The Liberace Foundation Board of Directors announced on April 30, 2009 reorganization due to the current economic climate with the goal of keeping the Liberace legacy of showmanship and scholarship vibrant and moving forward for years to come.

 

“Like many non-profit organizations, the Board has had to review its business model and is prepared to move forward in an affirmative direction,” says Jack Rappaport, Chair of the Liberace Foundation Board of Directors.  “We recently announced a new partnership with Exhibits Development Group of St. Paul, Minn. that will tour portions of the Liberace collection beginning in 2010.  On April 15, we celebrated a major milestone with the 30^th anniversary of the Liberace Museum, and we are excited to be involved with several large scale theatrical, film and tribute productions that will require significant emphasis in the areas of licensing and intellectual property management to maximize potential revenue from these sources,” added Rappaport.

 

The Board continues to seek private support through its Liberace Museum memberships and gifts to the Liberace Foundation. As dedicated volunteers, Board members are now more directly involved with the daily operations in these areas and to continue operation of the Liberace Museum.

 

Additionally due to the reorganization, R. Darin Hollingsworth, who had served as the senior most full-time staff person, has stepped down from his executive role with the Foundation and is pursuing other opportunities. “Darin has served the Liberace Foundation for the past three years with passion and enthusiasm, and we wish him the best in his future endeavors,” Rappaport added. 

 

“Wishing only the best for the organization, the Board of Directors of the Liberace Foundation is composed of generous and enthusiastic individuals who collectively will most certainly keep the Liberace legacy alive and thriving,” said Hollingsworth.

 

The Board plans to increase its efforts in pursuing private donations and funding to keep the legacy of Liberace alive through the Liberace collection and the very successful Liberace scholarship program that to date has awarded over $5.5 million to students in the performing and creative arts throughout the U.S.  

 

Individuals or corporations interested in contributing to the Liberace Foundation or for more information may contact Jack A. Rappaport, Chair, Board of Directors Liberace Foundation, jack@liberace.org, visit the website at www.Liberace.org, or call 702-798-5595

 

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