Hartford Stage Announces $1 Million Gift to Support Renovation and Expansion Project
George and Laura Estes Give Major Leadership Gift;
Mr. Estes Joins Campaign Committee as Honorary Chair
June 18, 2008/Hartford, CT. . . Hartford Stage, led by Artistic Director Michael Wilson and Managing Director Michael Stotts, will announce at its annual meeting today a significant investment in the future of the theatre and downtown Hartford. Philanthropists and entrepreneurs George and Laura Estes have pledged $1 million in leadership support for the Tony Award-winning theatre's proposed building renovation and expansion campaign. This gift, one of the largest in Hartford Stage's history, will provide a foundation to raise funds needed to move forward with a proposed building and renovation project. George Estes will also join the campaign cabinet as the honorary chair. He joins co-chairs Jeffrey S. Hoffman, George A. Ingram and Christina B. Ripple.
George Estes said, "I am so pleased to be able to further my commitment to downtown Hartford and the arts in Connecticut by making this leadership gift to Hartford Stage. I am a huge fan of Hartford Stage, because it embodies all of the things I love: people, place and progress. Hartford Stage is theatre at its best and is at the leading edge of the arts in this country. My gift is not just as a vote of confidence in the leadership of Michael Wilson and Mike Stotts and the Board of Directors' vision for Hartford Stage, but also as an investment in the future of downtown that will benefit Connecticut residents for generations to come. It's my goal to see this theatre thrive well into the future. I'm thrilled to be a part of this exciting, essential renovation and expansion of Hartford Stage, and encourage others to support this necessary and vital project. I am looking forward to seeing the impact that my gift will have on our city and American theatre in the future."
"Geo and Laura are passionate about downtown Hartford, the theatre, and specifically Hartford Stage," Michael Wilsonsaid. "By making this extraordinary gift, they are expressing their commitment to all three, as well as to the citizens of Connecticut. Geo and Laura are dedicated to sustaining and encouraging the future development of Hartford Stage. Their gift will not only be a legacy to Hartford but to all of Connecticut, and indeed, the American theatre."
"Geo embodies the spirit of our campaign. His investment in the future of the theatre and the community will make a real difference in the everyday lives of all who live and work here. He has a passion for Hartford Stage because he is inspired by the theatre's insights in our human condition and the transformative power that it has on our community. As we look outward to find the support we need for our much needed renovation and expansion, his gift is a testimonial to the lasting legacy this theatre provides," said Christina B. Ripple, on behalf of the Campaign Co-Chairs.
George L. Estes III (Geo) has been a member of Hartford Stage's Board of Directors since 2001. He serves as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of SPARTA Insurance Holdings, Inc., headquartered in downtown Hartford. SPARTA was formed in March, 2007 to develop an underwriting company specializing in unbundled Alternative Risk Transfer ("ART") and Specialty programs for the commercial property and casualty insurance market in the United States. Prior to founding SPARTA, Mr. Estes was co-founder of Discover Re, a leading carrier for the alternative risk marketplace, which he guided through its initial formation in 1990, subsequent private placement offerings in 1991 and 1994 and acquisition by USF&G Corporation in 1995. He served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer from inception to July 2005. He also served as President from 1999 to July 2005. He served on the Board of Directors of Max Capital Group and Rockhill Insurance Company. A very active community leader, in addition to his commitment to Hartford Stage, Geo has served as Chairman of the Board of the Connecticut Historical Society and Chairman of the Board of his alma mater the Kingswood-Oxford School. He serves on the Board of Directors of the Williamstown Film Festival.
Laura Estes has served as Senior Vice President, Aetna Life and Annuity Company, Pensions, and in various investment positions including private placements, portfolio management and business development. Also an active community leader, she is currently Chairman of the Board of Directors of Hartford Hospital, Campaign Chair of the YMCA of Greater Hartford and has served on the Board of Directors of the University of Connecticut Foundation and University of Connecticut Research and Development Corporation. She has been a trustee of Williams College, the Connecticut Science Center and the Hartford Golf Club.
Geo and Laura have been married Laura since 1972 and they have one grown son, Derrick. They currently reside in West Hartford, Connecticut.
Hartford Stage is in the early phase of a proposed building project to renovate, modernize and expand the footprint of the 489-seat Church Street theatre, designed by renowned architect Robert Venturi and constructed in 1977. In February 2008, Hartford Stage's Architect Selection Committee, chaired by Board Member Bruce Simons, announced the hiring of theater architect Mitchell Kurtz. Simultaneously, Hartford Stage and Governor M. Jodi Rell announced the appropriation of $2 million in bond funding from the State of Connecticut.
"Geo and Laura's pivotal gift moves us one step closer to being able to finalize our expansion and renovation plans for Hartford Stage," said Mike Stotts. "Their generous endorsement is a measure of their belief in our theatre and this campaign."
Hartford Stage has an annual operating budget of approximately $8.5 million, attracts over 135,000 patrons each year - including 17,000 students - and has an estimated yearly economic impact on the Hartford region of over $25 million. The theatre produces year-round, including six MainStage productions, two SummerStage shows, the Brand:NEW Fall Festival of New Work, and Connecticut's best-loved holiday tradition, A Christmas Carol, which will celebrate its eleventh anniversary and welcome its 250,000th patron in 2008. Hartford Stage employs over 100 actors, designers, directors, artisans, and theatre professionals annually.