FST Receives $2,000,000 Leadership Gift from Cheryl Gorelick and Jake Zeigler For The FST Arts Plaza

July 8, 2024 — Florida Studio Theatre (FST) is pleased to announce a gift from Cheryl
Gorelick and Jake Zeigler of $2,000,000 toward the FST Arts Plaza. This gift was made
as part of The Maier Match Challenge in support of the “McGillicuddy Circle of Friends”
through the “one-to-one match,” which brings the $2,000,000 gift to $4,000,000. The
leadership gift helps FST surpass the challenge’s halfway goal after only two months of
fundraising.

To date, $2,600,000 has been raised toward the Maier Match Challenge in support of the
“McGillicuddy Circle of Friends.” FST received the generous challenge gift from Ed and
Susan Maier of a “one-to-one matching fund” of $4,000,000 for the Arts Plaza project
to name the building in honor of Dennis and Graci McGillicuddy. There is now only
$1,400,000 in donations needed to complete the match set forth by the Maier family.

Ms. Gorelick and Mr. Zeigler arrived in Sarasota in 2022 and quickly became involved
with FST. Cheryl Gorelick joined the Board of Trustees in 2023. When asked about their
leadership gift, Artistic Director Richard Hopkins said, “Cheryl and Jake have been
wonderful additions to FST and the Sarasota community. Both are invaluable supporters
of the theatre. From the moment they walked in the door, they asked insightful
questions, engaged deeply, and sought to understand our goals. They indicated they
would support the project, but I was stunned and humbled when they came in with a
leadership gift. It shows their faith and understanding in the possibility of what we are
going to create. Thanks to the Maier Match, that $2,000,000 turned into $4,000,000.”

When asked why they chose to support the Arts Plaza, Cheryl Gorelick and Jake
Zeigler commented, “So many of us choose to live in Sarasota because of the many
accessible cultural offerings. And FST, managed by Richard and Rebecca Hopkins, is at
the very top of our list. We are pleased to be able to support this next stage in FST’s
development.”

FST has garnered $41 million towards the $46 million needed to support Phase 1 of the
project thus far. Phase 1 of the Arts Plaza project includes the construction of the eightstory building, the opening of the parking garage, and three stories of artist housing.
The Maier Family will be matching all donations through April 2025 or until the full
$4,000,000 has been raised.

FST’s Arts Plaza has been designed to meet a wide range of FST’s artistic needs while
serving its robust and growing audience. This state-of-the-art building will be nestled
amongst FST’s existing five-theatre campus in downtown Sarasota. The construction
plan is separated into two phases, in addition to Phase 1. Phase 2 will open two cabaret
theatres with their kitchen and food service stations, dressing rooms, bar and lounge
area, and public restrooms. Phase 3 will finish the project by adding the mainstage
theatre, lobby, and concessions area.

Managing Director Rebecca Hopkins says, “We are delighted with the response we
have had to the Maier Match. We received gifts ranging from $500 to $100,000, all the
way up to the $2,000,000 Leadership 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. These have been two
months filled with one act of generosity after another. It really reminds me and everyone
at FST why we love to work here so much. With each day, we are more and more
confident that we are going to make the Arts Plaza a reality.”

Richard Hopkins adds, “The Maier Match has provided a wonderful opportunity, and
we are thrilled with the initial response. We still have $1,400,000 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.”

For more information or to contribute in support of the Maier Match Challenge for the
“McGillicuddy Circle of Friends,” contact Melody Mora-Shihadeh, Director of Individual
Giving, at (941) 366-9017, extension 326, or by email at Melody@floridastudiotheatre.org.

ABOUT FLORIDA STUDIO THEATRE
Known as Sarasota’s Contemporary Theatre, Florida Studio Theatre was founded in 1973 by
Artist Jon Spelman. Starting out as a small touring company, FST traveled to places such as
migrant camps and prisons. The company then acquired the former Woman’s Club building,
becoming the first permanent venue. Shortly after Producing Artistic Director Richard Hopkins
arrived, the building was purchased and renamed The Keating Theatre. In the years that
followed, Florida Studio Theatre established itself as a major force in American Theatre,
presenting contemporary theatre in its five theatre venues: the Keating Theatre, the
Gompertz Theatre, the Parisian style Goldstein Cabaret and John C. Court Cabaret, and
Bowne’s Lab Theatre.

Even with its growth, Florida Studio Theatre remains firmly committed to making the arts
accessible and affordable to a broad-based audience. FST develops theatre that speaks to our
living, evolving, and dynamically changing world. As FST grows and expands, it continues to
provide audiences with challenging, contemporary drama and innovative programs.