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For Jack and Andy Hopkins, supporting Farmers Alley Theatre is both a reflection of their love for the arts and their commitment to the community they call home. Their story reminds us how individuals can make a meaningful difference in sustaining the cultural life of Kalamazoo.
The couple’s connection to the arts began long before they discovered Farmers Alley. Jack studied speech and theatre at Marietta College, and Andy grew up around dance, thanks to her mother, who taught the art form. After moving to Kalamazoo in 1975, Jack and Andy started out on their voyage to find a theatrical home. By the time Farmers Alley was established in the late 2000s, they had connections to the Mulays and Weiners, so they decided to attend a performance. The Hopkins were immediately impressed by the quality of the productions and quickly became devoted patrons.
“We’re fortunate to live between Chicago and Detroit because you can go in either direction and see good theatre,” Andy gushed, “But the quality that we get at Farmers Alley is really excellent.”
The Kalamazoo area in general is richly artistic, but what makes Farmers Alley unique is the space itself. The intimate, 111 seat space is part of what makes the experience so powerful. “Everyone is so close to the action,” Andy professed, “You have this community of people that can almost feel like they are a part of the production themselves. It can get pretty emotional sometimes.”
Jack added that he continues to be amazed by the dedication of the artists who bring each story to life. He is inspired by the collaboration, the hours of rehearsal and the artistry; people give so much of themselves so that the audience can enjoy an amazing night of theatre.
For Jack and Andy, that experience inspires a sense of responsibility. Their philanthropic support—including serving as co-season sponsors this season—comes from a simple but powerful belief. Jack claims, “Andy always says so well that ‘this is not our money, we are just temporary stewards of it.’ We’ve been blessed and we ought to do good things with it. We try to maximize that to the best of our ability.”
Their giving is also deeply local. Jack’s resume is chocked-full of public-spirited positions, but the one that stands out the most is his 25 years of service with the Kalamazoo Community Foundation. Over time, Kalamazoo became the place where they raised their family and built lifelong relationships. Even more than being a great example for their children, it is important to them that they are an exceptional example for those in the community that come after them. “We try to do most of our philanthropy locally because we want to give back to this wonderful community. My own personal view is that there are people who have preceded us in this community who have made wonderful opportunities available for all of us,” Jack says, “It’s our job to pass it forward because if we don’t do that, then those folks who follow us won’t have that same experience we’ve come to enjoy.”
Presently, Jack also serves as Vice Chair of the Farmers Alley Theatre Board of Directors, helping guide the theatre’s future alongside other dedicated community leaders. By stepping forward publicly as co-season sponsors—something they typically prefer to do anonymously—they hope to inspire others to join them. “Frequently it’s corporations that sponsor seasons, but individuals can step up too,” Jack implored.
Farmers Alley Theatre relies on philanthropic support to sustain its professional productions and community programming. Ticket sales cover only 30% of the cost. The rest comes from individuals who believe that vibrant arts experiences belong in Kalamazoo. For Jack and Andy, the reward is simple. “The minute you walk through the door, someone greets you by name,” Andy says, “They make you feel important.”
Farmers Alley has grown on the Hopkins because it feels like a family; everyone is there to support you and make you feel at home. Jack mused, “[Farmers Alley] is a microcosm of the Kalamazoo community, which is very welcoming, warm, and family friendly.” The passionate heart of the theatre that they got to witness dating back to the first show they attended was a main reason that they became donors and eventually sponsors, and it is something they hope many more people will be able to experience for generations to come.