Wana Brands Foundation Supports Levitt Future Fund for Capital Improvements with a Grant of $100,000

PUBLISHED: August 5, 2024

Wana Brands Foundation has gifted $100,000 toward Levitt Pavilion Denver’s Future Fund capital campaign, inspired by the nonprofit organization’s mission to build community through music, and the vision of the Mortimer & Mimi Levitt Foundation of free access to the joy and connection of live music for all. Wana Brands Foundation Founder, Nancy Whiteman says, “At the Wana Brands Foundation, we deeply believe in the importance of community connection and accessibility. Levitt Pavilion's mission to bring people together across cultures, languages and lived experiences  — regardless of their ability to pay is something that we prioritize. We're proud to contribute to Levitt's important work!.”

Since opening in 2017, Levitt Pavilion Denver has become Colorado’s largest provider of free live music experiences, and last year welcomed more than 130,000 visitors. The 501(c)(3) nonprofit anticipates continued audience growth as it enhances the concert experience and creates a more accessible facility.

This $100,000 contribution will be directed toward funding a significant venue improvement project scheduled to break ground early next year. The upcoming project, to be completed in time for the 2025 season, will enhance physical accessibility, create new spaces for connection and support the organization’s long term sustainability. Key components include the extension of the paved pathway and improved lighting across the north arc of the lawn, expanded ADA seating options, completion of durable artificial turf throughout the lower bowl, a new audio booth structure and two concrete terraces to be used for member events, private rentals and partner activations.

With Wana Brands Foundation’s significant investment in this project, along with commitments from Levitt Pavilion Denver’s Board of Directors and significant contributions from Denver Parks & Recreation, the Levitt Foundation, Anschutz Foundation, Bonfils-Stanton Foundation and Gates Family Foundation, Levitt is currently at 93% of its goal for 2024.

With just $35,000 left to raise this year, individual donors are invited to contribute to the Levitt Future Fund with benefits beginning at the $100 level. Permanent recognition prominently displayed on an onsite donor wall begins at $1,000 and custom multi-year naming rights opportunities begin at $50,000. A full range of giving tiers and benefits is available here.

Join in supporting the Levitt Future Fund with a donation today and help Levitt Denver evolve and deepen its commitment to building community through music.

About Levitt Pavilion Denver:

 The mission of Levitt Pavilion Denver is to build community through music, providing access to more than 50 free concerts and events each year in a welcoming, all-ages outdoor setting. Since opening in 2017, Levitt has become an inclusive gathering place and a destination venue in the region, operating in a unique partnership with the national Levitt Foundation and City of Denver Parks and Recreation.

Levitt Pavilion Denver is part of a national network of changemakers and nonprofits supported by the Levitt Foundation dedicated to strengthening the social fabric of communities in America through free, live music in outdoor public spaces. Levitt music series are presented by a range of organizations, with Levitt Denver managed, programmed, and supported by the nonprofit Friends of Levitt Denver. Presenting high-caliber talent and a broad array of music genres and cultural programming, Levitt venues and concert sites are welcoming, inclusive destinations where people of all ages and backgrounds come together.

 About the Mortimer & Mimi Levitt Foundation

 The Mortimer & Mimi Levitt Foundation is a private family foundation that exists to strengthen the social fabric of America. The Foundation supports changemakers and nonprofits across the country to activate underused outdoor spaces through free outdoor concerts, creating welcoming and inclusive destinations where the power of free, live music brings people together, fosters belonging, and invigorates community life. Levitt venues and concert sites attract people of all ages and backgrounds and reflect the character of their town or city, while benefitting from the framework and best practices of the Levitt program.

Mortimer Levitt was born in Brooklyn in 1907 to immigrant parents of humble means. His father was a street vendor at the dazzling Luna Park on Coney Island, and as a boy, Mortimer would often accompany him to work. Unable to afford admission to the park’s rides and shows, Mortimer would stand outside the gate of ticketed events, longingly taking in the energy of the music from afar. These early childhood experiences inspired his later support of free outdoor music and belief in making the arts accessible to everyone, regardless of one’s ability to pay.

Mortimer and Mimi Levitt established their family foundation in 1966, and Mortimer’s long held belief that all people, regardless of their economic background, should have access to the joy of free, outdoor music continues to inspire the work of the Foundation today.

 In 2024, the Levitt network is presenting 650+ free concerts in more than 50 towns and cities across the country, collectively the largest free outdoor concert series in America. In addition to supporting free concerts, the Levitt Foundation is dedicated to advancing equitable music ecosystems through research and partnerships.  www.levitt.org