Today, December 5, 2013, Asolo Repertory Theatre will induct Stanley Kane, and Janet Kane in memoriam, into its Crystal Society - the theatre's highest donor level - recognizing their personal and foundation cumulative gifts of more than $1,000,000. This special induction ceremony will honor Stanley and his beloved late wife Janet, avid supporters of Asolo Rep for more than 25 years.
A three-term board president, Stanley's vision and ardor helped the theatre survive and flourish through very severe challenges. Mr. Kane assumed the role of Asolo Rep Board President in 1995 and ushered in a new culture of board solidarity and community engagement. Mr. Kane brought his own business know-how and strong community ties to put Asolo Rep back on a path of fiscal health, even establishing a cash reserve campaign to ensure financial stability into the future.
"Stanley Kane believes that the arts are an essential part of life. This is one of the many reasons that he is such a beloved and respected pillar in the Sarasota community," said
Michael Donald Edwards, Producing Artistic Director of Asolo Rep. "His commitment to and love of Asolo Rep has been critical to its survival and its thriving success. He has been a source of wisdom, strength, and inspiration for our leadership, and his impact on the health and stability of our organization is immeasurable."
Mr. Kane was able to both solve a cash flow problem and build community bridges. His expert negotiation of a contract between Asolo Rep, Sarasota Ballet and Florida State University, which survives to this day, turned the FSU Center for the Performing Arts into a vibrant, bursting-at-the-seams hub of creativity and excellence.
"Asolo Rep and the Performing Arts Center would not be what they are today without Stanley's intervention in the 1990s," said Linda DiGabriele, Managing Director of Asolo Rep. "His leadership and support were the catalysts for our achievements and growth. We will be forever grateful to Stanley for the vital role he has played and his continued commitment to Asolo Rep's success."
Stanley's foresight and astuteness laid the foundation for Asolo Rep's Campaign for Excellence, which has secured debt-free facilities and equipment and has also established the theatre's Endowment. The success of the theatre's Endowment Matching Challenge Grant, which has already raised $1,600,000, will continue to strengthen and reflect Stanley's immensely judicious leadership for generations to come.
The Janet and Stanley Kane Foundation will celebrate its 20th anniversary this year, continuing its mission to strategically nourish the future arts and social services of the entire community. The foundation helps sustain the entire annual Asolo Rep season at the Presenter level, as it has for the past 14 seasons.
Janet Kane's legendary entertaining talents made the Asolo Rep annual galas she chaired the social events of the Sarasota season. Carrying on in Janet's tradition, Stanley's annual Starry Night Dinner has marked the unofficial launch of the Asolo Rep season for the past four years
The Kanes also instilled their spirit of philanthropy in their children: daughter Betsy Kane-Hartnett founded Sarasota's 40 Carrots Family Center in 1993, and as Executive Director, she helped the center become one of the top facilities in the region, providing vital support and instruction for young families. She continues to carry on her parents' legacy of deep support of and dedication to Asolo Rep.
Stanley Kane joins Esther M. Mertz*, Ulla R. Searing*, Lee Peterson,
Bob Peterson*, Beverly Koski, Joan Armour Mendell, Margot and Warren Coville, and Maurice Richards and Jack Kesler as a member of this prestigious society.
*in memoriam
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