This week, staff writer Laura Rysz talks with Joseph Simkulak about Music Box Dinner Playhouse’s virtual calendar fundraiser, which benefits the nonprofit theater.
Residence: Kingston Twp.
Professional background: Financial professional
Title: Fundraising chairman
Q: What was the inspiration for this event?
A: The Music Box has an extremely engaged board of directors actively working not only to survive the pandemic but (also) to come back stronger than ever. We are running many fundraising events to pay bills and make internal improvements while the theater must be closed. We’ve explored every possible contact-free event to ensure the safety of our supporters. We have been overwhelmed by the generosity of our donors.
Q: How does the fundraiser work?
A: Our generous supporters donated prizes for every day throughout December. The minimum prize is valued at $50; it includes a $1,000 cash prize on Christmas Day, a $500 cash prize on New Year’s Eve or even a chance to win a round of golf for four at two private country clubs (Glenmaura National Golf Club and Wyoming Valley Country Club). The calendar is posted on the Music Box website, musicbox.org, with prizes. Every $10 ticket purchased offers 31 chances to win. To be eligible for a drawing, tickets must be purchased before the end of the prior day. Tickets can be purchased directly on the website or by calling the Music Box office at 570-283-2195. Winners will be drawn daily.
Q: How can you find out if you won?
A: Drawings will be posted on the website each day in December.
Q: How will proceeds be used?
A: The goal is to generate enough to resurface our stage and upgrade lighting systems. It is ideal to complete this while we cannot use the theater for performances. Capital improvements including stage, lighting and safety upgrades.
Q: Why is community support important?
A: Due to COVID-19 safety requirements, the theater is closed to performances. Without ticket revenues, we could not continue without community support.
Q: What is unique about this fundraiser?
A: The prizes are fantastic. Thanks again to our generous donors and volunteers. In 2021, the Music Box will be celebrating its 40-year anniversary. Success with this fundraiser will help us come back better than ever, and we can’t wait to start performances again.
Laura Rysz is the features copy editor and calendar editor at The Times-Tribune and runs the Talk of the Times column, which focuses on local fundraisers and other events. She also writes Chef’s Table that profiles restaurants around the region. Additionally, Laura curates events online on AccessNEPA.com. Laura is involved in the special Mother’s Day edition and curates occasional features Marry Memories and Times Travelers. She is a graduate of Haddonfield Memorial High School, New Jersey, and earned an English professional writing degree with a minor in mass communications from King’s College, Wilkes-Barre. She also earned a certificate in Social Media Marketing from Rutgers Business School. Contact: lrysz@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9100 x5228.
