NEWS RELEASE –
GENEVA, NY – In a public program on Nov. 16th at 6:00pm, The Smith revealed its Annual Report for 2022 and welcomed Rebecca Burditt, Nancy McDermott, and Robb Flowers into officer roles.
Kelby Russell, Rebecca Burditt, and Executive Director, Susie Monagan, reported on the state of the Smith’s finances, fundraising, programming, and volunteer program. 2022 showed improved financial health, correcting the Covid-impacted previous years’ results. Total revenue of $583,513 was 35% support and contributions and 65% “earned” revenue from sources such as ticket sales and concessions sales. 70% of total expenses of $670,216 were related to Programs and Operations and 30% related Management and General. The organization showed a deficit for the year, largely due to poor performance by investments.
Returning with marked success after several years of crippling pandemic setbacks, The Smith:
- Increased its donated income from 28% to 35% of the budget and brought in more than $200K in from contributions to support programs, supplies, and facilities.
- Raised more than $72,000 through special fundraising events including the inaugural A Sparkling Night wine tasting event in February and the Brews and Bluegrass beer tasting event in November, as well as from the entirely virtual Day of Giving in March #fillthesmith program that was grounded by generous matching donations from Canandaigua National Bank and Brenda and Dave Rickey.
- Saw 66 non-Board Member volunteers donate more than 1500 hours to the Smith, an increase of more than 150% from 2021. At a living wage, the value of that work is $24,000.
- Presented 11 film screenings, 4 educational ArtSmart shows, 7 community oriented events, and 41 live shows to 15,000+ patrons.
At this meeting, the Board of Directors also met and elected officers.
Robb Flowers is taking on the role of Treasurer for the Board. Formerly Vice President for Student Affairs and Campus Life at Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Flowers is now employed by Lyons National Bank, the lead sponsor of The Smith’s popular ArtSmart educational performance series for children. Says Flowers, “I’m very happy to join the Board at such an exciting time for the Smith. It was my pleasure to serve on the Board several years ago, and I look forward to the work ahead to help support this local treasure.”
Nancy McDermott, author and online community leader, continues her role as Board Secretary. McDermott has a background in event coordination and marketing and has published several books and essays on parenting and family relationships.
Rebecca Burditt continues her leadership of the Smith as Chair of the Board of Directors. An Associate Professor of Media and Society at Hobart and William SmithCollege, Rebecca brings her academic background in the cultural significance of cinema with her to the Smith. She is one of the founders of the Geneva Downtown Film Festival, currently planning its third festival for February 2024.
The Smith welcomes the following community members to its Board of Directors:
Annie Bickham
Martha Bond
Rebecca Burditt, Chair
Carol Cain
Sim Covington
Robb Flowers
Shanelle France
Karen Goulet
Joan Grela
Stephanie Hesler
Nancy McDermott, Secretary
Jennifer Menges
Mara O’Laughlin
Anthony Shelton
Ford Weiskittel
It also acknowledges the departure of Directors Mitch Wilber, who served the organization in both President and Treasurer roles, and FLCC Professor of Speech and Theater, Beth Johnson.
During the “State of the Smith” program, Kelby Russell summarized the Strategic Planning process the Board of Directors has gone through. One outcome of this process has been the adoption of new Mission, Vision and Purpose statements to guide the organization.
Mission: With a diversity of partnerships, The Smith hosts performances, events, and celebrations that catalyze creativity and engage the Finger Lakes community. The Smith is committed to the stewardship of its stunning theater and ensuring its relevance to today’s artists and audiences.
The Smith thanks Wegmans, Billsboro, and Muranda Cheese as well as local wine purveyors Hosmer Winery, Knapp Winery and Vineyard, Three Brothers Wineries, Fox Run Winery, Zugibe Vineyards and Hermann J Wiemer Vineyard for their donations of food and drink for the meeting’s attendees. Thanks also to Joan Grela, Mara O’Laughlin, and Martha Bond for arranging this important community gathering.
The Smith Center for the Arts, stewards of the historic Smith Opera House, provides diverse arts and educational enrichment opportunities year-round for Finger Lakes residents and visitors. To learn more about events offered by The Smith Center for the Arts visit thesmith.org, or visit or call our box office for phone and in-person sales, 10am-4pm, Tuesday-Friday. The Smith Opera House is at 82 Seneca St. in Geneva, NY. Please email [email protected] or call (315) 781-5483.
