Capitol Center Launches Ghostlight Society

In a theatre tradition dating back to Shakespeare, a single lamp stays lit on stage long after the cast takes their final bow and the audience clears their seats. That "ghostlight" is the inspiration for the Ghostlight Society at the Capitol Center for the Arts in Concord.

The goal of the society is to attract a committed and energetic group of arts supporters between ages 25 and 45 who pledge to keep the Capitol Center's lights shining for years to come. Members must pledge $300 a year for at least three years. The Ghostlight Society aims at cultivating the next generation of donors and volunteers.

"It's not a new idea. M.T. Mennino [the Capitol Center's former executive director] wanted to make this happen, and it's taken six years to get there. We needed to consciously identify the next generation who would carry us into the next 15 to 30 years, and that's what the Ghostlight Society does," says Katie Collins, director of development for the Center.

The Capitol Center has a goal of raising $565,000 in contributed income for its current fiscal year ending in July. The Ghostlight society will help meet that goal. Collins says five members have already signed up for the Society as of February, putting the Center well on the way to its goal of 10 members this year. Collins says total membership will be as high as there is interest.

The Center hopes to take the group's energy and enthusiasm and transfer it into philanthropy. Finding the best ways to reach this generation when it comes to fundraising is one of the center's biggest challenges, Collins says. Perks of membership include early access to tickets sales and invitations to special programs.

"The styles of philanthropy in this generation are different than previous generations. Convenience is important. It's not as easy to go to one group with one effort and get results; it really breaks down into talking with individuals," says Collins.

Members can create a schedule of a series of payments to fulfill their yearly pledge. For more information call Katie Collins at (603) 225-1111 ext. 106 or kcollins at ccanh.com.