‘Downtown Supporters of Arts & Culture’ Make Significant Donation to Ross Ragland Theater

Klamath Falls Downtown Association (KFDA) held its Annual Meeting & Social February 12, where – among many other evening highlights – it announced the results of its matching fund drive to support the Ross Ragland Theater’s (RRT) “Light the Tower!” capital campaign. The fund drive had an initial goal of $5,000. Attendees at the event were pleasantly surprised when a check was presented to newly selected Ross Ragland Theater Executive Director Scott Mohon and Director of Development Terra Russo, in the amount of $25,130.

The fund drive was kicked off last month as a challenge from KFDA to Downtown supporters to match donations dollar for dollar up to $2,500. KFDA Executive Director Darin Rutledge expressed pride in how the community responded to the challenge. “It’s kind of typical in Klamath Falls. A group of people get an idea that is the right thing to do at the right time, they set a modest goal, and this community overdelivers. We hope this sets the tone for the remainder of Ross Ragland Theater’s campaign.” Mohon added, “This is a testament to what a special place Klamath Falls is.”

Among several donations from community members, the flash funding drive was the benefactor of a large contribution from local media personality Lyle Ahrens. “We were well on the way to meeting our goal and we were contacted about a potentially large contribution. Mr. Ahrens chose to make the contribution through KFDA’s fund drive to ensure that the match was fully used if the campaign fell short of its goal,” said Rutledge. “We recognize that Mr. Ahrens had other options for making his donation, and we appreciate his desire to make sure our flash funding drive was successful. In the end, the important thing is that his generous contribution – along with the generous contributions of others during the campaign – will serve to directly benefit the revitalization of one of Downtown’s historic gems.”

While the donation was made in the name of “Downtown Supporters of Arts & Culture”, KFDA recognizes the following individuals and businesses for their generous contributions to the flash funding drive (other donors not listed chose to remain anonymous):

Kendall Bell
Frank & Renee Hernandez
Phil Studenberg, Attorney at Law, PC Mike & Rachael Moore

In Honor of Erik Flores, Sound Tech Bell Hardware
Susan & Dan Beach
Lyle Ahrens

“The Ragland is the cultural gem of our downtown and we look forward to lighting the way to change, growth and endless possibilities within our community,” said Director of Development Terra Russo. “We are so grateful for this support. It is a wonderful example of what we can do when we work together.” said Russo.