"We were actually notified of the bequest by Mr. Long last January, but he asked us to keep it anonymous until after his death," said Scott Rogers, managing director of the 37 year-old theatre company. "This is a huge gift for us. He obviously understood the uniqueness of the work we do and wanted to assure that we are able to continue doing it."

In the note to the theatre, Mr. Long stated that "Kumu Kahua is one of Hawaii's finest examples of committed, creative artists working to produce meaningful theatre in our community. I hope my small donation will be useful and that it might prompt others to consider Kumu in their estate planning."

Although there were no restrictions left on how the funds may be used, Kumu Kahua's board of directors has decided to place a large portion of it into their "Playwrights Endowment Fund" in honor of Mr. Long's appreciation of Kumu Kahua's cultivation of new playwrights. "Although Mr. Long hasn't worked on a play at Kumu Kahua for 35 years, his attendance over the years and his generous bequeathment demonstrate the value he placed on Kumu Kahua's mission," said Kumu artistic director, Harry Wong III.

Kumu Kahua productions are also being supported by the State Foundation on Culture & the Arts, celebrating more than thirty years of culture & the arts in Hawai`i; the Mayor's Office of Culture & Arts, Mufi Hannemann, Mayor; The Hawai`i Community Foundation; & foundations, businesses & patrons.

Ilima ($1000+)

Pikake ($500+)

Pakalana ($250+)

Awapuhi ($150+)

Tuberose ($100+)

Carnation ($50+)

Other

These are donations as of 5/7/08. If we accidentally missed your name or misspelled it, we do apologize. Please call us at 536-4441 and we will make the change.