2017 – 2018 ANNUAL REPORT

Luther F. Carson Four Rivers Center

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The Luther F. Carson Four Rivers Center (Carson Center) is a regional nonprofit

performing arts center overlooking the confluence of the Ohio and Tennessee Rivers in

Paducah, Kentucky. The “Four Rivers” in the official name refers to the Ohio,

Tennessee, Cumberland, and Mississippi rivers and surrounding region.

Since the Carson Center opened in February 2004, through June 30, 2018, over 1.7

million people of all ages from every state in the nation have enjoyed performances

and events at the Carson Center, one of the most impressive performing arts facilities

in the nation. Founders devoted 10 years to dreaming, planning, designing, and

raising the funds to build the facility. With its 10-story fly loft and magnificent glass and

brick façade – the Carson Center is a landmark in historic downtown Paducah and the

cornerstone of a vibrant arts community. The Carson Center is a beautiful, versatile,

and comfortable facility with 97,750 sq.-ft. on two levels. The 1,806-seat theatre

includes a main floor and two balconies. Superb staging and nonpareil acoustics

complement an exquisite venue.

The Carson Center mission is “to enhance the quality of life of the adults and children

of the Four Rivers region and beyond by providing diverse programming through public

and private events that will entertain and educate for years to come.” While most of

our audiences come from throughout western Kentucky and parts of Illinois, Missouri,

Tennessee, and Indiana – the Carson Center is a gathering place for people from

throughout the country, and even other nations. Residents of 41 states, the District of

Columbia, and Ontario purchased tickets during our 2017-2018 season.

Some of the world’s most accomplished performing artists sing, dance, act, and

entertain on our stage. We present a broad variety of performances in our five

different series of performances: Broadway, Carson, US Bank Family, Class Acts

Education, and Myre. Other presenters increase the number and variety of

performances. The Paducah Symphony Orchestra presents its main stage season at

the Carson Center, and we consider it our orchestra-in-residence. Educating,

entertaining, and inspiring audiences through the performing arts is our primary

mission. Beyond that, the Carson Center brings communities together by renting our

theatre, lobbies, rooms, and terrace for high school proms and graduations, wedding

receptions, seminars, corporate and economic development functions.

For more information: Carson Center

100 Kentucky Avenue

Paducah KY 42003

(270) 443-9932

thecarsoncenter.org

Statement from the Chairman of the Carson Center Board

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Friends and Supporters of the Carson Center,

I am pleased to report that the 2017 -18 fiscal year was one of the very best we have

ever experienced at the Carson Center. As always, we witnessed outstanding

performances from talented performers in front of large, enthusiastic crowds. Those

things translated into great financial results as your Carson Center finished with a gain

from operations and support of $127,058.

We introduced Mary Katz as our new Executive Director in October, and she hit the

ground running. As you know, Mary has been a part of the Carson Center family since

its inception, and her passion for the center and the arts is infectious. The transition to

her leadership was well received by our staff and our patrons, and she has done an

outstanding job to help us achieve these results.

The Board of Directors and the management team of the Carson Center continue to

look to the future. Our facility will be 15 years old by the time you receive this letter,

and as with any structure, it requires more resources to maintain and update. In fact,

you may have noticed several projects throughout the past year completed around the

facility we all enjoy. Our Board of Directors is committed to maintaining and improving

the experience the Carson Center provides to all of our visitors.

We also look to the future regarding improved ways to reach our patrons. Those

would include new technology, programming, and communication, to name a few.

Under the leadership of our new Chair, Roy Riley, we are excited about what the future

holds. Roy is a great leader, and I know the Carson Center will grow and prosper

under his leadership.

It has been my honor to serve as Chair of the Carson Center Board of Directors for

several years. I would like to personally thank all of you for the opportunity to do so and

the support and encouragement you have provided. As always, I want you to know

how important your support is to the current and future success of the Carson Center.

