ASOLO THEATRE FESTIVAL NEWS
5555 North Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, Florida 34243
Box Office: 941-351-8000 Website: www.asolo.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MEDIA CONTACT:
March 30, 2004 Julia Guzman
Public Relations Manager
941-351-9010 Ext. 4800

ASOLO MAKES A PRODUCTION OUT OF HONORING ITS VOLUNTEERS

SARASOTA, FL – The Asolo Theatre Festival honored more than 400 volunteers on March 29 during its annual volunteer appreciation night at the Florida State University Center for the Performing Arts.

This year’s volunteers and their guests were treated to a variety show and awards presentation in the Harold E. and Esther M. Mertz Theatre, followed by a lovely reception in the lobby. Entertainment included a special performance by the Gulf Coast Men’s Chorus, with piano accompaniment by Lurray Myers, songs by Ed Folts, the house services manager and Rod Kelly, the assistant house services manager at the Asolo. The Asolo Guild Play Readers performed specially selected readings.

Pat Henning, Miriam and Martin Ring, and George Roth received special recognition as the Asolo’s Volunteers of the Year for 2003-2004.

Pat Henning, now in her eighties, has worked quietly in the background at the Asolo and the Conservatory for many years. Pat’s tireless efforts are relied upon in virtually every aspect of Asolo volunteering - even hosting small events at her home. She is known as a “gracious lady,” who is welcoming and kind, and an inspiration to all.

Miriam and Martin Ring represent the unsung heroes of the Asolo Guild. Whether hosting school events, shepherding students at matinees, cooking for teachers’ workshops, folding study material, or attending high school plays for Guilder Awards, the Rings are considered two shining lights that do all of this and even find time to usher.

With good humor and a new joke to share, George Roth is said to have volunteer “radar” and is known to call if he “senses” he is needed. He has even taken to ‘dropping in” when he has a few extra hours to spend. Even though he must fly north every month for business, he makes himself available to assist the development office staff.

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Local restaurants provided food for the reception to join the Asolo in saluting the volunteers. Donors included Primo! Ristorante and Gourmet to Go.

As a not-for-profit organization, the Asolo relies on outstanding volunteer support in areas of the Guild, education, administration, the gift shop, ushering, tour guides, special events and concessions.

Asolo volunteers log in more than 13,000 hours of service per year. It is through their much appreciated support and commitment that the Asolo Theatre Company is able to continue to offer exciting and enjoyable theatre and education experiences to our community.

The Florida State University Center for the Performing Arts is home to the Asolo Theatre Company, the FSU Conservatory for Actor Training and Sarasota Ballet of Florida.

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The Asolo is funded in part by the Division of Cultural Affairs, Florida Department of State, The Florida Arts Council, the City and County of Sarasota and the Sarasota County Tourist Development Tax through the Board of County Commissioners, the Tourist Development Council, and the Sarasota Arts Council. Funding is also received through the efforts of support groups including the Asolo Angel Association, the Asolo Theatre Guild, The Directors Emeritus and the generosity of individuals, corporations and foundations.