Giving

Performing Arts Center

Let's Renovate the House!

We are excited and pleased to announce that The Rocco and Mary Abessinio Foundation has made a $3 million  donation to Archmere Academy, two million to underwrite the renovation of the Performing Arts Center and one million to underwrite need-based scholarships. Additionally, one million of the two-million-dollar gift for the  Performing Arts Center has been established as a 1:1 challenge  grant, hoping to encourage other donors to contribute  to the project. When the renovations are completed, the complex will be named “The Rocco A. and Mary Abessinio  Performing Arts Center.”
 
The theater - “the house” - is the main gathering place for the Archmere community of students, faculty and staff, and families. Regular assemblies and rituals that build community — one of our core Catholic, Norbertine values — include Mass on holy days and special seasons of the liturgical year, theatrical performances, lectures and assemblies, and special events, including the Honors Convocation, Junior Class Ring Mass, Baccalaureate Mass, and Commencement Exercises. 
 
Updates are needed to provide for more flexible programming, audience comfort, and ADA compliance. All of the teaching and performance spaces need better functionality, created by better, up-to-date materials and more innovative systems that will enhance class rehearsals, performances, and productions. Theater seating needs to be made ADA compliant and public restrooms will be expanded. HVAC and fire safety system replacement and updates are urgent needs. The project is scheduled to begin after graduation, 2024 with completion anticipated by January, 2025.
 
With your participation in our campaign, your gift will be doubly impactful with the 1:1 challenge. Your support will make a difference for our students’ experiences. We hope you will join us to Renovate the House.

Click here to donate today!

Questions? Contact:

List of 2 members.

  • Photo of John Jordan

    John Jordan  III  

    Director of Development and Constituent Relations
    302-798-6632 Ext 637
  • Photo of Katherine Ball-Weir

    Katherine Ball-Weir CFRE 

    Director of Institutional Advancement
    302-798-6632 Ext 857

How To Donate

Every donation will be matched dollar for dollar up to $1,000,000. To mail or drop off your donation to the Main Office, please make the check out to Archmere Trust and write "Performing Arts Center" on the memo line so it can be processed appropriately. You can also donate online

Please mail donations to:
Archmere Academy
Office of Institutional Advancement
3600 Philadelphia Pike
Claymont, DE 19703
Archmere Academy is a private, Catholic, college preparatory co-educational academy,
grades 9-12 founded in 1932 by the Norbertine Fathers.