Historic Opera House Covid-19 Relief Fund

The Legacy Building is passionate about preserving history, cultivating legacies, and honoring progress. We exist to remind people that history matters, both in architecture and human lives. From restoring this 1874 brick masterpiece to telling her civil rights stories, we move about our business by sharing the past with our clients in hopes of building a better future. 

Within the walls of The Legacy Building lies my business, just two years old: Legacy Opera House (est. 1895), which I offer as a unique wedding and event venue to Central Illinois. I strive everyday to maintain my commitment to excellence offering clients a unique and stunning space for their gatherings.

​I believe that celebrating together in an inclusive atmosphere is where awe-inspiring moments take place: passion is embodied, vulnerability is exposed, and dreams become action.  

My company served over 10,000 clients last year from its online presence to our in-house tours, special events, and Airbnb bookings. This year I anticipate impacting 20,000 clients and every year this number will increase exponentially.   

By offering this historic venue in a way that welcomes all people, we are creating a safe, nonreligious space for communities to heal and grow and become one. 

I am seeking funding because with the Covid-19 shutdown my business will not regain profitability until people can mingle in large groups again. In addition to the countless canceled events and the collective disappointment, I am trying to juggle working and managing clients with my five children at home.

I have not qualified for any bailout money-- grants, PPP loans, or unemployment because my business is under three years old, I have no other employees, and I have been pouring money into the preservation project/business, not taking a traditional paycheck. Indeed, I am one of those small businesses that has been left behind. 

I am a team of one in this business endeavor with the loving support of my family. Owning and creating the Legacy Opera House from the ground up as a female entrepreneur has been challenging and lonely at times, but also empowering and rewarding. 

With your generous contributions I will make it through this shut down by paying basic operating expenses so that when this lifts I will be able to continue the work of championing women, organizing inclusive gatherings that focus on social justice, hosting fine art events, offering a stage for original music to be heard for the first time, and providing a beautiful space for couples to wed.

Thank you for considering my campaign. Your investment into my business is one that spans generations and shapes the minds of all who come near, for the betterment of humanity. By giving you will also be helping stabilize our family, business, community, and dreams.  I appreciate your support more than words can convey. 

Respectfully,

Tabitha Nowark, Owner

The Legacy Building

[email protected]

https://www.thelegacybuilding.co