Wharton Center for Performing Arts at Michigan State University

There are a myriad of easy planned giving options from which you can choose to support Wharton Center in the future - from naming us as a beneficiary in your will to a more complex trust arrangement. Planned gifts provide the resources that create extraordinary opportunities and preserve our future.

We've created an easy-to-understand website to help you find the gift that's right for you. Here you can learn how to plan a gift to Wharton Center and Michigan State University. We'll tell you about creative giving strategies that enhance your, and your family's, well being and help us as well. Visit the Guide to Giving at www.givingto.msu.edu for more information.

Wharton Center would be honored to be remembered as a part of your legacy. For more information about planned giving opportunities to support Wharton Center, please don't hesitate to contact the Development Office at (517) 353-4640.

Leave a lasting legacy by creating or contributing to an endowment at Wharton Center. When you make an endowment gift, your gift is not spent on immediate operating needs, but rather it is invested. The earnings from endowments are spent annually by Wharton Center in accordance with the terms of the endowment. Because Wharton Center can plan on a fairly consistent contribution from endowment earnings, these gifts provide for the long-term financial success of the organization.

Currently Wharton Center has nearly 20 named endowments supporting everything from arts education to musical theatre to jazz performances. Each one of these endowments allows Wharton Center to provide programming that may not be possible without private support.

To view a list of current endowments please visit our endowment information page

For more information on contributing to an existing endowment or creating your own named endowment, please contact the Wharton Center Development staff at 517.353.4640

Emerald Circle Level

Emerald Circle Level Support is achieved by annually donating $10,000 and up.

Benefits:

• All the benefits of Ruby, plus...
• Performance sponsorship recognition upon request
  Emerald Circle Members have an opportunity to have your donation recognized in conjunction with a specific performance and to be acknowledged in promotional materials.
• Opportunity to meet artist backstage after performance (upon request and with artist's permission)
  Emerald Circle Members can request to meet an artist after the performance. This opportunity is subject to the approval of the artist and must be made at least a week prior to the performance.

Ruby Circle Level

Ruby Circle Level Support is achieved by annually donating $7,500 and up.

Benefits:

• All the benefits of Sapphire, plus...
• Invitation to lunch with the Director

Sapphire Circle Level

Sapphire Circle Level Support is achieved by annually donating $5,000 and up.

Benefits:

• All the benefits of Garnet, plus...
• Preference in scheduling Wolfram Green Room and Stoddard Grand Tier Lounge for receptions
  Sapphire Circle Members and above are given priority in scheduling a reception in the Wolfram Green Room or Stoddard Grand Tier Lounge. Requests are made during the subscription process and available on a first come, first serve basis. All applicable rental fees apply.
• Private post-performance backstage tour upon request
  Sapphire Circle Members and above have an opportunity to go backstage and on stage to see how a production is put together. Backstage tours are by appointment only and subject to the authorization of the touring company.
• Additional autographed poster of performance of your choice upon request
  Sapphire Circle Members and above may receive an additional autographed poster subject to availability. The request must be made at the beginning of the season.

Garnet Circle Level

Garnet Circle Level Support is achieved by annually donating $3,750 and up.

Benefits:

• All the benefits of Diamond, plus...
• 2 free tickets to selected performance.

Diamond Circle Level

Diamond Circle Level Support is achieved by annually donating $2,500 and up.

Benefits:

• All the benefits of Crystal, plus...
• Exclusive invitation to Sneak Preview of upcoming season
  Prior to the Donor Appreciation Command Performance, Diamond Circle Members and above are invited to a complimentary dinner with the Director to learn about the upcoming season. It is also an opportunity for us to express gratitude for your financial support.
• Autographed poster of one performance of your choice upon request
  Prior to the beginning of the season, Diamond Circle Members and above can request an autographed poster of the performance of their choice. Posters are subject to availability and at the discretion of the artist.

Crystal Circle Level

Crystal Circle Level Support is achieved by annually donating $1,500 and up.

Benefits:

• All the benefits of Platinum, plus...
• Exclusive VIP Ticket Service for purchasing additional tickets or exchanges
  This ultimate ticket advantage provides an opportunity for Crystal Circle Members and above to exchange or purchase additional tickets through the development office. The best seats remaining in the house for any given performance are made available to our Members. Personal and customer friendly service make it easy to handle last minute requests and problems.

Platinum Circle Level

Platinum Circle Level Support is achieved by annually donating $1,000 and up.

Benefits:

• All the benefits of Gold, plus...
• Exclusive Priority 1 seating consideration for Series ticket purchases ordered by announced deadline (maximum of six Zone 1 seats)
• Invitation to Platinum Lounge on Friday & Saturday nights of Broadway performances if tickets purchased for those nights
  One hour prior to the Friday and Saturday night Broadway performances and during intermission, the Wolfram Green Room is open to Platinum Circle Members and above for hors d ’oeuvres, desserts and beverages. Members must have performance tickets for either the Friday or Saturday night performance to receive an invitation.
• Invitation to Cast Party on opening night of Broadway performance if tickets purchased for that night
  On the opening night of a Broadway performance, traditionally Tuesday night, Platinum Circle Members and above who have purchased tickets for the show that evening are invited to a cast party. The party is held after the performance at a local restaurant with a buffet, cash bar and opportunity to meet members of the cast.

Gold Circle Level

Gold Circle Level Support is achieved by annually donating $500 and up.

Benefits:

• All the benefits of Silver, plus...
• Opportunity to purchase a reserved season parking pass
  Gold Circle members and above have an opportunity to purchase an annual parking pass for all Wharton Center performances. Parking is reserved and centrally located for access to the lobby.

Silver Circle Level

Silver Circle Level Support is achieved by annually donating $250 and up.

Benefits:

• All the benefits of Bronze, plus...
• Priority 2 seating consideration for Series ticket purchases ordered by announced deadline (maximum of four Zone 1 seats)

Bronze Circle Level

Bronze Circle Level Support is achieved by annually donating $100 and up.

Benefits:

• All the benefits of Copper, plus...
• Priority 3 seating consideration for Series ticket purchases ordered by announced deadline
• Acknowledgment in honor roll published in house playbill Curtain Call
  Wharton Center distributes approximately 125,000 Curtain Call program books to our patrons. All Bronze Circle Members and above will be recognized by gift level.
• Invitation to Donor Appreciation Command Performance
  In the spring, all Bronze Circle Members and above are invited to a Donor Appreciation Command Performance. This complimentary performance, for donors only, does not go on sale to the general public.

Copper Circle Level

Copper Circle Level Support is achieved by annually donating $50 and up.

Benefits:

• Opportunity to purchase season tickets in advance of public sale
• Season subscription to Wharton Backstage newsletter
  Mailed to your home three times a year, Backstage takes you behind the scenes at Wharton Center, giving you information about upcoming performances, the business of show business, volunteer and donor spotlights and much more.