The Engler Center for the Performing Arts fund, established through the Chilton Area Community Foundation, an affiliate of the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region, has had a lasting impact by successfully completing its original purpose. The fund was specifically designed to pay off the bond used by the Chilton Area School District to construct the Engler Center for the Performing Arts. With these payments now complete, a final gift exceeding $52,000 from the remaining fund balance enabled the Friends of the Engler Center, Inc., a newly formed nonprofit dedicated to ongoing maintenance and improvements of the facility, to fund their initial wish list of improvements needed to keep the facility modern.  

“This final gift is a testament to the long-standing vision of Bill and Mike Engler,” said David Weiss, Director of Donor Services with the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region. “The brothers believed deeply in the transformative power of the arts and the potential of their hometown, Chilton.” 

Engler Center for the Performing Arts

In the early 2000s, the Chilton Area School District proposed a referendum to upgrade Chilton High School significantly. Bill and Mike Engler, former Chilton Area School District students and second-generation owners of Kaytee, pledged their support, stating they would donate to the improvement plan if it included a performing arts center.  

“My late wife, Gail, and I raised our six children believing strongly that performing arts are essential to a comprehensive education,” said Bill Engler. “When Chilton High School planned to include an auditorium in its renovation, we saw an exciting chance to support something meaningful. Together, with my brother Mike and his wife, Kathy, we pledged $3.8 million to construct the Engler Center. We envisioned a state-of-the-art performing arts facility that would serve the school and the broader Chilton community.” 

Following the referendum approval, major construction and renovations took place during the 2003-2004 school year, resulting in the completion of the 735-seat Engler Center for the Performing Arts. This new venue significantly improved the school’s previous facilities, consisting of a basic gymnasium stage with folding chairs and limited amenities.  

“Both Bill and I performed on makeshift stages during our school years. It has been incredibly rewarding to see Chilton students now benefiting from a professional-quality theater space. Witnessing their performances and positive impact this facility has had on their lives is deeply fulfilling,” said Mike Engler. 

The Chilton Area School District assumed responsibility for maintaining the performing arts center. However, desired improvements to maintain top-tier venue status, necessitated a creative solution. Recognizing this challenge, a few advocates, including a former performing arts center director, a former student, and the referendum committee chair and a long-time volunteer established the Friends of the Engler Center, Inc. in 2024 to fundraise for the top-tier improvements. 

“As those most in tune with the needs of the Engler Center, we are deeply committed to enhancing its capabilities and ensuring it continues to thrive as a hub for the arts in our schools and our community,” said Jennifer Farrell, Director of the Engler Center for the Performing Arts. “Our passion lies in equipping future generations with the skills and experiences that will prepare them for success in an ever-evolving world.” 

Upcoming show at Engler Center for the Performing Arts

With community engagement and continued fundraising efforts, the Friends organization intends to ensure the Engler Center for the Performing Arts remains an artistic hub for students and the community.