Leadership Giving

and we want to grow. But our canvas—the acoustic space— is what we lack. The Wareham Hall project represents an opportunity to host diverse, popular events in the heart of a thriving district, impacting the lives and livelihoods of thousands. By addressing the pressing need for performance venues, this project is more than a building renovation; it's a chance to elevate the quality of life for our community and redefine Manhattan as a cultural destination.

If a re-imagined Wareham Hall began programming quality shows on a regular basis, nearby shops, restaurants, and hotels would benefit. There are plenty of quintessential college towns in the United States where a downtown with a vibrant theater lives in harmony with the campus performing arts space. With communication and teamwork of all arts leaders in Manhattan, such an arrangement could work here and provide tremendous community impact.

There is so much untapped potential for Manhattan to enhance its arts and music scene and offer a greater diversity of options to accommodate our growing community. Performers need an inspiring canvas, and musicians deserve a stage. The scene calls for a home. Wareham Hall could undoubtedly become that home; and I can't wait for the day to perform on that historic stage.

and create additional spin-off benefits - a cultural shift for Manhattan.

...More spaces for the arts and performance are essential; they grant us access to the creative soul of our community.

while also providing opportunities for events that can enhance the community and attract visitors to support our local economy.

Live music, particularly by artists familiar to me, makes me happier than nearly anything else. Why must I travel 60 - 150 miles to enjoy this? Plus, depending on location, add hundreds of dollars for lodging, gas, and meals. The Wareham can be just as stunning, versatile, and functional as Midland, Uptown, and Orpheum theaters, all of which we have visited recently. We purchase McCain tickets too, but those events are not year round. Renovation of the Wareham will not only serve Manhattan residents, but will become a draw for those outside our fair city.

K-State has McCain, but I feel like the Wareham has the potential to appeal to a younger demographic and help foster a stronger reason to stay in Manhattan if done right.

The Wareham is one of the most iconic symbols of Manhattan. It's the focal point of downtown and our community as a whole, and it's a shame how underutilized the entire building is. What was once a special place people couldn't wait to go inside is now merely a backdrop for people to pass by on their way to dinner. This project is well overdue because the Wareham should be more than a symbol, it should be the source of joy, inspiration, and wonder for people of all ages with varying interests. That's why Manhattan needs a state-of-the-art live performance and entertainment venue like this.

People leave this town because there's ‘nothing to do’. We need to create opportunities to get out of the house on weekends when there's not home football games.