Barry A. Smith, Chairman

Carson Center Board of Directors

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Board of Directors & Carson Center Staff

2018-2019 Officers:

Roy Riley, Chair

Paula Connell, Vice Chair

Sandra Wilson, Vice Chair

Edward Hely, Secretary

Emerson Goodwin, At-Large Executive Committee

Mike Livingston, At-Large Executive Committee

Clay Howerton – Ex-Officio

Committee Chairs:

Investment – Paula Bright Connell

Fundraising: Events and Planned Giving –

Roy Riley and Barry Smith

Mary Katz, Executive Director

Jeff Foreman, Operations Director

Lisa Lauck, Marketing Director

Josh Morehead, Education Director

Craig Rothwell, Finance Director

Debbie Wattier, Development Director

2017-2018 Board of Directors:

Barry Smith, Chair *

Paula Connell, Vice Chair *

Roy Riley, Vice Chair *

Sandra Wilson, Secretary *

Dr. Ted Borodofsky, Chair Emeritus

Jamey Brown

Tom DeCillis

Basil Drossos

Alex Edwards

Emerson Goodwin

Paul Gourieux

Frances Hamilton

Edward Hely

Clay Howerton

Beth Hunt

Jan Keen

Mike Livingston *

Mark Meisenheimer

Linda Miller, CPA

Don Peck

Dona Rains

Mariowen Reed

Michael Stone* * - Executive Committee

Ex-Officio:

Roger Truitt*

Judge Bob Leeper

Mayor Brandi Harless

Kelli Smith, Administrative Coordinator

Bill Fox, Building Services Manager

Andrea James, Box Office Supervisor

Leigh Judd, Box Office Manager

Rhonda Lee, Senior Accountant

Joe Searcy, Production Manager

Liz Walker, Events Supervisor

Carson Center Full-Time Staff

Directors Emeritus:

Dr. Ted Borodofsky, Chair Emeritus

Pat Geveden

Anne Gwinn

Judge J. William Howerton

Thomas Matheus (deceased)

Jerry Page

David Perry

Joe Powell

Scott Powell

Barry Smith, Chair Emeritus

Michael Stone, Chair Emeritus

John Williams Sr., Chair Emeritus

Statement from the Executive Director of the Carson Center

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Carson Center Friends and Family,

Thank you for making 2018 yet another remarkable year for The Carson Center! This

year marked a season of change for the organization. It was my first year as your

Executive Director and what an exciting yet challenging year it was! Our dedicated staff

did an incredible job of making a smooth transition to new leadership. With vibrant new

energy, the team worked hard at expanding our outreach while strengthening our

programs and services. It was a successful year thanks also to an incredibly talented,

engaged, and diligent board of directors who care deeply and who hold me accountable.

My relationship with the Board and Staff is strong, and together we are strategic,

proactive, and committed to the long-term success of your Carson Center.

We have once again been able to deliver a surplus to budget while staying focused on

our non-profit mission. Our mission is to enhance the quality of life in the Four Rivers

region as a leader in presenting exceptional live performances and cultural experiences

that are entertaining, educational and economically beneficial for our community. This

statement underscores the role the Carson Center plays in providing joy, beauty, and

substantial economic activity to our community.

A few highlights from our 2017-18 season included a stellar Broadway Season with 8

performances and over 12,000 in attendance. We added a new Education Director,

Josh Morehead who is helping to administer our education and family programs and

activities and who is using his many talents to plan our 2019 Party For A Purpose. We

made enhancements to our building and grounds including the replacement of the front

windows and a new roof over the main theater. We created a fresh new logo that is

representative of our vibrant programming and world class facility. Patrons can enjoy

an updated Membership program that makes annual giving through Membership

cumulative for recognition.

This year alone with the generous support of 54 business and individual sponsorships,

we presented 8 Broadway musicals, 11 concerts and variety acts including ZZ Top, The

Beach Boys and Little River Band, 17 children and family performances, and two

summer camps. We rented our spaces for 260 events, our volunteers logged over

5,000 hours; and 113,265 people enjoyed our beautiful Carson Center. We look forward

to seeing our 2,000,000th visitor in 2019, the year we celebrate the Carson Center’s

15th anniversary. All of these activities resulted in an extraordinary year and we

finished with a $127,058 surplus from operations and support. I am deeply grateful to

Barry Smith, the parting chairman of our board for the encouragement and support that

he gave me throughout my first year. I look forward to working with Roy Riley, our new

Chairman, to deliver you a successful 2019.

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Our ongoing goal is to keep our overhead low while increasing our service to the

community, and you make this possible! The Carson Center is stronger than ever due

to our continually expanding community of patrons, who come together to enjoy our

activities, donate time, resources, and talent in support of our essential mission. It is this

spirit and commitment that is the lifeblood of the Carson Center and that is vital to her

ongoing success. On behalf of the Board and Staff, we thank you!

Sincerely,

Mary E. Katz

Statement from the Executive Director of the Carson Center (cont.)

