Thank you to Our Supporters

DIAMOND CIRCLE OF GIVING (1,000+)

The Diamond Circle

Fort Wayne Ballet’s Diamond Circle represents our highest level of annual giving — a distinguished community of supporters who serve as true catalysts for creativity and sustainability in the arts. Diamond Circle members help ensure the future of ballet in Fort Wayne while enjoying exclusive access, recognition, and behind-the-scenes experiences throughout the season.

($1,000+ Supporters)

Thank you for stepping into the Circle.

Diamond Circle members receive:
• FWB Updates — Exclusive behind-the-scenes stories and insights to keep you connected and informed.
• Open Rehearsal Access for Two — Experience The Nutcracker and A Midsummer Night’s Dream in process.
• VIP Backstage Tour — A private tour before The Nutcracker Opening Night performance.
• Invitation to “Spill the Tea Party” — A special afternoon of Nutcracker history and conversation with Karen Gibbons-Brown.
• Pre- and Post-Performance Receptions — Connect with dancers and the Fort Wayne Ballet team at select events.
• Special Recognition — Acknowledgment as a production sponsor in programs and on our website.

Diamond Circle members sustain the artistry, education, and community connection that define Fort Wayne Ballet — ensuring that dance continues to inspire hearts and enrich lives across generations.

GOLD CIRCLE OF GIVING (500+)

The Gold Circle

As a member of the Gold Circle, you shine at a vital level of support. Your generosity sustains our mission and ensures that professional ballet continues to flourish in Fort Wayne— inspiring, educating, and connecting through dance. As a Gold Circle member, you sustain our dancers in the studio, ignite passion on stage, and nurture the next generation of artists and audiences.

($500+ Supporters)

Thank you for stepping into the Circle.

Gold Circle members enjoy deeper connections with the art and artists of Fort Wayne Ballet. As a Gold Circle member, you’ll enjoy:

• FWB Updates with behind-the-scenes stories to keep you informed.

• Exclusive Studio Rehearsal Access for Two: see The Nutcracker in Process and A Midsummer Night’s Dream in Process.

• Invitations to pre- and post-performance receptions with dancers and FWB team.

• Special Recognition in the annual report and playbills.

CIRCLE OF GIVING ($1-499)

The Circle

As a member of Fort Wayne Ballet’s Circle, we truly value your support. Your generosity sustains our mission and ensures that professional ballet continues to flourish in Fort Wayne— inspiring, educating, and connecting through dance.

FWB Circle ($1–$499)

Thank You for Stepping into the Circle.

• Your support helps bring ballet to life in Fort Wayne. As a Circle member, you’ll enjoy:

• FWB Updates with behind-the-scenes stories to keep you informed.

• Invitations to select post-performance receptions with dancers and FWB team.

• Recognition on our website and in the playbill.

RECOGNIZING OUR PAST CAMPAIGNS:

BOLD MOVES - CAPITAL CAMPAIGN

Just as the city and region have advanced positioning Fort Wayne nationally and internationally as a city on the rise, Fort Wayne Ballet has matured, emerging as an exceptional jewel and example of the region’s excellence. Positioned as a top 35 Ballet Company in the United States and recognized as a company of note and growing importance throughout the dance world internationally, FWB is excited to unveil its plans to elevate the organization further and enhance Fort Wayne’s reputation as a city on the rise.

This continued ascent is possible through Bold Moves and our comprehensive campaign of aggressively pursuing a series of goals. These include:

Establishing a world-class space: Elevating Fort Wayne Ballet’s ability to engage its dancers and students at the highest level requires an innovative and exceptional space. This facility must include safe and state-of-the-art athletic spaces, including sprung Marley floors, appropriately sized barres and mirrors, and a space to incorporate intimate audiences fully enveloped in the performance process.

Advancing the National Platform: Elevating the Company and expanding programming to include regional, national, and international touring and presenting.

Building Frameworks for Tomorrow: Expanding training and engaging youth and the community through excellence in movement, the Auer Academy offers classes for children of all ages through adulthood as well as offering National Dance Institute-credited classes at the Boys and Girls Club and local YMCAs locations. Fort Wayne Ballet’s Auer Academy is among one of the few schools in the nation to be fully accredited in the American Ballet Theatre National Training Curriculum.

Bold Moves is supported by:

McMillen Foundation

English, Bonter, Mitchell Foundation

Wilson Foundation

KGB FUND - ARTISTIC CAMPAIGN

The KGB fund was established in 2023 in honor of the incredible growth at Fort Wayne Ballet initiated by Karen Gibbons-Brown in 1998…and continued legacy into the future! All funds raised directly benefit artistic initiatives for our upcoming strategic plan.

We thank those who have already made significant contributions to the KGB Fund, raising $250,000+ to date:

Matt Bierbaum

Rick & Keley Brown

Ron Dick

Geoff & Betsy Gephart

Dr. Robert & Connie Godley

Mike & Gretchen Gouloff

Hope Huber

Dr. Scott & Anne Karr

Barry & Carol Labov

Byron & Shelby Lamm

Carol Lupke

David Lupke

Dr. Michael & Jeanne Mirro

Kathy Rogers

Morrie Sanderson & Amanda Kinneman

John Sparrow & Cari Dawson

Matt & Susan Wojewuczki

Dr. Judy & Steven Zacher