Gorton Center’s Board of Directors is thrilled to announce a $7 million campaign – investing in the spaces that bring us together
For more than 50 years, Gorton Center has evolved alongside the community it serves. Its strength has always come from collaboration, generosity and a shared belief in the power of arts, enrichment and connection. Today, we’re proud to announce the public phase of our $7 million capital campaign – investing in the spaces that bring us together.
In an increasingly fast-paced and fragmented world, Gorton is where our community comes together every day. It’s a child’s first step on stage. A standing ovation in the theater. A class that inspires a new passion. A conversation that begins in the hallway and turns into a lasting friendship. These moments strengthen our community, foster lifelong learning and make the arts accessible to all.
Since the Community Spirit Transformed Campaign saved Gorton more than a decade ago, we’ve grown in remarkable ways. We now offer more than 600 classes and events each year and welcome more than 16,000 patrons annually, in addition to thousands more who gather here through community events and rentals. That growth has exceeded the capacity of our current spaces.
This campaign will allow us to modernize the John & Nancy Hughes Theater, create a welcoming first-floor commons for gathering and learning, refresh additional community spaces throughout our historic building and strengthen Gorton’s endowment to ensure long-term sustainability.
Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of early supporters, we’ve already raised 70 percent of our campaign goal. Construction on the first phase will begin in August 2026, and we’re now inviting the entire community to help us raise the remaining $2 million to reach our goal.
Every gift helps bring this vision to life. Your support will create welcoming spaces where neighbors connect, expand opportunities for performances and community celebrations, preserve a treasured historic landmark and ensure Gorton continues serving families, students and audiences for generations to come.
Campaign gifts of $5,000 and above will be recognized on a donor wall in the new commons and include the opportunity to name a theater seat. Most importantly, gifts of every size make a meaningful difference. Together, they help ensure Gorton remains a place where creativity flourishes, lifelong learning thrives and our community continues to come together.
We hope you’ll join us in investing in Gorton’s future. You can make a gift using the enclosed donation envelope, visit gortoncenter.org/campaign or contact Laura K. Demmer, Director of Development, at 847.810.4108 or laura@nullgortoncenter.org to learn more about giving opportunities.