Growth and Investment Results of the Endowment Fund

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The investment committee for the Carson Center Endowment Fund is pleased to

present the results for 2017-2018. The total return for the year ended June 30, 2018

was 8.16% net of all fees and expenses. The asset allocation at year end was 59.18%

equities, 36.78% fixed income or bonds, 1.41% alternatives and real estate, and 2.62%

cash. This allocation conforms to our current Investment Policy.

The committee has begun to increase allocation to fixed income slightly given the

robust returns in equity securities, keeping equities within desired boundaries and

increasing fixed income where opportunities present themselves. The summary of

activity for the year is as follows:

Our committee experienced change during the year and now consists of myself, Molly

Blythe, Clay Howerton, John Williams Jr., Ana Sredl, and Jim Conn.

The Maintenance and Enhancement fund had an ending balance of $187,986. We

distributed $96,725 from the M&E fund to replace glass in the front of the building, to

buy and install a new secure overhead door backstage, to repair the cooling tower and

replace electrical equipment, computers and LED lighting, along with some general

repairs and enhancements.

Respectfully submitted,

Paula Bright Connell

Chair, Investment Committee

Beginning Balance

Donations/Deposits

Distributions

sub-total

Adjusted to FMV

End Balance

$11,352,704

$706,623

$ (556,362)

$11,502,965

$ 916,490

$12,419,455

Giving Opportunities & Sponsorships

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DISCOVER THE PART YOU WANT TO PLAY AT THE CARSON CENTER

Play a leading role: The Carson Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit performing arts

organization. Approximately 35% of our annual funding comes from Memberships,

Sponsorships, fundraising events, grants, and a variety of contributions. Generous

people make it possible for us to present world-class performing artists; and to provide

stellar arts-education experiences for children, youth, and adults. Your support is

always essential to our ability to provide the life-changing power of the performing arts

to people of all ages and socioeconomic backgrounds in the Four Rivers region.

Start or Renew Your Annual Carson Center Membership: Through our annual giving

program (“Memberships”) , all Members can buy tickets before performances go on

sale to the public. Additional benefits (which increase with each gift level) include by-

invitation-only experiences and special recognition.

Sponsor a Performance, Series of Performances, or Fundraising Event:

Businesses, organizations, families, and individuals sponsor performances, an entire

performance series, arts-education programs, and fundraising events.

Give to the Endowment : “Set the Stage” for audiences of the future through

contributions to the endowment fund.

Contribute to Special Programs that Support The Carson Center Mission, which is:

“To enhance the quality of life in the Four Rivers region as a leader in presenting

exceptional live performances and cultural experiences that are entertaining,

educational, and economically beneficial for our community.”

Join the Legacy Society of patrons who make bequests to The Carson Center through

wills, life insurance, retirement plans, and other estate planning . If you already have

made a bequest, please notify us.

Name a Seat: Place your name on one or more seats in the Main Theatre – or honor

family members, friends, or remember loved ones.

Memorial and Honorary Gifts: Comfort a family by making a gift to the Carson Center in

memory of a loved one. Or, honor people by making gifts in their names on birthdays,

anniversaries, retirements, and other special occasions.

Please call Debbie Wattier at (270) 443-9932 to select the part(s) you want to play at

your Carson Center.

Legacy Society

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The Legacy Society honors generous patrons who are setting the stage for audiences of

the future with bequests to The Carson Center through wills, life insurance, retirement

plans, and other estate planning. For more information, please call Debbie Wattier at (270)

443-9932.

