Tuesday, February 4, 2020

Friends of the Ritz Announces Two Shows for 2020 Season



Press Release
For Immediate Release – Updated with Children's ticket pricing
Contact:  Keith Kozicki, (404) 434-7705
Date: 2/04/2020
RE: Friends of the Ritz announce two new 2020 Live Performances
Toccoa, GA,
The Friends of the Ritz, Inc. announced that it will be sponsoring the organization's first two live performances of 2020.  Atlanta-based improv comedy troupe Dad's Garage will perform an all ages show at the Historic Ritz Theatre on Thursday, April 16th and then on Thursday, September 3rd, noted Emmy-winning actor Bill Oberst Jr. performs his one-man tribute, Lewis Grizzard: In His Own Words.

"After more than seven months of planning and fundraising we are thrilled that Friends of the Ritz can begin fulfilling the mission of our organization, and that is to bring additional programming to the Ritz stage" says Friends of the Ritz, Inc. President Keith Kozicki.

A June 2019 survey conducted by the organization put live theatre and comedy among the top three programming requests.

Tickets for each event will be $15 for Friends of the Ritz members, $17 for the general public and will go on sale in early February. Thanks to a generous private donation Friends of the Ritz will be also be able to offer a discounted $10 ticket for children 12 and under.

The organization held its first quarter Board of Directors meeting followed by the Annual Membership Meeting on Tuesday, January 28th at the Historic Ritz Theatre.

Friends of the Ritz members voted overwhelmingly for the 2020 Friends of the Ritz, Inc. Board of Directors who now include:

Rucia Adams
Gary Cortellino, President-elect
Sharon Crenshaw, Secretary
Sharon Crosby, Treasurer
Shantelle Grant
Evan Hellenga
Keith Kozicki, President


Friends of the Ritz, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to raising funds for additional programming, marketing and building enhancements at the Historic Ritz Theatre. The organization's Annual Membership Meeting Report was also released and is available below.



2019 Annual Report

  • Friends of the Ritz, Inc. receives official IRS notification of 501(c)(3) status on July 22, 2019

  • Fundraising activities begin during the summer of 2019 and included membership acquisition activity and planning for a major fall event

  • Friends of the Ritz, Inc. bank account and PO Box established

  • 80 for 80 Celebration marking the 80th anniversary of the Ritz Theatre in Toccoa is held on November 22nd raising over $4,000 via event ticket sales, regular memberships and special 80 for 80 membership donations, as well as corporate sponsorship

  • $1000 raised via corporate sponsorships

  • December 2019 - Contracts signed for two separate 2020 Friends of the Ritz-sponsored live performances

  • December 2019 – 65 active Friends of the Ritz members

  • December 31, 2019 – $6,361.36 cash on hand

  • Board of Directors public meetings held January 28th, June 22nd, September 14th, and December 10th of 2019  

Proposed 2020 Goals:

- Increase membership to over 100 active members

- Double corporate sponsorships to $2,000

- Present at least three Friends of the Ritz-sponsored live performances,
  including one that also serves as a major fundraising event

- Establish active Membership & Programming Committees

- Begin postcard membership acquisition campaign

- Create bi-annual membership newsletters




For more information contact Keith Kozicki, President, Friends of the Ritz, Inc. at (404) 434-7705.
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