royster* (in honor of Peter & Joni Petschauer)
- Sally & Russell Robinson
- Sam Tallman & Mike Zuravel
- Julie & Tom Trueman
- Mary Underwood & Ben Henderson
- Todd Wright*
Contributors ($300 to $599)
- Rose & Craig Bridgeman
- Hank Foreman & John Baynor
- Lorraine Childers
- Melinda Friddell*
- Anna Gaugert & Thomas Martin
- Dan Gaugert & Terry Harper (in honor of Anna Gaugert)
- Scott & Kathleen Haynes
- Mac & Doris Leitner
- Richard Lord
- David Meitus (in memory of Shirley Spector)
- Anonymous
- Denise Ringler
- Cyn D. & John Weaver (in memory of Ruth Williams, AppSummer volunteer)
Friends ($125 to $299)
- Anonymous
- Ellis & Barbara Aycock
- Dr. Charlie & Anne Baker
- Bill Barbour
- John & Bettie Bond
- Jeannine Underdown Collins
- Dyan & George Cutter
- Drs. James & Kathryn Douthit
- Dr. Louis N. Gottlieb & Gloria Lipson
- Laura & Kenny Kaufman
- Ann Lief (in memory of Shirley Spector)
- Jane Lonon
- Tim & Nancy Lorenzen (in memory of Keith & Leota Cloyed)
- Gregg & Bonnie Marland
- Monica McDaniel
- Conor McKenzie
- Howard Miller & Nancy Clark
- Doug & Susan Morton
- Dr. & Mrs. Richard Newman (in honor of Carol Berns)
- Jodi Orshan
- Susan & Bruce Pettyjohn
- Bob & Karen Powell (in memory of Jack Branch)
- Marty Rice
- Tish & Tom Rokoske (in memory of Clifford Farthing)
- Martha Serola
- Patrick K. Setzer ’90 ’98
- Joanie & Robert Shirley
- Wright & Tracy Tilley
- Carol & Hank Thompson
- Karen Trefz (in memory of William Ringler)
- Larry Watson & Julie Moore
- Allison West & Rick Suyao
- Craig & Judith Wylie
- Deena & Stephen Zaron
Members (up to $124)
- Francine Barr (in memory of Tony Wrobel)
- Michael & Joan Bell
- Jessica Rose Blythe
- Betty Castor
- Christine Cobb
- Billy Elliott (in memory of Michael Elliott)
- Sali Gill-Johnson & John Johnson
- Parker Hallman
- Jeff Handler
- David & Jaclyn Hartstein (in memory of Shirley Spector)
- Renee & David Lieberman
- Anne MacKenzie
- Lindsay & Jesse Miller
- Marilyn Seward
- Jim & Sandy Sheatsley
- Helen Sirett & Ken Hendrix
- Mike Smiley
- Preston & Dawn Snuggs
- Ina J. Warren (in honor of Rebecca K. Murray)
- Tanya Shook Wilder
- Bob & Maggie Wilson
- Jack & Rosalind (Roz) Zacks (in memory of Shirley Spector)
*endowment commitments
Presented by Appalachian State University’s Office of Arts & Cultural Programs, this annual celebration of the performing and visual arts is held every July in venues across the university campus, and features an eclectic, diverse mix of music, dance, theatre, visual arts and film programming. An Appalachian Summer Festival began in 1984 as a chamber music series, and retains strong roots in classical music, combined with a variety of other programming geared to almost every artistic taste and preference. The festival has risen in stature to become one of the nation’s most highly respected summer festivals, acclaimed for the breadth and quality of its artistic programming.
In recent years, the festival has been selected as one of the “Top 20 Events in the Southeast” by the Southeast Tourism Society. For many years, The New York Times has included An Appalachian Summer Festival in its “Summer Stages” issue, which profiles the nation’s most prominent and interesting summer arts festivals.
APP SUMMER FESTIVAL ENDOWMENT GOAL REACHED
A strong endowment will generate critically needed annual interest income, which will enable the festival to continue maintaining the highest standards of artistic excellence, as well as a continued commitment to affordable ticket pricing. Additionally, the endowment will generate critically valuable interest income on an annual basis, which will directly support the festival’s annual programming expenses.
The commitment of the generous donors, shown below, has made it possible for the festival to reach its $5 million endowment goal, and ensures that it will survive and thrive, enriching lives of residents across our region for generations to come!
We wish to thank all of our generous donors, whose passion for the arts led them to make a commitment that has led to the fulfillment of our endowment goal.
ENDOWMENT FUNDS: 1984 – 2018
Muriel and Arnold Rosen Endowment for the Arts
Satie Hunt Broyhill Endowment for the Performing Arts
Rosen-Schaffel Endowment for Classical Music Programming
Arts and Cultural Programs Endowment
An Appalachian Summer Outreach Endowment
Friedman Family Endowment for An Appalachian Summer
ENDOWMENT DONORS: 2019 – 2022
Nancy and Neil Schaffel / Appalachian Summer Festival Programming Endowment
The Barbara and Larry Freiman Endowment, given in memory of Larry Freiman by Barbara, their children and grandchildren
Christine Petti (in memory of Dr. A.F. Petti)
Lainey and Steven Brooks
Joan and Albert Benbasat
Faye and John Cooper
Wendy and Mike Brenner
Hayes Charitable Trust
Creekside Electronics Inc. / Joan and Lane Robinson
Bonnie and Jamie Schaefer
Lynn and Barry Eisenberg
Ralph S. Grier
Joni and Peter Petschauer
Robert E. Grier
Susie Greene
Traci D. Royster (in honor of Peter and Joni Petschauer)
Janie and John LaCapra
Kay & Frank Borkowski
Joseph P. Logan
Todd Wright
Melinda Friddell
WITH SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR LEAD DONORS
Nancy and Neil Schaffel
Nancy Schaffel’s parents, Arnold and Muriel Rosen, were festival founders who worked with university administrators in the early 1980s to establish An Appalachian Summer Festival. Nancy and Neil have “carried the torch” for the festival ever since, and have established two major endowment funds to date — one of which supports the festival’s classical music programming, with the most recent gift focused on general program support, and framed as a $1 million challenge that “matches” gifts from other festival donors. The Schaffels are passionate about the festival’s mission and ensuring that it continues in perpetuity. They also support the annual Rosen-Schaffel Competition for Young and Emerging Artists, a source of pride for the festival over the past 10 years.
Barbara Freiman
Barbara Freiman, a long-standing festival supporter and a deeply admired member of the arts community in both Watauga and Caldwell counties, has joined with members of her family to donate more than $1 million to the endowment fund. These commitments have enabled the festival to reach its ultimate fundraising target of $5 million. Made in memory of Barbara’s husband, Larry, these gifts by Barbara, their children and grandchildren represent the family’s desire to ensure arts access and quality of life for our entire region. Barbara and her family members made a comparable gift to the University Libraries. She has served as a valued advisory board member for both the University Libraries and An Appalachian Summer Festival.
Christine Petti
In October of 2020, the challenge campaign received a major boost, when festival supporter Christine Petti stepped forward with a pledge of $500,000 to be applied toward the endowment challenge. Chris is a Florida native who came to the High Country in 1979 with her late husband, Dr. Alfonso Petti. Over the past 40 years she has become involved with Appalachian State and a variety of community organizations across the High Country. Chris’s spirit of philanthropy in the fields of healthcare and the arts has made a profound difference in the lives of residents across our region and beyond.
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