…a source of strength that helps shoulder the burden
…and a base of support upon which the structure must rest.
In each issue of "The Curtain Speech" this section will highlight some of the Auditorium Theatre’s cornerstones—individuals, corporations, and foundations whose support has been especially heartwarming. We are incredibly grateful for their generosity and for their kindness. And we want to acknowledge them because their selflessness is instrumental in helping our National Historic Landmark persevere, prosper, and grow.
These are compassionate people, responsible corporations, and philanthropic institutions committed to making a difference in the world.
These are friends just like you.
These are our cornerstones.
Bill and Shelley Farley
As the Auditorium Theatre continues our 125th Anniversary Celebration, we have much to look forward to--a litany of breathtaking performances, dynamic artists, an unprecedented media event, and ambitious capital improvement campaigns.
Of course, no matter which way we turn our gaze--to the past, present, or future--none of our achievements could be possible without some of the Auditorium Theatre's most compassionate and treasured friends. Two of these dear members of the Auditorium family, Bill and Shelley Farley, have been instrumental in helping our theatre reach unprecedented success.
Shelley is a professional singer (performing as Shelley MacArthur, she has earned substantial acclaim for her beauty, poise, and consummate skill), a former model and actress, and was born and raised in Chicago. Bill Farley is originally from Rhode Island but has been a strong presence in the Chicago business community for over 40 years. He is the former Chairman of Fruit of the Loom and is currently CEO and Chairman of LV Ventures, a private equity company.
Throughout the years, Bill and Shelley have continued to demonstrate heartwarming generosity and overwhelming kindness, and they both possess a strong history of philanthropy and community involvement. They are a welcome fixture at previous Auditorium Theatre events and regular supporters of many respected artistic organizations (for example, Shelley is on the Board of Directors of the Joffrey Ballet of Chicago, which makes the Auditorium Theatre its home). They have always shared an interest in the arts and believe that it is crucial to do their part to help the artistic landscape prosper and thrive.
However, their commitment to the arts encompasses more than their gracious beneficence. In fact, as a professional singer, Shelley MacArthur has many fond memories of the Auditorium Theatre, but her favorite was being the first performer of the Auditorium Theatre's "Onstage With..." cabaret series in 2006. She also graced our stage with her considerable talents once again in a magnificent solo performancem "Up Close and Personal," in 2008.
Bill and Shelley's commitment and exuberance, both for the Auditorium Theatre and for other organization, is inspiring. They are drawn to our theatre's history and they consider the Auditorium to be, "one of Chicago's great historic landmarks." However, they are especially fond of our self-produced musical event, "Too Hot to Handel: The Jazz-Gospel Messiah." Although Shelley and Bill have been patrons for many years, they were particularly moved by their first experience of this one-of-a-kind cultural celebration, and immediately wanted to help ensure its presence on our stage.
Despite their innumerable accolades and the profound difference they continue to make in the community, Bill and Shelley remain grounded and humble. Of course, their impact on the Auditorium Theatre can never truly be measured, and we are incredibly grateful for everything they do to help our theatre succeed. Whether awing us with song, succor, or support, we are thankful for their philanthropic spirits--for theirs is a kindness born from true altruism...one that will continue to resonate for another 125 years.
Of course, no matter which way we turn our gaze--to the past, present, or future--none of our achievements could be possible without some of the Auditorium Theatre's most compassionate and treasured friends. Two of these dear members of the Auditorium family, Bill and Shelley Farley, have been instrumental in helping our theatre reach unprecedented success.
Shelley is a professional singer (performing as Shelley MacArthur, she has earned substantial acclaim for her beauty, poise, and consummate skill), a former model and actress, and was born and raised in Chicago. Bill Farley is originally from Rhode Island but has been a strong presence in the Chicago business community for over 40 years. He is the former Chairman of Fruit of the Loom and is currently CEO and Chairman of LV Ventures, a private equity company.
Throughout the years, Bill and Shelley have continued to demonstrate heartwarming generosity and overwhelming kindness, and they both possess a strong history of philanthropy and community involvement. They are a welcome fixture at previous Auditorium Theatre events and regular supporters of many respected artistic organizations (for example, Shelley is on the Board of Directors of the Joffrey Ballet of Chicago, which makes the Auditorium Theatre its home). They have always shared an interest in the arts and believe that it is crucial to do their part to help the artistic landscape prosper and thrive.
However, their commitment to the arts encompasses more than their gracious beneficence. In fact, as a professional singer, Shelley MacArthur has many fond memories of the Auditorium Theatre, but her favorite was being the first performer of the Auditorium Theatre's "Onstage With..." cabaret series in 2006. She also graced our stage with her considerable talents once again in a magnificent solo performancem "Up Close and Personal," in 2008.
Bill and Shelley's commitment and exuberance, both for the Auditorium Theatre and for other organization, is inspiring. They are drawn to our theatre's history and they consider the Auditorium to be, "one of Chicago's great historic landmarks." However, they are especially fond of our self-produced musical event, "Too Hot to Handel: The Jazz-Gospel Messiah." Although Shelley and Bill have been patrons for many years, they were particularly moved by their first experience of this one-of-a-kind cultural celebration, and immediately wanted to help ensure its presence on our stage.
Despite their innumerable accolades and the profound difference they continue to make in the community, Bill and Shelley remain grounded and humble. Of course, their impact on the Auditorium Theatre can never truly be measured, and we are incredibly grateful for everything they do to help our theatre succeed. Whether awing us with song, succor, or support, we are thankful for their philanthropic spirits--for theirs is a kindness born from true altruism...one that will continue to resonate for another 125 years.
