Brighton Armory Contributions Now Matched by Boettcher Grant

Brighton, CO--If you’ve been putting off making a contribution to the Armory at Brighton Cultural Center, now is the time--thanks to a new matching grant from the Boettcher Foundation.

The foundation, one of Colorado’s largest, has offered a matching grant to spur on the final phase of the Armory’s capital campaign. The foundation will match any personal or business contribution dollar for dollar up to $5,000, with a total match of $75,000. They have already approved a grant to match $25,000 raised through a successful brick sales program.

“This will allow us to fund some important things in the Armory while letting people double their contribution—and take advantage of year-end tax benefits,” said Hilarie Portell, heART of Brighton campaign coordinator.

Several early events at the Armory have been standing-room only. “One of the first things we’d like to buy is additional chairs for the auditorium,” said Manuel Esquibel, city manager and executive director, Brighton Urban Renewal Authority. There are currently 210 chairs but the space can accommodate 300. Other unfunded items include a drop-down screen for films, matinees, lectures and presentations; a backstage rear projection screen to enhance theater sets and sound and lighting improvements. “All of these things will greatly improve the audience experience and performance quality, helping us attract even more talent to the Armory,” said Esquibel.

All contributions to the heART of Brighton campaign are tax deductible and eligible for state tax credits through the Colorado Enterprise Zone program. Contributions of any size are much appreciated and can be completed online at www.heartofbrighton.org.

Personalized engraved bricks also are for sale, priced at $125 and $250, depending on the size. “An engraved brick could be a memorable holiday gift, or an enduring way to memorialize someone or something,” said Portell. Bricks purchased by November 13 will be installed by the holidays; those purchased after that date will be installed next February. Brick sale forms are also available on the website.
The Boettcher Family started Great Western Sugar Company in the early 1900s and owned the sugar factory in Brighton along with factories in Eaton, Greeley, Longmont, Ft. Collins, Windsor and other northern Colorado communities. The foundation provides capital funding for “large and well-conceived projects” in arts/culture, community and social services, education and healthcare. For more information, see www.boettcherfoundation.org.