BCT Receives $100,000 Donation
Mr. Robert Stewart presents his generous gift to (L-R) Bob
Montgomery, Vice-President Judy Nichols,
Rhonda Romaine and President Steve Goupil.
Thirty years ago when BCT was trying to move from its old building on Broadway to build its own theatre, a gentleman stepped forward to help us navigate the winding path of permits and red tape.
Robert (Bob) Stewart was Finance Commissioner of Bremerton and one of our biggest supporters. Through his efforts, we received the green light to build our current state-of-the-art facility at 599 Lebo, and his is one of the illustrious supporter names which grace the plaque outside our front door.
John Ebert, a representative for Mr. Stewart, recently told us Mr. Stewart would like to help BCT with any project to better our facility. Bob Montgomery told John about our efforts over many years to create a second stage for rehearsals and special shows, and Mr. Stewart thought this was a great project to once more lend his support.
On Saturday, May 20th, a group of BCT representatives (Bob Montgomery, President Steve Goupil, Vice-President Judy Nichols, and BCT alumni Curtis Miller, Jerry Smith, Jenny Sellar, Rhonda Romaine, and Eric Wise) journeyed to Mr. Stewart's home in SeaTac for a ceremony in which Bob bestowed upon us a check for $100,000 to help build our second stage. Needless to say Mr. Stewart's gift has left us virtually speechless (not an easy thing to do to a group of actors!) and as such, the Board of Trustees wishes to name the future addition the "Robert B. Stewart Performance Hall" in recognition of the continuing support he has given to BCT and to live theatre in all of Kitsap County.
Many of Bob’s friends will remember Bob Stewart and his lifelong contributions to shape Bremerton into what it is today. During the ceremony, many of Bob's friends joined in with stories of their friendship with him; it was apparent he has touched so many lives—and will continue to do so with this gift.
Mr. Stewart, on behalf of Bremerton Community Theatre and Kitsap County, thank you for your very generous gift to BCT and the Kitsap theatre community.