What inspired you to include MCPA in your estate plans?

MCPA has become such a special place for my late husband Doug and me over the years. Some of our happiest memories have been made here, coming together to enjoy the tribute bands, turning a night at the theater into a whole evening out. It's not just the shows themselves, though, it's the sense of connection and tradition that this place gives us. We've always appreciated that there is truly something for everyone at MCPA, whether you're young or old, whether you love music, theater, or dance.

What means the most is seeing how MCPA invests in the next generation. Watching kids step onto the stage, find their voice, and showcase their talents is inspiring. We know experiences like that can shape a child's confidence and open doors for their future. That's why including MCPA in our estate plans was such an easy decision. It allows us to give back to an organization that has given us so much joy and ensures that future families will have these same opportunities. For Doug and me, it's about leaving a legacy of community, creativity, and possibility.

How does MCPA's mission to enrich the community through arts, culture and entertainment resonate with your personal values or goals?

I've always believed that children should have every chance to grow, to be encouraged, and to discover what they are capable of. The stage at MCPA gives them exactly that, an opportunity to shine, to build confidence, and to share their gifts with others. Those are experiences that stay with a young person for life.

At the same time, I feel strongly about the importance of accessibility. Thanks to MCPA, people here in Findlay don't have to travel to big cities to see professional performances or world-class tribute shows, they're right here, in our own backyard. That makes the arts something that belongs to all of us, not just those who can afford to travel.

What I love most is that there truly is something for everyone at MCPA, regardless of age, background, or ability. Whether it's a child performing in Youtheatre, a family attending a concert together, or older generations enjoying an evening out with friends, MCPA offers experiences that connect us all.

Supporting this mission is a way for me to give back to a place that has brought so much joy into my life, and to make sure that future generations will continue to have these same opportunities. Leaving a legacy with MCPA feels like ensuring that the heart of our community keeps going strong through the arts.

Which specific events, performances, or programs at MCPA influenced your decision?

When I think about what influenced our decision to support MCPA, many things come to mind, but the first thing is how much fun we have had and the memories that were made over the years coming to all the performances. Being able to go out to dinner, enjoy an amazing performance and then drive ten minutes home is not something a lot of people get to experience.

In addition, the youth education programs are above and beyond what you would find in any other community. Watching children step onto the stage, learn new skills, and gain confidence is absolutely amazing. It shows me that MCPA is shaping lives, not just putting on performances

I've also been impressed by the volunteer opportunities, because they allow people to engage with the arts on a deeper level. Whether it's helping behind the scenes, ushering at a performance, or supporting educational programs, volunteers get to be part of creating the magic. That sense of involvement and connection is powerful, and it's one of the reasons MCPA is so special to me.

What aspects of MCPA's work are most meaningful to you?

The ways MCPA touches lives across the community is really what means the most to me. The arts education programs stand out especially. As a retired teacher, I've seen how just one opportunity can change a child's life. MCPA is giving kids those opportunities. They give children and young people a chance to learn, grow, and express themselves in ways that build confidence and stay with them for a lifetime.

I also value that MCPA offers something for every age and ability. From young children discovering theater for the first time to adults enjoying world-class performances close to home, there is truly a place for everyone here. That inclusiveness makes MCPA unique and ensures that the arts are accessible to all.

And finally, I appreciate the volunteer opportunities. They give people the chance to engage with the arts, to be part of creating the experience, and to feel connected to the community in a meaningful way. Those are the things that motivated us to make MCPA part of our legacy because its work is about more than performances, it's about enriching lives.

What do you hope your planned gift will accomplish for MCPA and the community?

My hope is that my planned gift will help ensure that MCPA continues to give kids opportunities they may not have otherwise had. I've seen how powerful it is when a child steps onto the stage, discovers a passion, or gains confidence through the arts. That kind of experience can change the direction of a young person's life, and I want to make sure those opportunities are always here for future generations.

At the same time, I know the importance of simply keeping the lights on, making sure this beautiful center remains strong and vibrant for years to come. If Doug and my gift can help sustain MCPA so that families, children, and the entire community can keep gathering here to experience the arts, then I'll feel that I've left something good behind. For me, it's about investing in joy, creativity, and opportunity that will ripple through this community long after I'm gone.