Seinfeld Fundraiser Shines Amid Paramount’s Budget Crisis

UPDATE: A major fundraising gala featuring comedian Jerry Seinfeld is set to take place at the Paramount Theatre in Aurora, Illinois, amid escalating funding challenges from the city. This critical event, happening in January 2024, comes as the Aurora Civic Center Authority grapples with significant cuts to its budget, threatening the future of vital arts programs.

The City of Aurora recently proposed a budget that shockingly excludes any funding for the Paramount, which had been promised $2.5 million for 2026. This unexpected turn of events has left both the theater’s management and its supporters reeling. According to Tim Rater, President of the Paramount Theatre, the planning process for securing marquee acts like Seinfeld is complex and competitive. “For every one (act) you get, there are 25 you don’t get,” he explained.

The Griders, a couple from Oswego who purchased tickets and sponsored the gala, emphasize the importance of the Paramount to the community. “A year ago, people were excited about the centennial celebration,” said Linda Grider. “Now, there’s a different feel. I hate to lose what has been built.”

The budget cuts are part of a broader financial crisis in Aurora, where a significant budget deficit has led to layoffs across various departments, including police and fire services. Aurora Mayor John Laesch insists that these decisions are necessary for fiscal responsibility, stating, “Do the math.” However, many in the community view the cuts as detrimental to the cultural fabric of Aurora.

The fallout from the budget proposal is significant. The Aurora Civic Center Authority had hoped to downsize its funding request from $5.6 million to $3.3 million, but the proposed budget includes NO funding for the Paramount. This alarming development has prompted outrage among arts advocates and city officials.

In a surprising twist, the city announced last weekend that it would replace five longstanding members of the Aurora Civic Center Authority board. Board President Jonathan Hylton stated, “Balancing the budget is not hard. Determining what programming to eliminate in order to maintain the Paramount brand is what is difficult.”

Despite the challenges, the Seinfeld fundraiser is generating excitement. Tickets for the performance have reached prices as high as $400, with a limited number of gala reception tickets at $800 still available. Rater reported that approximately 84% of the 1,800 tickets sold were purchased by individuals from outside Aurora, highlighting the theater’s regional appeal.

The proposed City of Lights Center, a 4,000-seat venue intended to bolster downtown Aurora’s arts scene, is currently in jeopardy. Laesch’s administration has indicated that this proposal is “dead in the water,” causing further concern among arts proponents who believe that such venues are crucial for the city’s future.

As the city council prepares to vote on the budget, there is a glimmer of hope. Several council members, including Ald. Carl Franco, are advocating for continued support for the Paramount. Franco has publicly questioned Laesch’s leadership style and called for a referendum on the city’s governance.

The future of the Paramount Theatre hangs in the balance as community members rally to support its ongoing mission. “With Tim at the helm,” Hylton expressed optimism, “we can find the best solutions to continue with our mission to make the arts inclusive.”

As the January gala approaches, the urgency for action has never been greater. The community is left to wonder how these developments will shape the future of the Paramount and the cultural landscape of Aurora.