Arts center exceeds fund raising goal.

LUDINGTON — The Ludington Area Center for the Arts recently surpassed a fund raising goal, which earned the center a matching donation. Beginning in July the center was challenged by an anonymous donor to raise $50,000 in 120 days and the funds would be matched dollar for dollar.

“We are pleased to announce the good news – the LACA met and exceeded the Fund Your Center Challenge,” said arts center manager Chris Plummer. “Thanks to generous individuals and businesses in our community the LACA raised $56,000 through donations, new memberships and fundraising events. We are also extremely pleased and excited that the LACA member base has grown by more than 50 percent through the Fund Your Center campaign. The LACA now has 470 members – the most members in our 10-year history. This amazing success was made possible thanks to the community’s generous support for your center.”

LACA’s priorities for the coming year are:

• Increasing and improving programming – This will include after-school art classes for kids, music programs, a larger variety of adult arts classes, traveling national acts and more.

• Ensuring a long-term, healthy balance sheet – A portion of the challenge funds will be used to improve the LACA’s long-term financial health by reducing expenses.

• Engage the public in the arts center – “The LACA truly is your center,” Plummer said. “So we’ll be asking you soon what you would like to see in terms of future events, programs, exhibits, etc. Stay tuned for a survey we will be unveiling in the coming month.Our community members have shown through their support that the arts are a priority in Mason County. Fostering a vibrant arts scene is vital to our success and growth as a region. On behalf of the LACA Board of Directors, staff, volunteers and members we thank you all for strengthening the arts and creating a legacy for current and future generations.”