RBTL ANNOUNCES FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE FOR ONGOING PERFORMING ARTS CENTER RENOVATIONS AND RESTORATIONS
Rochester, NY – The Rochester Broadway Theatre League (RBTL) announced today the formation of its Fundraising Committee, amid ongoing West Herr Performing Arts Center renovations and restorations. The group consists of well-known and influential individuals within the Rochester community. All of those involved understand and appreciate the importance of the arts and live entertainment as an enhancement to quality of life. Each are committed to helping RBTL insure a vibrant and viable future for the arts in Greater Rochester. RBTL is proud to introduce the fundraising team Co-Chairs and Ambassadors:
Co-Chairs:
- Daniel Burns – Executive Vice President & Regional President, M&T Bank
- Trish Nilsen – President & CEO, RG&E and NYSEG
Ambassadors:
- Anthony Daniele – President, Daniele Family Companies
- Asher Flaum – Associate Real Estate Broker, Flaum Management Company
- Herb Escher – CEO, Dale Carnegie Northeast
- Andre Langston – President & CEO, WDKX
- Theresa Marsenburg – Evening News Anchor, WROC-TV News 8
- Naomi Silver – President, CEO & COO, Rochester Community Baseball, Inc.
The Fundraising Committee will work to secure funding for RBTL’s ongoing renovation and restoration projects at the West Herr Performing Arts Center, which focus on enhancing accessibility and the theatre-going experience for both patrons and performers. Overall, renovations will cost an estimated $75 million. It is RBTL’s goal to raise $35 million of that from within the Rochester region. In addition to local outreach, RBTL is working with the New York State Assembly and Senate, the Federal Government and Empire State Development to obtain available funds. Renovations are also being funded by operating surplus, sponsorships and Rochester-area foundations. $14 million has already been committed to date.
“The support from the Rochester community has been gratifying beyond explanation,” said RBTL CEO and Board Chairman, Arnie Rothschild. “Starting with West Herr, and every member of our state delegation, the City of Rochester, and so many others. The encouragement is both humbling and inspiring.”
Phase One of renovations and restorations continues to make progress at the West Herr Performing Arts Center. It includes major accessibility and adaptability construction in the form of elevator access to the second-floor balcony and loge in the West Herr Auditorium Theatre and reconfiguring the main floor of the former Auditorium Center portion of the building. Also part of Phase One, was RBTL’s new operation of four area parking lots and restoration of several sets of historic brass doors, which had darkened over time due to oxidization. While both beautiful and historic, the complex as it sits, provides for many challenges. RBTL is partnering with Pike Construction Services, LaBella Associates, LeChase Construction and other community advisors to augment the existing Performing Arts Center spaces in the most optimal way. RBTL’s goal is to complete renovations by 2030, the building’s 100th anniversary.
The Auditorium complex, which is currently comprised of the West Herr Auditorium Theatre and West Herr Peforming Arts Center, was originally the Masonic Temple of Rochester, serving Masons across the Northeast. RBTL has owned the Auditorium Theatre portion since 2004 and purchased the remainder of the building in March of 2023. In addition to the main Theatre space, among other spaces, the complex also contains four former ceremonial meeting rooms. These rooms will be renovated and made available to community entities and will allow for the expansion of RBTL’s nationally-recognized and award-winning education programs. With improvements and forward thinking, the complex, including its nearly 2,500 seat venue, will be viable for generations to come.
“Rochester Broadway Theatre League’s new fundraising team draws on decades of experience from leaders across our community,” said Senator Jeremy Cooney. “I can’t wait to see what they accomplish and am excited for the planned renovations. RBTL means so much to our community and their plans will ensure that they’ll keep bringing world-class performances to Downtown Rochester for years to come.”
“The West Herr Auditorium Theatre and Performing Arts Center is a cultural hub and economic engine for Rochester, gathering residents and visitors alike,” said Rochester Mayor Malik D. Evans. “I look forward to the restoration and renovation so that it can expand its impact and accessibility and continue to add vibrancy to our city for generations to come.”
Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Bob Duffy said, “Rochester Broadway Theatre League has a rich history of bringing Broadway shows to Rochester, and these performances have had a strong positive impact on restaurants and other neighboring businesses in our city. As the home of RBTL, West Herr Auditorium Theatre is an important hub of cultural and economic activity at the heart of our region. We are grateful to West Herr for their generosity and investment in our community, and wholeheartedly support RBTL in their fundraising endeavors as they help to continue the legacy of performing arts in Greater Rochester.”
“Vibrant performing arts centers have a proven record of attracting out of town visitors,” said Visit Rochester President and CEO, Don Jeffries. “Visit Rochester wholeheartedly supports this effort as an economic engine for our community. It will bring out of town visitors who use our hotels, restaurants, museums and cultural attractions and will bring new dollars into our community.”
ABOUT THE FUNDRAISING TEAM CO-CHAIRS:
Dan Burns joined M&T Bank 37 years ago as part of the bank’s Management Development Program. He was named Regional President of M&T Bank’s Rochester division in 2004. He also has responsibility for Middle Market and Commercial Real Estate for Upstate NY, Pennsylvania, Canada and Florida, along with functional oversight of M&T’s other business lines. In addition, Dan manages the M&T Charitable Foundation, which donates close to $1.5M to over 200 organizations in the Rochester area. Dan serves on the boards of Greater Rochester Enterprise, NextCorps, CMAC, ROC 2025 and the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce. He is a Board Member for the University of Rochester Medical Center. Dan has a BBA in Finance from St. Bonaventure and an MBA from the Simon School at the University of Rochester.
