Q. What percentage of the Center’s budget is paid by Federal, State or Local
taxes?
A. Zero! Cultural Center staff and VOLUNTEERS operate the programs that earn every penny.
Q. How does the Cultural Center earn its money?
A. By reselling donations of clothing used household goods, furniture, books, sheet music, antiques, etc. This iis done in our shops: Trash & Treasures, the Gift Shop, the Country Store, the used Book Store and Stamp Corner. And by selling memberships, theater tickets, interesting classes, exciting trips, lovely handicrafts, delicious meals, and rental of space in the facility. None of which could be done without our VOLUNTEERS!
Q. Doesn’t the County own the Cultural Center?
A. Charlotte County owns the Center’s buildings, including buildings that were built with money earned by Cultural Center fundraisers. All were donated to the County. The Cultural Center is a private, non-profit entity that rents the buildings for $1 per year to operate this very unique and varied facility. The County maintains the exterior – roofs and parking lots – CCCC income maintains the interior and pays all utilities.
Q. Is the Cultural Center a senior center?
A. The mission of the CCCC is to serve all citizens of Charlotte County. It was founded by, and will always remain very popular with retirees, but also offers summer programs for children, dance and exercise classes for persons of all ages, as well as many programs for seniors. The theater, shops, travel desk, and restaurant are enjoyed by folks of all ages.
Q. Do I need to become a member to enjoy all the Cultural Center has to offer?
A. You do not have to be a member to enjoy the variety of activities offered by the Cultural Center. Becoming a member offers many advantages, such as 10% discount off most items in our shops and a discount on the classes offered by the Learning Place and at the Fitness Salon. Members also receive a monthly newsletter by mail, which gives them an advance preview of upcoming events. The cost of this membership is just $25 per year, a real bargain.
