Sunny Brook Foundation - Purpose
The SunnyBrook Foundation
PURPOSE – To purchase, restore, and operate the SunnyBrook Ballroom and Restaurant facility in the manor it was designed for; to promote the Music and Dancing of the era from 1930 through 1950; to educate the public through the display of artifacts from this period. Our goal is to open this facility to the general public as both Ballroom and Banquet facility as well as a full service Restaurant. We intend to preserve SunnyBrook in as near exact fashion as it was in the 1940’s.
The Foundation:
The SunnyBrook Foundation was established in 2003 as a non-profit organization
to preserve and revitalize the historic nature of SunnyBrook. The Foundation’s
principle endeavor is the purchase, refurbishment, and re-opening of SunnyBrook
as a part of our community.
The SunnyBrook Foundation aims to preserve SunnyBrook as a State Historic Landmark
and further develop our foundation guided toward the principles of supporting
the performing arts, scholarship programs, and other community interests within
Montgomery and the surrounding counties around Pottstown, PA.
The SunnyBrook Foundation. We are a non-profit foundation based in Eastern
Pennsylvania, in one of the many suburbs of Philadelphia. Our organization was
founded on several principles 1). to provide charitable giving for educational
reasons within the area of the performing arts and 2) to develop and save a
historical facility in order to provide a home for the foundation and its efforts
within the performing arts.
The SunnyBrook Foundation has undertaken efforts to develop an organization
that will provide scholarships and charitable gifts for young students who are
understudies in the performing arts. These areas include, but are not limited
to, music, art, stage, film, and more.
In today's American society, it is evident that the educational resources of
many schools are not properly financed in order to provide for the needs of
emerging students in the field of performing arts. Other well-known organizations
help to provide resources within the educational community to maintain and allow
music to flourish.
The SunnyBrook Foundation has been developed to also provide similar gifts to
local students throughout Pennsylvania. Our hope is to provide multiple funds
to gifted students who wish to pursue further education in the fields of performing
arts. But our task, like so many others is not without trials and tribulations.
The SunnyBrook Foundation was founded in 2003 in order to save and renovate
a historic landmark known simply as SunnyBrook. This facility was established
in 1926 and flourished throughout the Big Band era and into the Eighties. The
focal point of this facility is a magnificent ballroom and stage. This Ballroom
has been acknowledged as one of the five largest private ballrooms in America
today. SunnyBrook was a haven for many performing artists throughout the ages---
Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, even Sinatra himself played here in its heyday.
However, the complex has fallen into disrepair. This is where The SunnyBrook
Foundation and our donors stepped in to save the facility. Over the last three
years, private investors have tried to operate SunnyBrook, including the historical
ballroom and adjacent restaurant. Not more then two years ago, one developer
renovated part of the facility, trying, of all things, to operate a brewpub.
Of course, the locals were horrified.
For years, the SunnyBrook Ballroom and its massive outdoor pool was a namesake
in the region. Because of the illustrious history of this facility, The Ballroom
also provided the largest facility for regional events. Many of these events
included weddings, and even a major political convention in the Reagan era.
However, most of the services of the ballroom were used by local schools to
provide a place for dances, proms, stage shows, and the like.
Last November, the most recent private owner of the facility passed away and
since then, SunnyBrook has been closed. As the days pass, so the facility sits
waiting to be re-awakened for new generations to use.
The SunnyBrook Foundation is seeking to renovate this site as a historical landmark
for use not only as a facility to carry-on the traditions, but as a non-profit
community center. A major portion of this renovation includes an outdoor amphitheater
that will be utilized as a new summer home for the Pottstown Symphony Orchestra
as well as many school events.
After redeveloping this facility, The SunnyBrook Foundation looks to further
our efforts in the community by providing charitable gifts and scholarships
to students throughout the region.
Our need is two fold, but rather simple--- we are seeking to save SunnyBrook
from a private developer in order to provide the foundation with a home. Secondly,
we seek to further the foundation's efforts in performing arts and education
so that students with a definite need will be able to continue their love and
study of music, arts, and stage.
