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 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
FESTIVAL SPONSORS & SUPPORTERS
Corporate Sponsors
Media Sponsors
This project was supported by the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.
www.NCArts.org
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.
2021 Donor Levels & Benefits
Chancellor's Circle ($10,000 or more)
- Priority seating at all events
- Reserved parking space throughout festival season
- Complimentary lawn chairs at select outdoor events
- Plus all benefits described in categories below
Artists' Circle ($6,000-$9,999)
- Performance underwriting opportunity (with recognition in online playbill and onstage, prior to performance)
- Complimentary Yeti tumbler
- Plus all benefits described in categories below
Bravo! Circle ($3,000-$5,999)
- Two complimentary tickets to all festival events (upon request)
- VIP parking privileges throughout the season
- Plus all benefits described in categories below
Benefactors' Circle ($1,200-$2,999)
- Complimentary beverage card for use at outdoor festival events
- Donors at the $2,500 level or greater are eligible to receive the Chancellor’s Society Parking Pass (on-campus parking privileges)
- Two tickets to a Broyhill Chamber Series performance at the Schaefer Center (upon request)
- Plus all benefits described in categories below
Patron ($600-$1,199)
- Complimentary access to all virtual films featured as part of the Weicholz Global Film Series (upon request)
- VIP parking privileges throughout the season
Contributor ($300-$599)
- Exclusive 2021 Festival Decal
- Plus all benefits described in the categories below
Friend ($125-$299)
- Email notification regarding upcoming events (include email address and opt-in on donation form)
- Plus all benefits described in categories below
Member (Up to $124)
- Recognition in online festival playbill (for gifts made before June 1, 2021)
- Advance email announcement of festival season
Thank you to our generous 2021 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, 2020 through June 1, 2021. 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
-
An Appalachian Summer Festival Programming Endowment / Nancy & Neil Schaffel
Lead Sponsors ($50,000 to $99,999)
- Barbara Freiman (in memory of Larry Freiman)
Festival Sponsors ($25,000 to $49,999)
- Steven & Lainey 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)
- Appalachian Home Care, LLC / Ellen Harrell
- Joan & Albert Benbaset (in memory of Esta Perlow)
- Boone Area Visitors Bureau
- Wendy & Mike Brenner
- Broyhill Family Foundation, Inc.
- Circle S Foundation / Keith & Letty Stoneman
- Goodnight Brothers
- Ralph S. Grier
- Mast General Store / John, Faye and Lisa Cooper
- McDonald’s of Boone / Venda & Ralph Lerch
-
Myron B. & Anne C. Liptzin
- Peter & Joni Petschauer (in memory of Tina Silverstein, Larry Freiman and Mark Tafeen)
- Christine Petti (in memory of Dr. A. F. Petti)
- Neil & Nancy Schaffel
- Gary Silverstein (in memory of Tina Silverstein)
- SkyBest Communications, Inc.
- Nancy Tafeen (in memory of Mark Tafeen and Tina Silverstein)
Artist’s Circle ($6,000 to $9,999)
- Chetola Resort / Kent & Shelley Tarbutton
- Creekside Electronics, Inc. / Lane & Joan Robinson
Bravo! Circle ($3,000 to $5,999)
- Michael & Judy Adler
- Natalie & Penn Broyhill
- Sue & Steve Chase (in honor of the wonderful festival staff)
- Anthony S. diSanti & Deborah W. diSanti
- Courtyard by Marriott
- Diane & Ed Eisenberg
- Lynn & Barry Eisenberg (in memory of Larry Freiman and Tina Silverstein)
- Merle & Louis Feinberg
- Adrienne Finkel
- Holiday Inn Express
- Sandy & Marc Kadyk
- Jeannette Kimmel
- Suzanne Lasky Gerard & Bill Liebman
- Mike & Pam McKay / The Art Cellar Gallery
- Roger & Helen Michelson
- PNC Bank
- Peabody’s Wine & Beer Merchants
- Peak Insurance Group
- Janet P. Pepin & Francesca K. Field
- R. Y. & Eileen L. Sharpe Foundation
- University Bookstore
- Julie & Gary Simon (in honor of Steve & Lainey Brooks)
