The nonprofit Tower Theatre Foundation concluded 2012 with 861 members, its largest number since the patron-benefit program began in 2005, according to a release announcing the figure.

The nonprofit Tower Theatre Foundation owns and operates the historic venue in downtown Bend. The Foundation’s mission is to provide performing arts, civic, educational and social events that enliven and enrich the lives of all Central Oregonians. Annual memberships make up nearly 15 percent of the Tower’s revenue and are crucial to ensuring high-quality theater operations, according to the foundation. The Tower’s membership renewal rate is 70 percent, a high rate of return among performing arts nonprofits.

“Community support for the Tower Theatre Foundation is important on multiple levels,” said Cassondra Schindler, board member and membership committee chair. “We’ll continue to bring extraordinary performing arts experiences, educational opportunities and social events to Central Oregon in 2013. An active membership enhances and increases our reach, and informs our programming decisions.”

Contact: www.towertheatre.org, lisa@towertheatre.org or 541-317-0700.