Trish Nilsen serves as President and Chief Executive Officer for Rochester Gas and Electric (“RG&E”) and New York State Electric & Gas (“NYSEG”). Ms. Nilsen has held various positions within NYSEG and RG&E since she joined the company in 1992. Most recently, she served as Avangrid Networks’ Vice President, Reliability Assurance and Emergency Preparedness, which included electric and natural gas emergency event response and served as a COVID liaison for the business. Her prior experience in the Companies was serving in Communications, Customer Service, Public Affairs and Human Resources capacities. Ms. Nilsen received a Bachelor of Science from Alfred University, and a Master of Arts from Syracuse University and from Elmira College.
ABOUT THE FUNDRAISING TEAM AMBASSADORS:
Anthony Daniele grew up in Pittsford, New York and is a graduate from Pittsford Sutherland High School and continued his education at Auburn University where he earned his bachelor’s degree in International Business, with minors in Finance and Spanish. Professionally, Anthony, alongside his brother Danny and father Mario is the owner and operator of Daniele Family Companies, a conglomerate of businesses and real estate holdings including, Southpoint and Westpoint Marinas and developers of apartments, retail plazas and residential properties in New York and Florida. The Daniele Family prides themselves on the company culture. In 2021, the Royal Car Wash Company was sold to a National Brand. In addition to his involvement with the Daniele Family Companies, Anthony has served as a Monroe County Legislator from 2008 – 2017 representing the 10th Legislative District. Anthony was elected by his peers first as Majority Leader and then President of the Legislative body. In 2017, Anthony left elected office due to term limits.
With a career spanning over two decades in leadership development and corporate training, Herb Escher is renowned for his unwavering commitment to empowering individuals and organizations to achieve their full potential. As the CEO of Dale Carnegie of Upstate NY, and the Greater Boston Region, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Long Island, he has catalyzed transformative change in the business landscape. Herb’s journey into the realm of professional development began with a passion for understanding human behavior and psychology. He embarked on a mission to leverage his knowledge to drive meaningful change in the corporate world. Herb has held various executive positions throughout his career, each contributing to his holistic understanding of organizational dynamics and leadership principles. His relentless pursuit of excellence and innovation has earned him recognition as a thought leader in the field of leadership development. Under Herb’s visionary leadership, his Dale Carnegie regions have experienced unprecedented growth and success. His strategic insights and ability to adapt to evolving market trends have positioned the organization as a trusted partner for businesses seeking to enhance their leadership capabilities and foster a culture of excellence. Beyond his professional endeavors, Herb is deeply committed to giving back to the community. He actively volunteers his time and expertise to mentor aspiring
leaders and support initiatives to empower underprivileged individuals. Herb Escher’s dedication to inspiring positive change and driving organizational success is a testament to his unwavering passion for leadership development and his firm belief in every individual’s potential to make a difference.
Asher Flaum has served as a key contributor to Flaum Management Company since 2002 and brings a depth of real estate experience including property management, operations, tenant relations, leasing and development. He has been involved in numerous real estate deals involving both local and national companies. Asher is a licensed Associate Real Estate Broker from Syracuse University with a Bachelor of Science degree and was a member of the 2000 Men’s Lacrosse National Championship Team. Mr. Flaum is a member of the NYS Commercial Association of Realtors, the International Council of Shopping Centers and National Association of Realtors.
Andre Langston is the President and CEO of WDKX Radio in Rochester, which was one of the first Black-owned radio stations in New York. Andre has been influential in the tremendous growth the station has seen over the last several years. WDKX was founded by his parents, Andrew and Gloria Langston. After years of successful operation, they turned the responsibility of the station over to Andre more than a decade ago. In a recent interview with WROC-TV News 8, Andre explained, “My dad said I need you and that’s why I’m still here, my dad still needs me. I keep his dream alive and my mom’s too because this station wouldn’t be here without her. They were a great team.”
Theresa Marsenburg moved to Rochester in 2022 from Tallahassee, Florida to serve as Evening News Anchor at WROC-TV News 8. Theresa is a trusted, experienced and award-winning journalist. As a veteran TV journalist, Theresa has produced numerous stories involving children and families, education, health care and social services. She is committed to elevating the voices and stories of African Americans and those who are often forgotten, misunderstood or ignored. Theresa’s work has garnered two National Association of Black Journalists Salute to Excellence Awards In 2013, she won NABJ Best Documentary for “Florida’s Underground Railroad,” and in 2009 NABJ Best Documentary for “When Babies Die”. The compelling storyteller also won a 2018 Telly Award for her documentary about Alzheimer’s Disease and a 2021 Suncoast Regional Emmy for co-producing a film about the invisible history of enslaved people in North Florida. Theresa earned a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications from St. John’s University in Jamaica, New York. The native of Ohio has held various professional newsroom positions at commercial and public television stations in Atlanta, Georgia, Dayton, Ohio, Parkersburg, West Virginia and Tallahassee, Florida.
Naomi Silver is the President, CEO, and COO for the Rochester Community Baseball, Inc. She currently serves as a Board member on the Rochester Downtown Development Corporation, the Joseph Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center, the United Way Governance Committee, MCC Foundation, United Way, First Niagara Bank, and is the officer and former chair for the Boys and Girls Club of Rochester. Naomi has won many awards including the Woman of Excellence in 2023 and the ICON Award in 2019.
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