On July 1, 2010, Matthew Turk stepped up as President of Raue Center For The Arts’board of directors. Before being elected as board president, Turk served as the board’svice president for two years. In his new role at Raue Center, he plans to continue familyfriendly programming, expand participation in the endowment fund and increase awareness of Raue Center across the region. Turk is currently the executive vice president for INTREN, Inc. in Union. He has resided in Crystal Lake since 1983 with his wife, Sheri, and two boys. His community involvement over the years has been tremendous, including serving as vice president contractor representative on the J.U.L.I.E. board, State of Illinois, Eucharistic minister serving the assisted living communities, and coaching and volunteering at St. Thomas the Apostle School.
“It’s wonderful to have another passionate and dedicated partner as we look to build on the legacy of Paul Dorion-Gray and Bill Dwyer,” explains Executive Director, Richard Kuranda. Turk takes over for Dorion-Gray, who served as board president for 3 years, just before the economy began its free-fall. Under her leadership, Raue Center was able to withstand the recession when many community theatres began to fail financially. “Getting through the recession has not been as easy task,” Dorion-Gray explains. “There are theatres closing all over the country. We have a city that supports us as best they can, but we need the community to continue to support us.”
Due in part to Dorion-Gray’s leadership, the Raue Center is celebrating its 10th anniversary this season. Turk is excited to take over as board president at such a monumental time. “We’re turning a corner” Turk explains, “and this year is about celebrating and giving back to the community that helped us get there.” The Raue Center has a noteworthy lineup scheduled for its 10th anniversary season including a Dennis Tufano performance for Opening Night (September 18), legendary folk singer Arlo Guthrie, Steinway prodigies Danny Wright and Emily Bear, and the continuation of Lucy’s Café.
As with any successful nonprofit organization, volunteers are the cornerstone, and Raue Center For The Arts is no exception. They are fortunate to have phenomenal volunteers serve as their board of directors. In addition to Turk taking over as board president, Jeffrey Keck will take over as vice president, Chuck Stevens as treasurer and Walter Packard will remain as secretary. Several new members have also joined the board: John Jacobson, Jack Minsley and Tim Paul.
This new board represents more than 160 years of energetic knowledge in running organizations in McHenry County and has permeated every facet of life in the region, whether business, academic or social.
About Raue Center For The Arts
Originally opened in 1929 as the El Tovar, Raue Center is the product of a multi-million dollar renovation. Following the purchase of the land and building in 1997 and a successful capital campaign, restoration of the theatre began. The grand opening of the renovated and re-named Raue Center For The Arts occurred in August 2001. Now in its 10th season, the state-of-the-art performing and visual arts center offers residents professional touring attractions, exciting programs for children and families and a home for regional artists.
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