Underwriters, Benefactors & Business Sponsors

You might be surprised to know that only a little over 50% of revenue from ticket sales covers our operating costs! The remaining funding comes from our generous concert underwriters, business sponsors and donors. As ticket sales have remained steady over the past few years, performer fees, lodging and other needed operating costs have continued to increase.

Underwriters, Benefactors & Sponsors continue to enjoy front row reserved seats and acknowledgement at the concerts to knowing how much they are appreciated so the show can go on! We could not continue to exist without you! Underwrite one or more of your favorite performers and enjoy knowing you helped bring them to the stage! See chart to contribute to the level of your choice. If you have questions, please contact us at: portludlow.performingarts@gmail.com

Port Ludlow Performing Arts is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization allowing all monetary contributions to be tax deductible.

Martha Dawson Education Fund

(Education Outreach &

Scholarship Funding)

Established in memory of the late Martha Hicks Dawson, past president and long-time member of the Port Ludlow Arts Council and subsequently, Port Ludlow Performing Arts, this fund is dedicated solely to providing music education outreach and scholarships to the students of Jefferson County. You can rest assured that your funds go directly to education young students in music and the arts and to provide scholarships for local graduates to continue their education in the field of music and the arts. You will be supporting students like the lovely young women shown on the Martha Dawson Education Fund/Scholarship page who are recipients of our scholarship fund.

Camera Project

As we prepare for another season of outstanding live performances, we’re also working behind the scenes to improve the concert experience for both our audience and our performers.

This summer, we’re launched a special fundraising project — and invite your support to help bring it to life.

A Clearer View for All: Help Us Upgrade Our Camera System

If you’ve attended a PLPA concert recently, you’ve likely seen the camera setup onstage. These cameras allow us to project close-up views of the performers onto large monitors — especially helpful in our level-floor venue, where visibility can be limited from the back or sides.

But the current system has serious limitations:

• The camera stands block audience sightlines
• The setup and takedown require hours of labor and increase our production costs
• The equipment itself is becoming outdated, with limited functions and reduced image quality
• And some performers have even asked us to remove the cameras, saying they’re in the way or distracting during their performance

We’re ready for a solution.

We’re raising $12,000 to install a permanently mounted, state-of-the-art camera system in the rafters of our performance space. This one-time investment will:

• Eliminate visual obstructions for audience members
• Reduce labor and event costs
• Use modern camera technology with improved functionality to deliver a sharper, more engaging visual experience
• Create a cleaner, more open performance space that artists appreciate

This upgrade will benefit every performer and every concertgoer, season after season.

Every donor will be recognized in our 2025-2026 Season Program, on the monitors at our six concerts this season, and on our website under Camera Project Supporters. Whether your gift is $25 or $1,000, your support brings us closer to a better experience for all.

PLANNED GIVING

Establish a Trust

A trust makes you feel secure and confident that your wishes for your family, friends and favorite charities will be carried out. There are several ways to create a trust that works for you and allows you to retain control of your assets. Your financial advisor or estate planner can help you to choose the Trust that is best for you.

Bequests

You can make a lasting impact by including Port Ludlow Performing Arts in your will or living trust. A bequest can be made for a specific dollar amount, a percentage of your estate, or even specific assets.

Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs)

If you are 70½ or older, you can make a tax-free charitable distribution directly from your IRA to Port Ludlow Performing Arts. QCDs count towards your required minimum distribution (RMD) and can provide significant tax benefits.

Gifts of Securities

Donating appreciated securities such as stocks, bonds or mutual funds can be a tax-efficient way to support Port Ludlow Performing Arts. By transferring securities directly to us, you may receive a charitable deduction for the full fair market value and avoid capital gains tax.

Charitable Remainder Trust (CRTs)

By establishing a charitable remainder trust, you can receive income for life or a term of years, with the remainder ultimately benefiting Port Ludlow Performing Arts. CRTs offer flexibility and potential tax advantages.

Life Insurance

Transfer ownership of a Life Insurance you no longer require to PLPA or naming us the beneficiary or partial beneficiary of your policy allows you to take an income tax deduction of the cash surrender value of the policy. If you continue to pay the policy premiums, you can take future deductions too.

Retirement Plans

Naming PLPA as the sole or partial beneficiary of an IRA, (401)k, or 403(b) will avoid paying income and estate taxes on these highly taxed assets.

More Info

Gift planning requires careful consideration so that you are able to put your assets to work for you and your family first and for the causes you believe in.

If you would like to inform us of your intention to leave a Bequest in your Will or make a Planned Gift, please contact Sharla Erich, PLPA President.