A dinner-and-auction fundraiser to benefit the Crump Theatre and the Tony Stewart Foundation originally slated next month will be rescheduled for the spring.
Organizers of what was to be “Tony’s Christmas at the Crump” originally set for Dec. 5 said a new title and date will come sometime later, when more is known about the local impact of the COVID-19 pandemic that caused the holiday date of the event to be postponed.
The concept will be to split proceeds evenly between the foundation that helps everyone from ill children to abused animals and the drive to save and refurbish the 131-year-old art deco venue on Third Street in downtown Columbus.
Jessica Schnepp, volunteering lead project coordinator for the Crump, conceived of a 1920s-oriented, Gatsby-style event and approached Erica Raisor, director of the Tony Stewart Foundation, about a fundraiser a few months ago. Schnepp has worked with the Columbus auto racer’s foundation before on behalf of her other role as community development coordinator for the Bartholomew Consolidated School Foundation.
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Schnepp mentioned that working together “just seemed like a good, natural fit” for a fundraiser.
“Now we’ll have to wait and see how the pandemic plays out,” Schnepp said. “And we’ll be looking at Tony’s schedule and seeing if and when he might be available.”
Raisor carefully mentioned that, because of the Stewart’s busy schedule, organizers cannot guarantee his attendance. But they are hoping there will be a way to safely have some 200 attendees, with part of the proceedings such as the event’s meal possibly under a tent near the venue.
“And we’d love to hit the six-figure mark,” Schnepp said.
Both she and Raisor said that Stewart values the Crump and its place in local history.
“I do know that the Crump is near and dear to his heart,” Raisor said.
She added that original plans were to sell tickets priced in the $100-per-person range and include live music and a raffle.
In the latest development regarding its refurbishing, Schnepp met days ago with structural engineers from Arsee Engineering of Fishers who were assessing the building. The firm also has been a part of efforts since 2018 to repair and refurbish the tower at First Christian Church.
“This is one of the key next steps moving forward — knowing the current physical status of the building,” Schnepp said of the Crump. “And this will help us know what our future options are.”
Though the fundraiser has been delayed, Raisor said she hoped to have a financial donation option related to the event on the tonystewartfoundation.org website within the next few days.
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Leaders of the Tony Stewart Foundation hope to have a donation button added soon to their website at tonystewartfoundation.org for a planned Crump Theatre fundraiser in the spring.
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