An Important Message from the President of the CYT KC Board of Directors
Greetings CYT KC family!
The last twelve months have been quite a challenge for each of us. The constant worry and fear for our family’s well-being put many of us near the breaking point. In spite of the pain, confusion and stress brought on by CoVID-19, we have also witnessed true Christ-like acts of compassion and kindness, as well as unimaginable blessings. The same is true for CYT KC. There was a brief period of time when I thought CoVID-19 would shut us down for good.
Thanks to the efforts of our staff and amazing Executive Director, Becky Talken, we were able to take advantage of both Payment Protection Plan (PPP) loans from the federal government. Despite not having our annual in-person gala fundraiser, we received donations from parents, companies, CYT KC alums, and even current students. At some point, each of those things brought me to tears of joy and thanks.
CYT KC’s financial state is looking better every day. Our incredible staff and the CYT KC Board of Directors continue to find ways to reduce our fixed costs. I am happy to report that we will survive CoVID-19 intact. We are looking up and trending up!
I would also like to bring you up to speed on a change in our front office. For the last twelve-months, managing our business has required a Herculean effort. Without the tireless efforts of our staff and Executive Director Becky Talken, we simply would not still be here.
Unfortunately, crisis is something Becky knows well. Recently, her father fell and broke his neck. You read that right; broke his neck! Thankfully his surgery was successful, and he is walking and recovering well. After a lot of prayers, discussion and more prayers, Becky has decided to step back from full-time employment as Executive Director in order to devote more time to the support of her parents. Becky will either transition to a long-term, part-time role at CYT KC or into a transitionary role to assist in hiring and onboarding of a new Executive Director. We are still ironing out the specifics.
I cannot come close to expressing what Becky’s tenure as Executive Director has meant to this organization. You would be very surprised to see all that goes into making this not-for-profit organization run and continue to have such tremendous success, but here we are, 21 years into a life-changing youth theater organization with no signs of slowing down. While this change is difficult for me on a personal level, I am extremely happy that it will allow Becky to continue to help shepherd CYT KC while also allowing her time to help shepherd her parents.
The change does mean that we need to begin a search for a new Executive Director, but we are very blessed that Becky will still be here to help us move forward.
With Becky’s help, our goal now is to continue to expand our programs and outreach and to continue to be a place where our youth grow, find a safe and inviting community, learn about the arts and share the grace and peace that God wants for us all.
Thank you for sticking with us through this dark period. It’s spring. The sun is shining, and it’s time to get our kids back to the stage and back to each other!
Nate Hancock
Board President
