The Gracie Theatre at Husson University in Bangor, Maine, has announced a $1 million gift from the Mimi Foundation to establish an endowment to support future productions at the theater.

The Hilda Hutchins McCollum Family Endowed Fund for the Gracie Theatre will support show costs, address the 490-seat theater’s capital needs, and ensure its continued reputation as a quality performance venue in the region. McCollum served as the lead donor in the creation of the theater, and the fund will also be used to annually bring a signature show to Bangor, publicly honoring the Hilda Hutchins McCollum family for their foresight in making The Gracie a reality at Husson.

The Mimi Foundation was established in 2006 by descendants of Ruth and Curtis Hutchins. The gift is part of a plan to sunset the foundation, which is no longer accepting requests for funding.

“The Gracie Theatre at Husson University is a living laboratory for students interested in theater, arts, nonprofit management, video and audio production, and other areas. Hilda Hutchins McCollum recognized the potential both for Husson and the Greater Bangor area and generously made the theater possible through her personal philanthropy,” said Husson University vice president for advancement Sarah Cary Robinson. “Now, through this $1 million endowment, the Mimi Foundation is honoring Hilda’s original commitment and recognizing the Gracie’s work over the last 13 years. This gift will ensure performance arts in Bangor are celebrated for years to come.”

(Photo credit: Getty Images/Kozlik_Mozlik)