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The Jon H. Rieger Award
A non-profit like the Ontonagon Theater of Performing Arts survives because of its volunteers and supporters. Without them, we couldn’t fulfill our mission to bring live performance art to Ontonagon. We appreciate every type of support, but occasionally someone does something that can only be called exceptional. To honor that level of commitment to the theater, we created the Jon H. Rieger Award. Dr. Rieger has been the theater’s most dedicated individual supporter from the beginning, quietly funding projects and asking nothing in return. This award is presented to persons and organizations that we feel provide exceptional service and support to the Ontonagon Theater of Performing Arts.
2010 - Thomas M. Strong
Tom was a charter member of the theater board and was instrumental in planning and building the theater. Although he left the board to pursue other interests, during his tenure he served as treasurer, helped acquire IRS 501(c)(3) status, assisted with grant applications, completed carpentry projects, scrubbed floors, and performed on stage for fundraisers. Tom's leadership and willingness to do anything, no matter how menial, to benefit the theater were key factors in creating the facility we enjoy today.
2009 - Norman Pestka and Pestka Construction
The theater selected Norman and his company for the 2009 award because of their volunteer work when the theater was just starting out. In the beginning, we didn't have a dime, only a dream, and the demolition and repair work Pestka Construction did in the auditorium gave us hope and helped with the in-kind contribution we needed to apply for a Michigan Council for the Arts and Cultural Affairs capital improvement grant for the funds to move ahead.
2008 - Dale and Betty Jo Parent
The first Rieger award was presented to Betty Jo and Dale Parent for sponsoring a series of musical shows in memory of their daughter Jennifer Lynn and turning the substantial proceeds over to the theater.
2008 - Bruce and Sandi Stratton
In 2008 we presented a second Rieger award, to show our appreciation to Bruce and Sandi Stratton for creative fundraising for the theater. The Strattons were visiting from their home in Corpus Christi, Texas, and we wanted to make the presentation in person. They had purchased a guitar and, using Dr. Bruce's connections with the music scene, had it autographed and offered it to us for a raffle. In addition, Dr. Bruce brought a first-run movie "Palo Pinto Gold" to the theater as a fundraiser.
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