The Appell Center for the Performing Arts

Make the Appell Center's next 100 years part of your legacy by making a Centennial Campaign gift today!

In 2025, York will celebrate the 100th year of one of its most beloved places – the Strand Theatre.

Over the years the Appell Center has presented countless live performances and films, been a home to partner arts organizations (York Symphony Orchestra and York Youth Symphony Orchestra), enriched the lives of school age students across the county, and served as an economic driver for downtown York. We are hyper-focused on a bright future for the Appell Center, and your gift will strengthen our foundation.

In broad strokes, the campaign scope includes:

Capital Project Elements ($6,000,000)

Critical replacements vital to guest comfort and safety – our top priority
Historic preservation
Technology updates required to present state-of-the-art entertainment
Improved patron and artist experience

Maintaining Your Investment ($1,250,000)

Establishing a Facility Endowment, invested at the York County Community Foundation, to provide proceeds year over year to address equipment replacements and renovations.

Funding Iconic Entertainment ($250,000)

Reigniting our Guarantors Fund, a financial resource established in 2005 to help us bring high profile, commercial artists into our theaters while keeping ticket prices for our community manageable. This fund has helped us present Tony Bennett, Blondie, Hall and Oates and Jeff Beck in past years.

The finish line is very much in sight. While our goal may be $7.5 million, we have already raised more than 90% of the funding. We ask you for your support to take us across that finish line and into the second century of the Strand Theatre and the Appell Center for the Performing Arts.

For questions and details about the scope and impact of the Centennial Campaign contact Mindi Haines, Director of Development, mhaines@appellcenter.org or 717-825-2235.