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The Grand Lady Had a Rough Night — But She’s Still Standing!

Overnight, our historic theater experienced a break-in that left a lot of damage. The good news? Everyone’s safe, and cleanup is already underway with our friends at SERVPRO.

Damage to the historic theater includes the destruction of all six lobby monitors in the West Lobby box office and concessions area, broken glass in the West Lobby power-assist door, and general disarray in the lobby and bar areas. Food products were thrown across counters and floors, trash cans were overturned, and multiple fire extinguishers were discharged on stage and across the orchestra level floor and seats. We are still in the early stages of assessing the full extent of the loss, which will depend in part on whether the stage lighting and sound equipment were damaged, as well as the value of any stolen items. However, current projections indicate that the total loss will exceed $250,000.

The Folly has seen a lot in her 125 years, but thanks to our incredible community, she always comes back stronger.

Help support the Grand Lady of 12th Street’s recovery. 

Ways to Support the Folly Theater

The Folly’s legal name is:  Performing Arts Foundation of Kansas City d/b/a Folly Theater.

The Folly has been a 501(c)(3) exempt charitable organization since 1965.  The Folly’s EIN (or federal tax identification number) is 43-6054615.

The Folly’s mailing address is:  Folly Theater, 114 West 11th Street, Suite 150, Kansas City, MO  64105.

Support the Folly experience today. Your generosity will ensure the Folly’s intimate performances are available to audiences now and for years to come. Please give generously.  Your tax-deductible contribution will help maintain the Folly for future generations to enjoy.

Consider being a monthly donor! A recurring gift of $10, $20, $50, $100, or another amount helps maintain our historic building and create performance memories year-round! Want more information? Contact Brian Williams at 816-768-6886 or [email protected].

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Tax Benefits of Making Qualified Charitable Distributions From Your IRA Account

A Qualified Charitable Distribution, or QCD, from your traditional IRA account or employer-sponsored retirement account has several significant tax benefits for people age 70 ½ or older. Consult your tax advisor to determine whether a QCD is right for you. Normally, distributions from a traditional IRA or employer-sponsored retirement account are taxable when received. Not only are these distributions taxable, they can also bump you up into a higher tax bracket. Higher taxable income may also have a negative impact on your Social Security and Medicare benefits.

Beginning at age 73, taxpayers are required to start withdrawing money each year from their traditional IRAs, employer-sponsored retirement accounts, and IRA-based plans such as SEPs and SIMPLE IRAs. The IRS has very specific rules about how to calculate the amount of your Required Minimum Distribution, or RMD, each year. However, the IRS allows taxpayers to give up to $100,000 each year directly to a charity from their IRA or employer-sponsored retirement account. This Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) can satisfy all or part of your Required Minimum Distribution without increasing your taxable income. A QCD may also reduce the amount of your RMD in future years, which are calculated, in part, based on the fund balance in your IRA or employer-sponsored retirement account.

Again, consult your tax advisor to determine whether a QCD is right for you.

Click here to learn more about IRA Qualified Charitable Distributions

Arts supporters: Put your name down in history! Announcing the Folly’s Seat Naming Campaign! As a part of our endowment efforts, which has surpassed $2.5 million thus far, this initiative allows individuals and companies to write their name down in history (and metal) and show their support of the Folly Theater and the growth of the arts in Kansas City. We have a bit to go to reach our second phase goal of five million dollars, but that can be done with your support!

A Folly Theater seat, inscribed with your name, a loved one’s name, your business, or in memoriam, creates a lasting legacy. Your tax-deductible contribution to name a seat will be celebrated by family, friends, peers, and the community. Most importantly, your contribution ensures the sustainability of the Folly to serve many generations yet to come.

Ready to put your name down in Kansas City history as a pillar of society? Give us a call! Reach out to Brian Williams, Director of Development, by phone at 816-768-6886 ext. 102 or email him. He will gladly walk you through the process, your options, and even tour the seats with you so you know where your seat will sit in history.

You can also download the full booklet of information here. If you already know the section you want (broken down in the map below), fill out this form and email it to Brian Williams, [email protected], or mail it to 114 W. 11th St., Suite 150, Kansas City, MO 64105. Brian will contact you soon to start the process.

Below is the map of seats and commitment level for each section.

Please consider leaving a legacy to the Folly Theater buy including this iconic cultural treasure in your estate planning documents.  If you wish to name the Folly as a beneficiary of your will or trust, IRA, or insurance policy, the Folly’s legal name is Performing Arts Foundation of Kansas City d/b/a Folly Theater.  The Folly is a 501(c)(3) exempt charitable organization and its EIN (or federal tax identification number) is 43-6054615.  The Folly’s mailing address is 114 West 11th Street, Suite 150, Kansas City, MO  64105.  If you have any questions or would like to discuss specific details about your charitable intentions for your legacy, please contact Brian Williams, Folly Development Director, at (816) 768-6886, or Rick Truman, Folly CEO and President, at (816) 768-6885.