Donations

The Legacy of Gil Cates - Doubling Our Efforts


 This month marks a time of renewal at the Geffen Playhouse, and, like many nonprofits, we will be asking that you keep us in mind when extending your generous gifts at the end of the year. This is an especially important time for us - a time when we renew our commitments not only for next year, but for the next era in Geffen Playhouse history.

One month ago, we were shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of our founder, Gil Cates: a legend of the film, television and theater world and a man whose kindness, wisdom and wit were legendary as well. Your outpouring of support was remarkable; flowers, donations, kind words, thousands of tributes and news stories ran around the world touting not only his achievements in film and television but, for us most importantly, his profound and tireless work that he began at the Geffen as founder 17 years ago.

The work continues. The number of patrons walking through our doors and served in the community has grown by tens of thousands over the last few years with extended runs, added productions, school tours and nearly one hundred special events on top of our usual season productions. We serve more students in-school and at the Geffen than ever before. We opened a new space, the Geffen Playhouse Kinross Annex, dedicated to family programming specifically because of the increased demand for these crucial services to our youth. Gil was determined to create a world-class theater that would not only be a great treasure for those who know and love theater, but also, a vital source of inspiration and hope for thousands in our community who have none. He succeeded. We will succeed - with your help.

When most other arts institutions were cutting back on their Education and Outreach programs, Gil doubled ours. The last month has seen a great loss at the Geffen Playhouse; but, like Gil, we’re doubling our efforts again. Our entire team is more inspired than ever to work even harder to bring the one-of-a-kind inspiration and learning opportunities of live theater to significantly more children and adults in need.

Thank you for your extraordinary support this past year, which meant the world to Gil, the underserved youth and adults who benefited from your generosity and all of us here at the Geffen Playhouse.

With heartfelt gratitude,

The Geffen Playhouse Family 

 


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