Studio Theatre to be Named in Honor of Gwinnett Federal Credit Union

Lawrenceville, GA (August 6, 2009) – Aurora Theatre proudly announces that they have received a gift from Gwinnett Federal Credit Union that will allow Gwinnett County’s only professional theatre to draw nearer to its capital campaign goal. The result of that fundraising effort has been the rise of the Gwinnett’s largest and most influential performing arts organization with their expansion to the county seat in Lawrenceville. For nearly two years Aurora Theatre has called the exquisitely renovated and re-imagined historic building on the square in downtown Lawrenceville their home and the home of the performing arts for our county. The venue has won several awards including recently being recognized as venue of the year by the Gwinnet Convention and Visitors Bureau.

The missing piece was financial and after searching far and wide that missing piece was right out our window. A year ago, Gwinnett Federal Credit Union began a great partnership with Aurora Theatre as the sponsor of the classic drama Dracula. That partnership opened the door for the expansion of the relationship. Gwinnett Federal Credit Union has pledged $125,000 over 5 years to the Aurora Theatre’s capital campaign and season sponsorship. In recognition of their generosity the studio theatre will become the Gwinnett Federal Credit Union Studio.

Aurora Theatre Producing Artistic Director Anthony Rodriguez commented about the impact of this tremendous show of support, "This gift was a great relief to our organization. We were charged with raising over a million dollars in our capital campaign and we had many wonderful donors pledge generous sums and then carry out those pledges, but this level of generosity, at this time, leaves me speechless.”

The two organizations are not just close in physical proximity but also in core values. We are both member driven organizations that see the betterment of the community as a responsibility. We both work closely with schools and recognize the contribution of the local educator with added benefits for those people who shape the youth of our community. “As the credit union for Gwinnett County Public Schools, our primary focus has been on education. We strongly believe that the arts are an important component in education and our community. It seemed only natural to support both.” stated Marshall Boutwell Gwinnett Federal Credit Union President & CEO.

Aurora Theatre Associate Producer Ann-Carol Pence adds, “Aurora Theatre has always had a deep commitment to education and Gwinnett Federal has long been the financial institution of Gwinnett County Public Schools. When we told Boutwell, what our long range goals were, he asked what they could do to help.”

Aurora Theatre has not been immune to the troubled economy. The theatre has worked diligently to continue to provide all of the services and maintain the highest quality while being more efficient. As creditors have become more restrictive Aurora Theatre has become creative conservationist to keep business going. The continued support of all of our sponsors and donors has been emotionally moving, knowing that they too face many of the same financial hurdles. We are now cautiously optimistic as we approach our 14th Season, knowing that it will be our best yet.

"During these troubled times, we are simply overwhelmed by the generosity of Gwinnett Federal Credit Union.," said Randy Foster, President of Aurora Theatre's Board of Directors. "This gift will help Aurora Theatre to better weather the economic climate as we continue to be fiscally responsible during these times."