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V O L . X X I V N O. X X I G I V I N G G U I D E 2 0 1 8 – 2 0 1 9 30 BOARD OFFICERS Michael A. Lajoie Vice President Retired Firefighter, city of Lewiston Janet Sullivan Treasurer Retired Accountant Julie-Ann Baumer Secretary Freelance Writer BOARD MEMBERS Dr. Donald Christie Jr. Northeast Sports Medicine Connie Coté Retired, French Radio Host Michel Courchesne Retired, LMS French Teacher Dawn Hartill, CISA Vice President, TD Bank NA Adam Lee Attorney, Trafton, Matzen, Belleau & Frenette Joseph Philippon Police Officer, city of Lewiston Mary Rice-DeFosse Professor of French & Francophone Studies, Bates College Cecile Thornton Retired, Fundraiser Established: 2000 Employees: 15 Annual revenue: $500,000 CONTACT 46 Cedar St. Lewiston, ME 04240 (207) 783-1585 www.francocenter.org FrancoCenter @FrancoCenterME MISSION STATEMENT A premier performance and event center, we believe history and heritage are action verbs, just like community and neighbor. We engage members of our community, young and old, to share their experiences and traditions, so we might all benefit from them. We are a performing arts organization that celebrates Franco-American heritage and culture and the cultures of others from places around the world. SERVICE LOCATION(S) Lewiston, Auburn, rest of Androscoggin County, Franklin, Oxford, Kennebec and Sagadahoc counties Dolard & Priscilla Gendron Franco Center 2019 GOALS As we prepare for our 20th anniversary, we will begin to plan the launch of a 3-year, $10 million capital campaign. We hope to book more weddings and other special events, including weekday and evening events such as corporate parties, trainings and seminars. We also strive to be a place in the community where grieving families feel comfortable to hold memorial services and after-receptions. FUNDRAISING EVENTS/OPPORTUNITIES We hold many fundraising events. Most are performances; some involve meals. Here is a partial listing: f Fall Comedy Showcase Friday, Oct. 19, 7:30 p.m. f Among My Souvenirs, A Connie Francis Tribute Sunday, Nov. 18, 2 p.m. f Holiday In Lights Mitch omas & Friends Christmas Concert Saturday, Dec. 15, 7:30 p.m. f Bandstand to Billboard, "In The Groove" Music of the '50s, '60s, '70s Saturday, Feb. 23, 7 p.m. f Mardi Gras Celebration Join us for dinner and dancing Saturday, March 2, 7 p.m. f A Buccaneer Banquet Pirates, Comedy, Dinner eater Friday & Saturday, March 22 & 23, 7 p.m. f Adult Prom Night Just like High School… only better! "Welcome to the Jungle" Saturday, April 13, 7 p.m. GIVING OPPORTUNITIES Individuals and corporations can give through our annual fund efforts (by mail or online) and/or as sponsors, underwriters and advertisers in our Program Guide/Playbill. ere are several levels of giving that can be found on our web- site or by calling the Center. We also welcome individual show sponsors. VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES ere are countless opportunities to volunteer at the Franco Center. We always need ushers, parking lot attendants, assistant bar tenders, banquet workers, concession workers, museum tour guides, cultural and language instructors and assistants (mostly French language), Board and committee members. AWARDS/ACCOLADES We were included in several Maine Public Radio feature stories, especially related to our connection with the growing French-speaking African com- munity in Lewiston/Auburn. At least one story was picked up by NPR, which was later transcribed for inclusion in Courier International (a print and online magazine in France). We have also been included a number of times in broad- cast articles produced by Radio Canada. www.courrierinternational.com/ article/etats-unis-limprobable-resurgence-du-francais-dans-le-maine e Gendron Franco Center was invited to join the Network of Francophone and Francophile Cities of the Americas, on behalf of the cities of Lewiston and Auburn and several organizations within the two cities. Last summer, our dele- gation and the work the Center is doing were recognized at the annual meeting of the Network in Québec City. We have strong ties with and support from the governments of France and the Province of Québec. For many years we have been awarded grants between $15,000 and $30,000 to plan and run cultural and language programs for children and adults at the Franco Center and in other locations in Lewiston/Auburn. We have also been recognized over the past couple years for our work and have received grants from the Lewiston/Auburn Children's Foundation, the Davis Family Foundation, IBM Corporation and others. Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58% Sponsorships . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15% Individual donations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12% Other corporate donations . . . . . . . . 10% Grants/Foundations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5% TOP FUNDING SOURCES Elaine Roop Board President Owner, Roopers Beverage & Redemption Mitchell Clyde Thomas Executive Director