Founder

Jerry & Sara Page

Dr. Charles and Linda Shields

Patron

Jim DeCillis

Tom DeCillis

The Edwin J. Paxton Family Foundation

Lee and Sharon Powell

Conductor

Ted and Suzanne Borodofsky

FNB Bank

Milton M. "Mike" Livingston Jr. and

Barbara B. Livingston

Mr. and Mrs. Robert P. Petter and Family

Steve and Nancy Powless

Star

Jim and Jackie Conn

Genie and Basil Drossos

Jeff and Terri Holland

Beth and Kenny Hunt

Brian and Mary Katz

Shirley Trail Lanier

Drs. Carl and Polly LeBuhn

Randy and Andrea Orr

David and Carolyn Perry

Buddy and Mary Ann Upshaw

Stan and Missy Eckenberg

Brandon and Janet Morgan

Roy and Jennifer Riley

Roger and Jean Truitt

Gold

John and Kristin Williams

Edward and Lisa Hely

Jim and Brenda Brown

Lisa Lauck

Lars and Molly Blythe

Wendy Elrod

Jim and Amy Garrett

Debbie and Scott Powell

Barry and Amy Smith

Silver

Nancy K. Duff

Paul and Juliette Grumley

Danny and Norma Evitts

Mr. and Mrs. Jamey Brown

Bronze

Bill Ford

Ken and Jean Wheeler

Pewter

Sandra and Ed Wilson

Legacy Society

Gift Amount Range Confidential or

Pending

Mike and Caroline Cappock

Clyde Lawter

Jan C. and Larry W. Rudolph

Rex and Jackie Smith

Jean L. Truitt

Anita C. Williams

John and Vivian Williams

Mr. and Mrs. A.O. Wynn

And Chip Wynn

As of June 30, 2018

Encore Wall of Donors

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The Encore Wall honors patrons whose “repeat performances” in supporting The Carson

Center have reached cumulative giving levels beginning at $50,000. These generous and

caring patrons are “setting the stage” now and for generations to come. Cumulative

giving for Encore Wall recognition includes capital campaigns, endowment, and

Memberships; as well as donations (cash and marketable securities) that support The

Carson Center mission. Cumulative giving for Encore Wall recognition must include gifts

of $10,000 or more made after 2004. Or, all gifts can be made after 2004. The Encore

Wall changes over time as names are added for the first time and as names move up. To

learn more, please call Debbie Wattier at (270) 443-9932.

Benefactor

Jane and Louis Myre

Carson-Myre Charitable Foundation

Founder

Ingram Barge Company

J. Lane Peck

Patron

CSI

John and Vivian Williams

Conductor

Baptist Health

Myrick-Meriwether Family

Jerry and Sara Page

Joe and Nancy Powell

Dr. Charles and Linda Shields

Anonymous

Star

Banterra

Ted and Suzanne Borodofsky

Dr. Harry and Barbara Carloss

Paula and Don Connell

Dairyman’s Supply

Tom DeCillis

Norman and Mary Rose Greenberg

Louis Haas Family

Terry and Laura Haas

Mr. and Mrs. H.E. Katterjohn

Mercy Health

David and Carolyn Perry

Robertson Family

Bill and Meredith Schroeder

Joe and Nancy Powell / Lee and Sharon Powell

James Sanders Nursery

Rex and Jackie Smith

Gold

BB&T

Jim and Jackie Conn

Genie and Basil Drossos

Golden Eagle Distributing

Edward and Lisa Hely

Dr. and Mrs. Jeff Johnson

Dr. Laxmaiah and Chandrakala

Manchikanti

Linda A. Miller, CPA

Wally and Gerry Montgomery

Don O. and Martha Peck

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Petter and Family

Steve and Nancy Powless

Dauveen “Dean” and Joe Roper

Superior Care Home

Dwain and Mary Taylor

Roger and Jean Truitt

Buddy and Mary Ann Upshaw

As of June 30, 2018

Sponsorships & Grants: 2017-2018 Season

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* $1,000 & Up

*Sponsors

Series-Level Sponsors

Baptist Health Paducah

Computer Services Inc. (CSI)

Jackson Purchase Energy Corporation

Paducah & Louisville Railway

United Propane Gas

US Bank

Paducah Bank

Mercy Health Lourdes

Bacon Farmer Workman

Ingram Barge Company

Ronald McDonald House TriState

Performance/Event Sponsors

A&K Construction

Atmos Energy

Caring People Services

C-Plant Federal Credit Union

Colgan Orthodontics

Dialog Telecommunications

Dwain & Mary Taylor of Murray

First American Recovery & Recycle/Reigle Family

Geo Consultants

Harper Industries, Inc.

Harrah’s Metropolis

Independence Bank

James Marine

James Sanders Nursery

Jean L. Truitt and Family Arts-in-Education Initiatives

Linda A. Miller, CPA

Lone Oak Animal Clinic

Morningside Assisted Living

Paducah Dental Care

Paducah Water

Peel & Holland

Regions Bank

Roof Brothers Wine and Spirits

Rotary Club of Paducah

Strawberry Hills Pharmacy

Superior Care Home

Toyota of Murray

UBS / Brown Wealth Management Group

* Grant Support from:

Carson-Myre Charitable Foundation

City of Paducah

Downtown Kiwanis Club

Kentucky Arts Council

McCracken County Community

Career Endowment

National Endowment for the Arts

Rotary Club of Paducah

South Arts

Carson Center Members

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*This list includes Members at Principal level and above as of June 30, 2018.