To date, the SunnyBrook Foundation has raised an estimated $600,000 for our
first goal. We have raised the support of local politicians and even our state's
governor, the honorable Ed Rendell. We have been pledged the aid of state funds
and gifts in order to renovate SunnyBrook and develop the amphitheatre and stage
for performances.
Yet, none of this can be accomplished without first being able to save SunnyBrook from imminent destruction. In lieu of these facts, we are seeking to secure funds in the amount of $5,500,000 in order to supplement the immediate needs of our efforts and fulfill our Capital Campaign Goal.
As many students and top educators are well aware, performing arts is a primary skill within our society. The ability of such artists to further their education has become harder and harder throughout the years. Studies show that education is aided and that grades can be increased if students partake of performing arts classes such as acting, writing, and orchestra. We hope that the educators in America do not lose sight of this. It is a tragedy when public schools cannot help deserving students develop their love of the arts, or cannot afford to operate music or acting classes, simply because government funding is lacking.
For those students who wish to continue their educations in the performing arts, The SunnyBrook Foundation can help ease some of that burden.
For Your Knowledge:
In the recent years, SunnyBrook has transferred hands several times via banks
and financial institutions. Two years ago, Bank of America sold its note on
SunnyBrook to CapFinancial Group/Prinsburg Bank via an auction in a packaged
mortgage transaction to cover their costs associated with the finalization of
the estate of the previous owner, Mr. Ortlieb. The lender provided sufficient
time for the family to sell the property on their own, however, they were unable
to do so in the timeframe allotted. Therefore, SunnyBrook was sent to a Sheriff’s
Sale Auction in 2005.
In conjunction with a local developer, Gambone Development, The SunnyBrook Foundation
formulated plans to purchase the property together in order to redevelop and
save the site. At auction, Gambone Development purchased the property for $1.1
million. Over the past year, Joseph Gambone was working with the foundation
to secure rights and conduct possible development.
The SunnyBrook Foundation is in a race against time to raise community awareness
and save SunnyBrook from further dilapidation and possible destruction. Last
year, The SunnyBrook Foundation, with the aid of local representatives and historical
groups, completed initial applications with the State of Pennsylvania to have
SunnyBrook declared a state historic landmark.
On August 11,2005, SunnyBrook was listed in the National Register of Historic
Places and has gained status as a state landmark. The National Register recognizes
the historical, architectural, and cultural merits of certain properties. Such
properties listed in the register receive consideration when state or federal
projects are being planned, and may qualify for federal historic preservation
tax credits and grants when available.
Now that The SunnyBrook Foundation has taken possession, they shall focus upon
the renovation of SunnyBrook. The Foundation is looking to move quickly to apply
for other grants and begin the renovations to preserve SunnyBrook.
Our intent is to be able to begin to utilize the ballroom within at three to
four months after acquisition. The Foundation will utilize catering services
by outside companies until the ballroom kitchen is up and running, which would
take approximately another three to six months.
As soon as the restaurant opens, we shall then target the renovation and restoration
of the ballroom facilities as well as the exterior grounds and beautification
of the SunnyBrook premises.
Our hope is that SunnyBrook will once again bring people from New Jersey, Philadelphia,
Lancaster, Allentown, Reading, and other areas from around the state top enjoy
its allure. Our focus is to establish SunnyBrook as a premier facility and provide
charity work to the local community through our Foundations fundraisers and
gifts of giving.
Goals
Refurbish this Historic site, built 1931. The largest ballroom in the country of its kind, SunnyBrook Ballroom will relive its historical life.
The objective of the Foundation will be to keep alive the beauty of music and
dance.
Many of the big bands have expressed an enthusiastic desire to return to SunnyBrook,
where some of them attained their start.
The multiple additional activities include business meetings, school graduations, symphony orchestras, special events, social clubs, senior citizen activities, children and school activities. Many activities that were held in the past can return. They will include: wedding receptions, formal dances, bridal showers, baby showers, reunions, proms, Christmas & Thanksgiving parties, New Year’s dances, birthdays, weekend dinner buffets, graduations, bar/bat mitzvahs, dance events, business gatherings, company conferences, trade shows and outdoor functions such as car cruises and local fairs.
