We seek contributors at all levels who believe in the power of arts education and its place in our community.
We believe in the foundation that has been laid by those who have gone before us as they rescued a building, renovated it for dance, and established The Citadel Dance program.
It is our goal to support this program and secure its future in the Benton Harbor Arts District by raising the funds to purchase the building where it all began.
Thank you for your support!
History
Back in 1928, when the Salvation Army first laid the cornerstone of the building that would later become known as the Citadel, they inscribed it with a powerful message: “to the glory of God and the good of humanity”. With its architectural style reminiscent of St. James’ Palace in London, where the Queen Mother once resided, the building stood tall, as a symbol of hope and purpose. A purpose that was expanded in 1954, with the addition of a gymnasium, whose cornerstone reads “Dedicated to the youth”.
Despite its great purpose, the building faced it’s own trials when it was abandoned in the 1970s, where it waited silently until speculators bought it for $1 in 1991. The property sat deteriorating, until Eileen Cropley arrived with her vision of a new chapter for the building - a dance center that would breathe life back into its walls, giving it purpose once more. Renovations began in 1998, creating two magnificent studios that would become the home of the Citadel Dance Center.
During the renovations, classes and workshops were held in the Salvation Army space on Michigan Street, where a parallel story was unfolding as Director of Arts & Education, Susan Dietrich-Reed, was leading a flourishing music program.
In a serendipitous encounter in June 2008, Susan Dietrich-Reed crossed paths with Ken Ankli, owner of the Brammall Supply Company building on Water street, where they discussed the need for a new, larger space for the well-established and growing music program. Ankli welcomed the idea of renovating part of the building (formerly the Hill Ice Cream Co.) into a vibrant new space for the music program.
With their proximity in the burgeoning Benton Harbor Arts District, and their shared passion for Arts education, the Citadel Dance Center and music program found themselves walking the same path. That summer, Dietrich-Reed approached the Citadel board of directors with a proposal to merge the blossoming music program with the Citadel Dance Center. The board unanimously approved the proposal, and the Citadel Dance & Music Center was born.
Today, as we stand on the cusp of a new era for the Citadel, we invite you to join us in preserving its legacy and shaping its future. Together we can write the next chapter of this storied building-- one filled with vision and purpose.
About the Citadel
Over the past 25 years, The Citadel Dance & Music Center has been providing opportunities for thousands of diverse students to experience the life-enhancing benefits of dance and music training. As the only 501(C)(3) non-profit offering dance and music instruction in Southwest Michigan, the Citadel has been an anchor in the Benton Harbor Arts District, delivering programs that build confidence, enhance learning and memory, and foster an environment of creative expression. The Citadel currently provides year round instruction to nearly 300 students and has brought these benefits to thousands of families since its founding. The Citadel has 25 professional, experienced faculty who provide year round programming for all ages. In fact, Citadel students have gone on to college programs, and have had professional careers in dance and/or music.
Since its inception, the Citadel has worked with the Benton Harbor area schools to bring arts opportunities to the elementary, middle and high schools, as well as local private and charter schools. It has also provided programming for the Boys and Girls Club, the Readiness Center, Brookview Montessori, and Our Lady of the Lake. Many faculty members also work as artists-in-residence in local school districts and perform professionally. Collaborations, both past and present, include many local arts organizations such as The Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra, The Ghostlight Theatre, Children’s Music Workshop, The Lake Effect Jazz Big Band, Curious Kids Museum, local libraries, and other school districts and community colleges to broaden students’ awareness of the arts, encouraging students to be active, life-long patrons of the arts.
Levels of Giving and Incentives
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Encore $50,000+
Naming opportunities include the Main Studio and Greenspace.
Donors at this level also receive the opportunity to have a music ensemble perform at an event of their choice, or one month of music or dance lessons for yourself or a family member.
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Ovation $25,000+
Naming opportunities include the Oak Room Stage and Studio 3.
Donors at this level also receive the opportunity to have a music ensemble perform at an event of their choice, or one month of music or dance lessons for yourself or a family member.
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Bravo $10,000+
Naming opportunities inlcude the lobby and dressing rooms.
Donors at this level also receive the opportunity to have a music ensemble perform at an event of their choice, or one month of music or dance lessons for yourself or a family member.
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Applause $5,000+
Naming opportunities include the prominent windows in the Main Studio.
Donors at this level also receive the opportunity to have a music ensemble perform at an event of their choice, or one month of music or dance lessons for yourself or a family member. -
Concert $2,500+
Your name will appear on the dedication plaque in the vestibule at 91 Hinkley.
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Partner $1000+
You will be invited to the VIP reception and donor dance class.
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Crew Member $500+
Donors receive exclusive Citadel Merchandise
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Audience $100+
Donors receive website and playbill recognition.
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Friend of the Citadel $1-$99
Donors receive website recognition
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Encore
$50,000+
The Ankli Family
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Ovation
$25,000+
Carolyn Hanson
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Bravo
$10,000+
Upton Foundation
Chris & Katie Kwon
The Holmgren Family
Berrien Community Foundation
Schalon Foundation -
Applause
$5,000+
Sam Abdelnour
Dan & Jill Valenti -
Concert
$2,500+
Richard & Susan Westin
Susan Dietrich-Reed & Steven L. Reed
Tim Walls
Wales Wealth Management Group
Mason Jar Cafe -give back dinner -
Partner
$1,000+
Sven Erickson
Mia Gardner
Larry & Jenny Schanker
The Lorenz Family
Nancy Burch -
Crew Member
$500+
Amy & Jim Marohn
Jeff Kniete
Music Recital Donations
Anonymous Donor
Polya Baghelai
Fly Me to the Moon donations -
Audience
$100+
Mary Almer
Kali Abbott
Jim Roger
Kate Kohtz
Deborah Lester
Corey James
Lori Todd
Deb Kenyon
Sandra Fischer
Kraig & Kathryn Kirkdorfer
Gail Bruce
Craig Stepnicka
Barry & Laurianne Davis
Pearce Dupuis
Jack L. Fischer
Marilyn Kubath
Jon & Jennifer Fischer
Mr. & Mrs. Toan Pham
Liv Scherer
Kristin Harrington
Jackie Kenyon-Norwald
Marcy Simpson
Anonymous
Ron & JoAnn Klug
Paul Judge
Brennan Haase -
Friend of the Citadel
$1-$99
Erica Max
Priscilla Roberts
Dana Walsworth
Sandra Robards
Kristen Robinson
Jim Long
Mark McTiernan
Valerie Sievers
Jacob Zuehike
Bonnie Kinate
Colleen Dwyer
Anonymous
Elizabeth Jaffe
Tracking our progress…
As of May 1, 2024