The Westport Country Playhouse is renaming its entire campus after Weston resident Howard J. Aibel who donated $3 million for theater operations and to establish an endowment, it was announced today.
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Howard J. Aibel: “a rich and grand experience.” Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
The campus will now be called The Howard J. Aibel Theater Center at Westport Country Playhouse.
“His generosity of spirit and his deep understanding of the needs of non-profit sustainability are now evident in the tremendous generosity of this extraordinary gift,” said Mark Lamos, Playhouse artistic director.
“This is not only financial sustenance; it is spiritual sustainability, his belief now enabling us to create the highest level of work,” he added.
Aibel, vice chairman of the Playhouse’s board of trustees, lauded the theater, saying, ““I have found live theater to be life transformative.
“Being a supporter of Westport Country Playhouse has been a rich and grand experience,” said Aibel, a retired dispute resolution attorney.
To date, $1 million of Aibel’s gift has been fulfilled, with $500,000 is designated for current operations; $500,000 in working capital reserve. A bequest of $2 million to establish the endowment is being held in an irrevocable trust, Playhouse officials said.
“The importance of Howard’s gift establishing an endowment can’t be overstated,” said Michael Barker, Playhouse managing director. “While there is still work to do, for the first time in our 87-year history, we can begin to envision a sustainable Playhouse.”
Aibel is chairman emeritus of the Alliance of Resident Theatres/NY, a theatrical arts service and advocacy organization for the not-for-profit theater industry in New York. In addition to serving on the Westport Country Playhouse board of trustees, he is a former Weston Conservation Commission member and a trustee emeritus of Sacred Heart University of Fairfield
“Howard continues to be a champion of the Playhouse’s planned giving program,” said Barbara Streicker, Playhouse board chairwoman. “His gift opens an important new chapter in inspiring others to preserve their legacy by including the Playhouse in their estate plans and investing in its future.”
