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. The renderings above, created by Knauer, offer a first look at our new commons and refreshed community spaces.

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 by visiting gortoncenter.org/campaign or contact Laura K. Demmer, Director of Development, at 847.810.4108 or [email protected] to learn more about giving opportunities.

As a community-supported 501 (c)(3) nonprofit, Gorton relies on donors like you to help us serve as an active and vital center for arts, entertainment and learning – providing enrichment and connection across the community. Gifts to Gorton allow us to expand the experiences we offer and care for our historic building while keeping ticket and class pricing accessible. Please consider making a donation today.

Online
Use the "Online" link above to make a one-time donation or set up a recurring gift.

By Mail
Send to Gorton Center, Development Office, 400 E. Illinois Rd, Lake Forest, IL 60045.

Stock Gifts
For information on making a gift of stock, please contact Laura Demmer at [email protected] or 847.810.4108.

Donor Advised Funds
If you have a Donor Advised Fund, consider recommending a grant to Gorton.

Matching Gifts
The amount of your gift may be doubled if you work for an employer who matches the charitable gifts of employees. Simply contact your company’s human resource department.

Planned Giving
Help ensure Gorton Center’s prosperity for future generations by including Gorton in your estate plans or designating Gorton as a beneficiary of your retirement plan or other account.

For more information on giving to Gorton, please reach out to our Development team:
Laura Demmer, Director of Development, 847.810.4108, [email protected]
Ann Kiesling, Manager of Donor Engagement, 847.810.4119, [email protected]
Gorton Center’s EIN ID is 20-0484607.

View Gorton Center's 2025 Annual Report