2,500+

Dr. and Mrs. Ruben (Missy) Cuadrado

Jim DeCillis

Tom DeCillis

Kyle Katterjohn

Milton M. "Mike" Livingston, Jr. and Barbara

B. Livingston

Mark and Christy Meisenheimer

Sara and Jerry Page

Meredith Schroeder

Dr. and Mrs. Charles Shields

Mr. and Mrs. Roger Truitt

Buddy and Mary Ann Upshaw

John and Vivian Williams

$1,500+

Sue Chappell

David and Ann Denton

L.V. and Barbara McGinty

Drs. Landen and Van Meeks

Dr. and Mrs. Wally Montgomery

Wayne and Dee Morris

$1,000+

Genie and Basil Drossos

Mr. and Mrs. Alex (Nicole) Edwards

Dr. and Mrs. Patrick (Leigh Ann) Ellison

Dr. Halden Ford and Dr. Anita Fleenor Ford

Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Holland

Judge and Mrs. J. William Howerton

Roxie and Larry Jarvis

David Jones

Darrell and Reneé Massey

Mayfield Printing Company (Kim and Bob

Isbell)

Peg Riley

Mr. and Mrs. Curtis Runge

Tony and Nancy Williams

Anonymous

$500+

Col. and Mrs. Norm (Villa)

Aschenbrenner

Mr. and Mrs. Don (Renie) Barger

Bill Ford Interiors, Inc.

Suzanne and Ted Borodofsky

William Brown

Joe and Catherine Burkhead

Mr. and Mrs. Kirk (Natalie) Byrn III

Dr. and Mrs. Theodore Davies

Jeff and Sharon Douthitt

Elizabeth Edwards

Mr. and Mrs. Andy Elliott

Jennie and Butch Freels

Gene and Roberta Garfield

Mr. and Mrs. Ben Green

Mr. and Mrs. Gordon (Jane) Griffin

Leonard Guyette

Mr. and Mrs. Billy Harper, Harper

Industries

Jim and Peggy Horntrop

Mary Louise (Weezie) Katterjohn

Mr. and Mrs. Dan Key

Judge W. David King

Dr. and Mrs. John (Fran) Kraus

Johnnie and Paula Lee

Linda A. Miller, CPA

The Hon. Shea Nickell and Dr. Carolyn

Watson Nickell

Peggy Sabel Paxton

Mr. and Mrs. Paul Quayle

Drs. Tim and Jo Ranval

Kurt and Gail Ruga

Jerry and Linda Severns

Mr. and Mrs. Bill (Patty) Shannon

Mickey and Pamela Sirls

Eddie and Jerry Sullenger

Mr. and Mrs. Millard (Kim) Summarell

Dwain and Mary Taylor

Peggy Tripp

Mr. and Mrs. John Tveite

Dr. Sally West and Terry West

Tammy West

Clyde and Carolyn Wills

Regional Impact in 2017-2018

• Broadway, Carson, Myre & Family Series • 38 Performances

• 31,343 Total Attendees

• Attendees came from 41 states, District of Columbia, and Ontario

• Class Acts Education Series • 34 Performances

• 19,978 Total Attendees

• Use of the Facility • 272 Performances/Events

• Examples of Events: Proms & Graduations, Board Meetings & Company Annual Meetings, Weddings & Receptions, and Concerts

• Overall Demographics & Total Economic Impact based on Americans for the Arts Prosperity Calculator

• 113,867 Visitors

• Total Expenditures/Industry Impact = $11,447,768*

• FTE Jobs = 239*

• Local Government Revenue = $487,283*

• State Government Revenue = $1,304,299*

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Total Expenditures: The total dollars spent by a nonprofit arts and culture organization

and its audiences; event-related spending by arts and culture audiences is estimated

using the average dollars spent per person by arts event attendees in similarly populated

communities.

FTE Jobs: The total number of full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs in your community that are

supported by the expenditures made by the arts and culture organization and/or its

audiences. An FTE can be 1 full-time employee, 2 half-time employees, 4 employees who

work quarter-time, etc.

Government Revenue: The total dollars received by your local and state governments

(e.g. license fees, taxes) as a result of the expenditures made by the arts and culture

organization and/or its audiences.

*This report presents the findings and calculator from a study conducted in 2007

measuring the economic impact of the nonprofit arts and culture industry in Greater

Paducah, KY. It was published by Americans for the Arts in 2008.