Thank You Lubber Run Amphitheater Supporter

Post date: Oct 20, 2011 1:06:47 PM

Dear Lubber Run Amphitheater Supporter:

The summer season at Lubber Run Amphitheater may be a somewhat distant

memory. But the Lubber Run Amphitheater Foundation wanted to make

sure that the Arlington County Board knew we haven’t forgotten their

support and commitment to the amphitheater. On October 18, I attended a

County Board meeting to thank them, Arlington County Manager Barbara

Donellan and her staff, the community, and all of you – our wonderful

volunteers and supporters -- for bringing our beloved amphitheater

back to life. You can see a report of the meeting at:

http://www.arlnow.com/2011/10/18/lubber-run-performances-deemed-a-success/

This past summer’s shortened season was a tremendous success with

2,371 people attending the nine performances that were held. And to

show their appreciation and enthusiasm for our restored performance

venue, attendees left an unprecedented $2,286 at the “wishing well” to

support future performances.

So, what is next for the amphitheater? I want to assure you that the

Lubber Run Amphitheater Foundation is already hard at work preparing

for the 2012 season. An important element to expanding the types of

entertainment we can have at the amphitheater is getting the dressing

rooms rehabilitated. This summer, the county was not able to book any

performers that required costume changes, such as dance or theater

troupes. We asked the County Board to consider this capital

improvement for next year so we can expand paid performance options as

well as provide opportunities to local performers and community and

children’s groups.

As we work with the county to make sure we have a full season of great

entertainment next year, we’d like to hear from you. What local area

entertainers would you like to see at Lubber Run next year? Send your

ideas to lubberrunamphitheater@gmail.com.

With concerns that the county’s budget for next year will continue to

be very tight, the Lubber Run Amphitheater Foundation made a

commitment to the county to try and raise funds and obtain

sponsorships for performances. The Foundation will be approaching

local businesses and others, and if you have ideas or can help, please

let us know at lubberrunamphitheater@gmail.com.

To make contributing easier, we also created a fund through the

Arlington Community Foundation that allows tax-deductible donations to

be made right now for the amphitheater. To make a donation, mail a

check to the Arlington Community Foundation, 818 North Quincy Street,

Arlington, VA 22203 and be sure to put “Lubber Run Amphitheater Fund”

on the check in the memo line.

As the county moves forward on developing its 2013 capital and

operating budgets, your continued enthusiasm for the amphitheater will

be essential. We’ll be in touch to make sure your voices are heard at

the appropriate times, as we seek more funds from the county to

further repair the retaining walls, the roof of the stage that was

damaged by a tree this summer and perhaps even the bathrooms to make

them handicapped accessible.

Thank you for your commitment! Your continued support will help

ensure that next season at the amphitheater is even better.

Sincerely,

Esther Bowring, Co-President

Lubber Run Amphitheater Foundation