The Foundation will help to reopen the SunnyBrook Restaurant, which will be managed by a separate corporation, Pennsylvania Banquet Centers Inc. (PBC Inc.). The restaurant will sign a long-term lease and pay usary fees to SunnyBrook Foundation. The fees and donations will help to pay for the building maintenance and operating expenses. The restaurant operation will be independent from the ballroom but supportive to the activities of the Ballroom. The restaurant corporation will also provide management for and operate the ballroom as a service company for the foundation.
Improvements for SunnyBrook will be solicited from multiple sources - Federal and State funds, foundations, business contributions, and public response to a capital campaign.
A volunteer board of directors will guide the activities of the Ballroom. The accounting for The Sunnybrook Foundation will be maintained by The Success Team, Inc., including the necessary quarterly and annual reports for review by the Board Members.
To Make a Contribution:
It is time for those who care… to share.
Save a piece of our history, help SAVE SUNNYBROOK.
Send you check or money order payable to The SunnyBrook Foundation.
The SunnyBrook Foundation
50 Sunnybrook Road
Pottstown, PA 19464
The SunnyBrook Ballroom-
(Summary)
The SunnyBrook Ballroom is located in the County of Montgomery in Southeastern Pennsylvania and near the town of Pottstown. It is a widely known and recognized historic landmark known to most, simply as “SunnyBrook”. During its heyday, it was the destination of many people and notable performers from around the country.
This facility was established in 1926 when the swimming pool and adjacent pavilion were erected. Later, in 1931, the grand ballroom was added to provide a place where the local community could enjoy the evenings. The ballroom was famous throughout the nation and had one of the largest dance floors East of the Mississippi. Even today, it ranks as one of the largest private ballrooms remaining in America. The ballroom floor is made of imported wood from Norway and houses an organ built in Austria in the early 1900’s.
The facility accommodated thousands for each of its gala events. SunnyBrook was famous for its wonderful dances and music shows. The ballroom flourished throughout the Big Band era, during WW II and even into the Eighties.
For years, the SunnyBrook Ballroom and its massive outdoor pool was a namesake in the region. Because of the illustrious history, The Ballroom also provided the largest facility for regional events such as dances, proms, conventions, stage shows, and the like. SunnyBrook even hosted a major political convention in the Reagan era.
In the late 1990’s, the family sold off the facility with the passing of their father. At the time, the ballroom and restaurant remained open, however, the swimming pool was closed. In 2000, the restaurant, known as the Colonial room, was renovated and a brewery was added. The brewery fad was short lived and in two years, the facility was sold again. For a short time, the newest restaurant became known as Ortlieb’s Brew Pub, but unfortunately, SunnyBrook has been closed since its previous owner passed away in the fall of 2004.
The focal point of this facility is a magnificent ballroom and stage. This Ballroom has been acknowledged as one of the five largest private ballrooms in America today. In 2005, through the efforts of The SunnyBrook Foundation, the SunnyBrook complex was added to the National Historic Register.
SunnyBrook was a haven for many performing artists throughout the ages--- Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, even Sinatra himself played here in its heyday. Some of the other famous names to visit and play at SunnyBrook include--- Lawrence Welk, Count Basie, Maynard Ferguson, Stan Kenton, Artie Shaw, and Guy Lombardo. Today, the remains of the “wall of fame”, a large wall behind the SunnyBrook stage, is covered with signatures of the many performers who played at the ballroom.
However, the complex has recently fallen into disrepair. This is where The SunnyBrook Foundation and its donors have now stepped in to save the facility. Over the last three years, private investors have tried to operate SunnyBrook, including the historical ballroom and adjacent restaurant. Now, area politicians, historical groups, and The SunnyBrook Foundation are trying to save the magnificent Ballroom from destruction. Even today, a nationwide fundraising effort is underway to help save and restore SunnyBrook to its previous glory.