Donor Family: Walter and Jean Kalberer

When the Going Gets Tough, Jean and Walter Get Giving!

by Jenifer Warren

This is a story of two passionate, dedicated, and big-hearted people. Walter and Jean Kalberer have been champions for Cleveland Play House for decades, alongside so many other Cleveland institutions and causes. But especially now, in this time of great need, they have stepped up once again with their generous support of the CPH cause. Our hearts are bursting with gratitude.

Jean and Walter are very active members of the CPH Board of Directors, just as they have been for nearly twenty-five years. Jean is the Chair of Education and Community Partnerships Committee and serves on the Planning and Progress Committee. Walter is on the Investment Committee and previously served as Chair of the Development Committee.

The CPH Apprentice Program is a cause that is very near and dear to their hearts. Because of their belief in the value of theatre, education, and especially the Apprentice Program, Walter and Jean spearheaded a successful matching challenge to raise significant funds to support the program in perpetuity. Recent college graduate and post-graduate students from across the country and globe are selected to work alongside professionals to learn the business of theatre every season.

Allow us to introduce you to four Apprentice Program alumni who are now members of the CPH Staff, including some of what they are doing as we face the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Jeff Ryder, Associate Managing Director

• Conducting research leading to a successful application for funding through the CARES Act and Paycheck Protection Program
• Budgeting multiple scenarios for the upcoming season
• Communicating with foundation and government supporters about how the pandemic is affecting CPH
• Applying for relief funds from NEA and others
• Analyzing financial management systems to improve efficiency and effectiveness

Rebecca Snedeker-Meier, Development Associate

• Updating and refining our strategic plan to reflect the current situation and the path forward
• Communicating with donors and subscribers to check in and assist them in any way we can
• Working with Education and Audience Services to transfer tuition and tickets to donations
• Assisting with the ongoing annual fund campaign

Derek Green, Associate Producer for Education

• Assisting with building and coordinating the remote learning program, enabling CPH to serve students and communities during shelter-in-place
• Co-facilitating our company-wide professional development program, helping CPH to become a more equitable, diverse, and inclusive organization
• Supporting financial management of the education department

Marcela Rodriguez-Gonzalez, Associate Director of Community Partnerships & Programming

• Supervising 11 staff coordinators in our WrapAround, 21st Century Community Learning Center, and Say Yes to Education programs
• Creating a virtual learning schedule that includes Health and Wellness and Arts Enrichment programming
• Ensuring compliance with grant funding requirements
• Video production and editing for posting to social media, including the recent Into the Breeches feature and the Every Brilliant Thing series

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