Project for $53M theater hits fundraising milestone

NAPLES — The Next Stage Capital Campaign, behind a $53 million project to build a new home and facility for Gulfshore Playhouse in Naples, recently met a major goal: reaching $10 million in gifts and pledges, which kicks in a matching $10 million donation.

The $10 million match challenge is from philanthropists and Broadway producers Patty and Jay Baker, which they made in 2016. In addition to the Bakers, lead donations include a recent significant gift from Naples philanthropists and Broadway producers Sandi and Tom Moran, longtime supporters of arts in the area, according to a statement. Another noteworthy pledge is from downtown Naples developer Phil McCabe.  Pledges and donations from several dozen other areas donors, including the Wynn Family, round out the matching gifts, the release states.