The 1928 Society at the Renaissance Theatre
The Renaissance Performing Arts Association’s 1928 Society is a distinguished circle of supporters whose remarkable generosity has profoundly shaped the cultural landscape of North Central Ohio. Membership in the 1928 Society honors individuals, businesses, and organizations whose cumulative giving has reached $20,000 or more, providing vital support for programs, scholarships, venues, and more.
Why Join the 1928 Society?
By joining the 1928 Society, you help:
- Preserve Our Cultural Heritage: Support the historic Renaissance Theatre and its programs.
- Foster Creativity and Talent: Provide educational workshops and commission new works by emerging artists.
- Expand Arts Accessibility: Ensure that the joy of the arts reaches a broader and more diverse audience.
Your impact will be felt for generations, fueling creativity and enriching our community.
Exclusive Member Benefits
1928 Society members enjoy unique privileges, including:
- Premiere Seating: Priority access to preferred seating and a dedicated hotline for reservations.
- Exclusive Naming Opportunities: Associate your name or business with prominent spaces within our venues.
- Program Involvement: Meet artists and directors, and participate in planning committees.
- Personalized Updates: Stay informed about the impact of your contributions.
- Special Recognition: Listings in programs, on the donor wall, and in our annual report.
- Backstage Access: Guided tours and opportunities to meet performers.
- Donor Events: Invitations to exclusive gatherings, including our annual 1928 Society celebration.
- Commemorative Gift: Receive a unique token of appreciation for your support.
The Visionary Award
In 2025, the 1928 Society will inaugurate the annual Visionary Award, honoring extraordinary generosity and commitment to the arts. This prestigious award celebrates not only financial contributions but also the enduring impact of fostering a vibrant, flourishing arts community.
Giving Levels
- Legacymakers: Cumulative gifts of $1,000,000+
- Curtainraisers: Cumulative gifts of $100,000+
- Overture League: Cumulative gifts of $20,000+
Get Involved
Join the 1928 Society today and be part of a legacy that ensures the arts continue to thrive. For more information or to discuss your giving options, contact:
Maddie Penwell
Director of Development
419-522-2726 x203
[email protected]
Together, let’s celebrate generosity and the transformative power of the arts.

Thank you to the members of the Renaissance Theatre 1928 Society
Legacymakers
Cumulative gifts of $1,000,000+
Richland County Foundation
Rupp Foundation
Taylor Family Fund
Curtainraisers
Cumulative gifts of $100,000+
Carl & Annamarie Fernyak
Robert Black Family Foundation
Ohio Cultural Facilities Commission
Gorman Family Fund (Michele and Jeff Gorman)
Neil S. Doerman Trust
John & Pearl Conard Foundation
Mary Lou Donley Trust
Hire Family Foundation
Ohio Arts Council
James & Kathleen Fanello
Park National Bank
Mechanics Bank
Don & Sharon Granter
Metro Building Richland County Community
OhioHealth
The Richard & Arline Landers Foundation
Phillips Family Foundation
Mansfield Engineered Components/Mansfield Assemblies
Rand & Mary Smith
Schmidt Security Pro (Brian Schmidt)
Gorman Rupp
Sterkel Foundation
Allen & Dell (Boots) Sanford
Newman Technology
MT Business Tech
Miss Ohio Scholarship Program
General Motors
Dr. Bruce Jackson
Mr. & Mrs. Rick and Carol Taylor
Daniel & Shelley Seckel
Overture League
Cumulative gifts of $20,000+
Marcia Baer
Jeanne & Gunther Meisse
Donna Siebert
Metronome Music (Larry Miller)
Techman Sales
Brenda Golbus
Gerard & Patricia Hipp Family Foundation
Kurt & Oxana Stimens
Teresa Purtiman
Ohio District 5 Area Agency on Aging
Jennifer Hurst
Hudson and Essex
Carl W. Cunfer
Ralph Ridenour
Ed & Pat Olson
Pryor Foundation
Marcel & Barbara Bovet
Dorothy Denton
Avita Health System
Dr. & Mrs. Judy Croghan
Chuck Hahn/Lincoln Financial
Marilyn Jacobs Preyer
Mr. & Mrs. Mike and Carol Chambers
Dr. Philip Lichtenstein
Russell & Mary Gimbel Foundation
Community Development Block Grant Regional Planning Commission
Shirley Deeb
Adena Corporation
James & Mary Jo Hull
Scott & JoAnn Taylor
Karl Milliron
Dr. & Mrs. Al and Diana Timperman
Grant Milliron
Drs. Jon & Erin Fain
Richard Kleshinski
Mark & Louise Taylor
Embarq
Bob Enskat
David & Virgina Harmon
Richmond Fey Family Charitable Fund
Encore League Of RPAA
Mr. & Mrs. Larry and Judy Gibson
Mark Kroger & Belinda Bogner
Michael & Mary Berry
First Energy
Drs. Thomas & Theresa Heringhaus DDS
Bill & Amy Fox
Shelby Foundation
Nick & Sally Gesouras
Michael & Deborah Miller
Dr. & Mrs. Jay and Jill Guth
Mr. & Mrs. Loyal and Judy Bemiller
Mr. Ary Van Harlingen
Nancy Jacobs Sandercott
Sid Hall
Patrick & Jana Mulherin
Bill & Karen Hope
Mr. & Mrs. Robert and Antina Kerst