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Walton Family Foundation Challenge Grant
Moves RLT Closer to Campaign Goal

At a press conference held at the Victory Theater in Rogers on Friday, the Rogers Little Theater formally announced that they are the recipients of a $750,000 challenge grant from the Walton Family Foundation. This donation is a major part of RLT's ongoing capital campaign RLT to secure the future of the organization. RLT is attempting to raise a total of $2 million dollars to pay off its financial obligations on the Victory Theater and secure its future.

Speaking on behalf of the Walton Family Foundation, Rob Brothers, President of Arvest Bank in Rogers, said " For 21 years, Rogers Little Theater has added to the quality of life in this community---to ensure that it continues to do so, the Walton Family Foundation is pleased to offer this challenge grant as part of a unique public/private partnership which will help to secure the future of this organization. One of the four distinct areas that the Foundation concentrates on is Northwest Arkansas, where the Foundation is committed to investing in the people who welcomed the Walton family into their community nearly 60 years ago."

Dick Barclay, Chair of the RLT Board of Directors, thanked the Foundation and announced that the campaign is well on its way to meeting the challenge grant, having currently secured commitments of approximately $525,000 toward the $750,000 goal.

Rogers Mayor Steve Womack discussed his intentions regarding a plan within which the City of Rogers would assume ownership of the Theater building for the price of $500,000 contingent upon RLT raising the remainder of their goal. The city would then lease it back to the RLT. Mayor Womack said of the plan that "The Victory Theater is not only a vital part of Historic Downtown Rogers, it represents a commitment to the performing arts in our city--key to building a quality of life that uniquely distinguishes Rogers from other cities. We consider this partnership critical to securing the Victory's future!"

The Rogers Little Theater was organized in 1986 as a community theater by a group of citizens interested in promoting the arts in Northwest Arkansas. RLT purchased and renovated the old, decaying Victory Theater and moved in November 2001. Its 2007-08 MainStage dinner theater season includes "To Kill a Mockingbird," "Bye, Bye Birdie," and "My Fair Lady." They follow an incredible 2006-2007 season which featured "A Few Good Men" and "Annie," which performed to a record number of young people. RLT annually offers programs and services to individuals from all socio-economic backgrounds. Each year, approximately 90 actors, between 450-500 volunteers and approximately 7,000 audience members participate in RLT events.