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42 Giving Guide 2026 Worcester Business Journal www.wbjournal.com Mechanics Hall, Worcester MA Mechanics Hall, Worcester MA 321 Main Street Worcester, MA 01608 Phone: (508) 752-5608 www.mechanicshall.org Employees: 14 Annual revenues: $2.3M (projected FY26) Year founded: Mechanics Hall was built in 1857 by the Worcester County Mechanics Association, established in 1842. MISSION STATEMENT To enrich the cultural, social, and economic vitality of the community by stewarding Mechanics Hall, a historic landmark and world-class performance hall, which serves as an inspirational gathering place for programs and events that showcase the vast diversity of human experience SERVICE AREA With a central location in the heart of the Commonwealth, Mechanics Hall serves arts and culture lovers across Greater New England, statewide non- profit communities, and students across Worcester County. TOP FUNDING SOURCES 70% Earned Revenue 20% Endowment 10% Foundations, Corporations, and Individual Giving FUTURE GOALS 1. Increase and diversify programming to ensure Mechanics Hall remains a vi- brant center for performance, education, and community. Building on popular series including Brown Bag Concerts, Worcester Organ Performances, and Club 321, we will broaden opportunities for audiences of all ages to experience world-class live performances. 2. Serve more than 12,000 Worcester County students through free and sub- sidized educational programs. Student matinees, screenings of Met HD Live in Schools, and our Many Voices Youth Choir will expand to expose more young people to the arts, nurture creativity, and build community. 3. Grow grassroots philanthropic sup- port, with a goal of doubling individual giving over the next two years. More than 100,000 people visit Mechanics Hall annually, and we seek to inspire them to help preserve this community landmark for future generations. 4. Steward the next chapter of building improvements, preserving Mechanics Hall's historic character while modern - izing its infrastructure. Priorities include expanding accessibility, improving the visitor experience through technology upgrades, and ensuring this architectur- al treasure continues to thrive. FUNDRAISING OPPORTUNITIES Mechanics Hall offers sponsorship opportunities for many of its signa- ture programs, including free student matinees and educational initiatives. Sponsorships help expand access to the arts while providing meaningful recognition for businesses, foundations, and individual supporters. In addition, we continuously raise funds for capital improvements that keep our 169-year- old venue vibrant and accessible. GIVING OPPORTUNITIES Mechanics Hall depends on philan- thropic support throughout the year from individuals, businesses, and foun- dations who share our commitment to preserving this historic landmark while expanding access to arts, culture, and education. Our annual Heart of the Community Appeal kicks off every November, providing essential support for our mission. Donors may also make a lasting impact through planned and legacy gis, membership, or by sup- porting one of our dedicated funds, in- cluding the Bob Kennedy Legacy Fund, the Julie Chase Fuller Fund at Greater Worcester Community Foundation, "How often can you truly experience a legacy that's relevant now? When built in 1857, Mechanics Hall was truly modern elegance. Its charter included education, cultural exchange, and entertainment. The original charter is still relevant today. Mechanics Hall continues to invite inquiry and the exchange of ideas. It serves as an inspirational gathering place for programs and events that showcase and celebrate the vast diversity of human experience. I'm proud to serve as a board member honoring the legacy of my Great-Great-Grandfather, William Brown, who joined as the first black member in 1867. A portrait of William and his wife Martha was added to the Great Hall gallery in 2024 as part of four 19th-century Black Americans whose lives and legacies embodied the values and social reform concerns of the early Mechanics Association." - James Goldsberry, 1st Vice President and incoming Board President pending September 2026 Annual Meeting Meghan Montaner Executive Director Peter Thomas President and the Worcester Organ Fund, which preserve and strengthen the programs and treasures that make Mechanics Hall unique. Businesses and community partners can further their impact by sponsor- ing performances and initiatives that engage thousands of people each year. Online giving is encouraged year- round, and every contribution helps ensure Mechanics Hall continues to inspire, educate, and serve the commu- nity for generations to come. VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES e Mechanics Hall Volunteer Team welcomes individuals and organizations who want to help make every event memorable. Opportunities include serving as greeters, ticket takers, ushers, concession staff, docents, and admin- istrative support. Join a diverse team where your time and talents are valued and every volunteer makes a difference. Mechanics Hall offers volunteers the opportunity to support a wide variety of concerts, performances, galas, and community events, including gradua- tions and award ceremonies. Flexible morning, aernoon, evening, week- day, and weekend shis are available. We welcome high school and college students seeking community service, as well as adults and seniors. Together, our volunteers reflect the communities we serve and help ensure that historic Me- chanics Hall remains a gathering place that inspires, enriches, and enlightens generations. For more information, visit mechanicshall.org/volunteer. James E. Goldsberry, NextUp2Lead, 1st Vice President Andrew Joyce, Baystate Financial, Treasurer Evan Maloney, MCPHS University, Clerk BOARD MEMBERS Jen Antkowiak, Soundshine Productions Kim Ciborowski, community volunteer Anthony Consolmagno, Fallon Health Patricia Davidson, Mirick O'Connell Anthony D'Elia, Revelation Productions Bruce W. Ellis, R.P. Masiello Liz Parker Gagne, UMass Memorial Health Akash Garg, Merrill Lynch Bob Goodell, Cumulus Media Gloria D. Hall, Public Art Administrator and Preservationist Jamie Leehy, Reliant Medical Group, Inc. Andrew Madigan, F.W. Madigan Company, Inc. Victoria Mariano, Downtown Worcester BID Lorie Martiska, Open Sky Community Services Satya Mitra, The Guru Tax & Financial Services, Inc. Scott T. Ober, Hassett & Donnelly Matthew Sabacinski, TD Bank Adi Tibrewal, Merrill Lynch Margaret Wong, Quinsigamond Community College

