FST challenge match brings $2 million donation for Arts Plaza

Last week was a big week for Florida Studio Theatre’s ambitious plans to build a new Arts Plaza at its downtown campus on what is currently a gravel parking lot on First Street.

On the heels of a $1 million state of Florida grant for the affordable housing component of the multi-use Arts Plaza, the organization received a $2 million donation toward the project from Cheryl Gorelick and Jake Zeigler.

The gift was made as part of The Maier Match Challenge in support of the “McGillicuddy Circle of Friends” in honor of long-time benefactors Dennis and Graci McGillicuddy, the dollar-for-dollar match that brings the gift to $4 million. 

Announced in May by benefactors Ed and Susan Maier, the challenge will match donations toward the Arts Plaza up to $4 million. To date, the challenge match has raised $2.6 million.

Gorelick and Zeigler arrived in Sarasota in 2022 and quickly became involved with FST, with Gorelick joining the Board of Trustees in 2023.

“We are delighted with the response we have had to the Maier Match,” said FST Managing Director Rebecca Hopkins in a news release. “We received gifts ranging from $500 to $100,000, all the way up to the $2 million gift from Cheryl and Jake. It shows the deep connection people have with FST and their willingness to join the Maiers in both achieving our goal and honoring Dennis and Graci McGillicuddy. With each day, we are more and more confident that we are going to make the Arts Plaza a reality.”

To date, FST has banked $41 million toward the $46 million needed to build the first phase of the project, which includes construction of an eight-story building, the opening of the parking garage, and three stories of artist and arts employee housing.

The total price of the project is $57 million, which in Phase 2 will include the buildout of two cabaret theaters, a kitchen and food service stations, dressing rooms, bar and lounge area, and public restrooms. Phase 3 will add a second mainstage theatre, lobby and concessions area.

“The Maier Match has provided a wonderful opportunity, and we are thrilled with the initial response,” said FST CEO Richard Hopkins in the release. “We still have $1.4 million to raise to meet the rest of the match. I hope our audience and the public will continue to step up to meet this challenge.”