Marco's Art League ‘paints down’ debt to half

Photo by Submission

Just a few months ago, it’s exhausted line of credit was around $100,000.

Now, the Art League, Marco Island’s Center for the Arts, is in the red to the tune of just $49,000 after the aggressive “Project Rescue” initiative gained momentum.

Phase One, designed to eliminate the debt by June 30. The remaining debt was $49,000 as of Feb. 28.

Coordinator Dave Rice pointed out in sports terms: “When your team is ahead at half time, the momentum in the second half is a tremendous advantage.

Our final goal is achievable and although challenging, with a commitment by the Board, membership and community, we intend to announce a victory on June 30.”

The second announcement, equally important, was the recent resolution passed by the board of directors that mandated that future operation of the Art League must be administered on a balanced budget.

That budget, being formulated in Phase Two of Project Rescue that began Feb. 1, will be presented and instituted in October.

Rice said with this resolution, the possibility of a repeat financial issue can be averted, and the stability of the Art League can be insured for years to come.

He said the mandate is a confidence builder with Patrons of the Arts, and assures them that their financial support is not just a band-aid on the problem, but a solution for the future.

The next 1st Tuesday Art @ Five social takes place from 5 until 7:30 p.m., April 6.

In addition to the annual sponsors Naples Daily News, Marco Eagle, Marco Island Florist and Iberia Bank, the Hilton Marco Beach Resort and Spa will be hosting the evening’s festivities.

The public is invited. “Whiting out The Debt” is the theme of Project Rescue and the “uniform of the day” for all After 5’s is the wearing of white.

For further information call 394-4221.

© 2010 marconews.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.