- Sandi Finci Solomon
Benefactor’s Circle ($1,200 to $2,999)
- Frank & Kay Borkowski
- The Bruce J. Heim Foundation
- Susan & Harvey Durham
- Ralph Glaser, Jr. & John A. Pfeifer (in memory of Tina Silverstein)
- Susie Greene
- Jerry & Rebecca Hutchins
- Joe Logan (in honor of Lynn & Barry Eisenberg)
- Jenny & Wayne Miller
- Edith S. Peiser (in memory of Tina Silverstein)
- Bill Pelto & Linda Larson
- CDR Gerarda Persad & CW3 John Persad
- Sally & Russell Robinson
- Linda & Alton Russell
- Alex Sink
- Minnie & Bob Snead
Patrons ($600 to $1,199)
- Ira & Brenda Abrams
- Carol & Morty Blumberg
- Hanes & Lida Boren
- Howard & Kathryne Brafman
- Stephanie Poet Cohen (in memory of Dolly & Jim Poet)
- Barbara Watkins Daye
- Drs. James and Kathryn Douthit
- Randy & Margaret Edwards
- Nick & Mary Friedman
- Molle Grad
- Donald & Marilyn Green
- Megan Hayes & Michael Kitchell (in honor of Kaaren & Lowell Hayes, and the matriarchs of AppSummer)
- Larry & Nanci Tolbert Nance
- Mike & Christina Rosenthal
- Schwab Charitable Fund / Charlie & Dottie Sykes
- Sam Tallman & Mike Zuravel
- Julie & Tom Trueman
- Mary Underwood & Ben Henderson
- Bill & Judy Watson
- Todd Wright
Contributors ($300 to $599)
- Connie Adams
- Dr. Charlie & Ann Baker
- Lorraine Childers
- Elizabeth Cone
- Tracey & Paul Ford
- Hank Foreman & John Baynor
- Melinda Friddell
- Anna Gaugert & Thomas Martin
- Sali Gill-Johnson
- Simms & Doris Leitner
- Renée & David Lieberman
- Dr. Berge & Meliné Markarian
- Priscilla Rich
- Denise & William Ringler (in memory of Tina Silverstein, Larry Freiman and Mark Tafeen)
- Traci D. Royster (in honor of Mrs. Denise Ringler)
- Dr. Morris & Margery Segall
- Cyn D. & John Weaver
Friends ($125 to $299)
- Kate R. Barrett
- Byron E. Bean (in honor of Bonnie Bean)
- Jonathan & Marisue Beloff
- Carol Berns & Ted Silver
- John & Bettie Bond
- James & Margaret Bragg
- Dan Gaugert & Terry Harper (in honor of Anna Gaugert)
- Dr. Louis N. Gottlieb & Gloria Lipson
- Laura & Kenny Kaufman
- Jane Lonon
- Gregg & Bonnie Marland
- Howard Miller & Nancy Clark
- Susan B. Morgan
- Doug & Susan Morton
-
Susan & Bruce Pettyjohn (in memory of Tina Silverstein and Mark Tafeen)
-
Bob & Karen Powell (in memory of Jack Branch)
- Marty Rice
- Barbara & Ed Rosasco
- Lynn B. Sanders
- Patrick K. Setzer ’90 ’98
- Barbara Sugerman (in memory of Barry Sugerman)
- Karen Trefz
-
Claudia Van Essen (in memory of her mother, Inge Van Essen)
- Allison West & Rick Suyao
- Mary & Dale Whisenant
- Steve & Deena Zaron
Members (up to $124)
- Jane Bargothi
- Francine Barr (in memory of Tony Wrobel)
- Dr. & Mrs. Harold Carrin
- Jeanne Dairaghi (in memory of Lawrence (Larry) Freiman)
- Cecilia Hamilton
- Jeff Handler
- Lindsay & Jesse MIller (in memory of Tina Silverstein)
- Tish & Tom Rokoske (in honor of Ralph Glaser & John Pfeifer)
- Marilyn Seward
- Jim & Sandy Sheatsley
- Helen Sirett & Ken Hendrix
- Deborah Strube
- Charles Surber
- Daisy Goodnight Waldrep
- Marlene Walter (in memory of Muriel & Arnold Rosen)
- Ina J. Warren
- Tanya Shook Wilder
- Bob & Maggie Wilson
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. Celebrating its 37th season in 2021, 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 CHALLENGE
The following donors have made generous gifts or pledges toward An Appalachian Summer Festival’s Endowment Challenge, as part of an extraordinary commitment of $1,000,000 by Neil and Nancy Schaffel. For every gift to the festival endowment over the next four years, the Schaffels will match the gift dollar for dollar, up to $1 million. The challenge will play a critical role in helping the festival to reach its goal of generating a $5 million endowment fund in time for the festival’s 40th anniversary season in 2024.
CHALLENGE DONORS
Neil & Nancy Schaffel
Challenge Participants
(to date)
Wendy & Mike Brenner
Steven & Lainey Brooks
Faye & John Cooper
Barbara Freiman
Susie Greene
Joni & Peter Petschauer
Bonnie & Jamie Schaefer
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