the MISSION
Inspire, enrich, and connect diverse audiences through arts, educational, and cultural experiences inside the historic Avalon Theatre and throughout Maryland's Eastern Shore.
the VISION
To be the cornerstone of a vibrant, connected community where all feel they belong.
The Avalon Foundation relies on generous donations from patrons to continue our important community-building work.
You can also give through a donor advised fund, IRA disbursement, stock and wire transfers, and charitable bequests. For more information on these other forms of giving, or to restrict your donation to a particular fund or project, contact our Donor Relations Manager.
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Sara Ballantine Ryan lived most of her life in Talbot County, Maryland with her husband, Roderick (Rod) Newbold Ryan. An accomplished goldsmith and jewelry designer, Sara loved and appreciated the arts and relished every opportunity to visit art galleries and museums, and to experience live music and theatre. She encouraged a love of the arts in others, especially her own children, Christopher and Jonathan, and she generously supported programs that did so for others.
On Sept 16, 2022 the Avalon Foundation purchased the final part of the Theatre Building, the restaurant formerly known as Bannings Tavern. Reaching total site control of the Avalon Theatre building is an especially poignant milestone as the Theatre celebrates its 100th anniversary. Because community-building is the cornerstone of the Avalon Foundation’s mission, community input will be solicited prior to finalizing plans for the usage of this expanded space.
With new seats installed in the Avalon Theatre balcony, a rare opportunity exists to place your name or the name(s) of a loved one on these seats/boxes for the lifetime of the seats.