Porchlight Dedicates 25th Anniversary Season to Much-Missed Board Member Kim Sargent

Porchlight celebrates the life and leadership of board member Kim Sargent. Kim’s most visible role was as “lobby greeter” at Porchlight productions, giving countless hours of his time before performances — at both Stage 773 and the Ruth Page Center for the Arts — to welcome and mingle with our patrons, get their feedback, and spread the good news about Porchlight. Kim was very active on Porchlight’s marketing and finance committees, and was an invaluable mentor and advisor to the staff. His commitment and excitement for the company’s organization growth was truly instrumental in getting Porchlight to where it is today. Porchlight is forever grateful for his leadership, generosity and enthusiasm.

THE GEORGE K. “KIM” SARGENT III CASH RESERVE FUND

Achieving financial stability is the key to expanding programming, innovating, and taking artistic risks, and is an important strategic goal championed by the company’s Board of Directors, but perhaps by none more than Kim Sargent. For many years Kim advocated for creating a cash reserve fund so that Porchlight would be able to be bold, invest in new opportunities, and weather economic downturns in an arts climate where many mid-sized organizations struggle to stay afloat.

Through the one-time generosity of a Donnelley Foundation matching grant, Porchlight gained the confidence and support to establish a board-designated reserve in late 2018 with a combined $65,000 contribution. Kim was thrilled.

In summer 2019, the Porchlight board of directors approved naming the Fund in honor of Kim Sargent. This is one of the highest and most lasting distinctions the organization can bestow, and honors Kim as a valued guiding force on Porchlight’s finance committee and a champion for managed growth and organizational sustainability. His legacy of strong fiscal stewardship will remain strong at Porchlight for decades to come.

Make a donation in Kim’s name to the Cash Reserve Fund here.

MORE ABOUT KIM SARGENT

Raised in New York City, Kim’s love of music theatre began with his experiences going to Broadway musicals. Following active duty in the Navy, which included being skipper of a river patrol Swiftboat (PCF) on the Mekong River in Vietnam, Kim spent 13 years in management/sales for the industrial coatings division of Benjamin Moore & Company. After working for 23 years as financial advisor for what is now Wells-Fargo Advisors here in Chicago, Kim retired as First Vice President–Investments in 2005. He was also a retired Captain in the U.S. Naval Reserve.

Dedication to the arts for Kim didn’t stop with Porchlight. He served as a volunteer docent for the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation at the Rookery building in downtown Chicago, and was a member of several social/arts clubs in town.

Kim’s enthusiasm for where Porchlight could go was infectious. He was there when we needed him most – with generosity, support and humor. We will dearly miss his passionate leadership, his unbridled optimism, and the fabulous twinkle in his eyes.

Read Kim’s obituary in the Chicago Sun-Times here.

RESOLUTION HONORING GEORGE K. “KIM” SARGENT

Whereas Porchlight Music Theatre and the broader community lost a valued member and leader on June 6, 2019 with the passing of Kim Sargent; and

Whereas Kim Sargent was a tireless and passionate advocate for Porchlight and its cultural significance to Chicago; and

Whereas Kim Sargent was an enthusiastic patron, trusted advisor and bold visionary as a member of the board of directors; and

Whereas Kim Sargent was a friendly, welcome face to many patrons, inspiring them to deepen their involvement; and

Whereas Kim Sargent served with excellence in his naval career and in corporate life; and

Whereas Kim Sargent’s volunteer pursuits in Chicago made the city more vibrant for all its citizens; and

Whereas Kim Sargent’s sense of humor, kindness, energy and graciousness enriched those fortunate enough to know and work with him; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, that Porchlight Music Theatre, on behalf of its members, honors the memory of George K. “Kim” Sargent III, celebrates with admiration his legacy of leadership and generosity, and extends its condolences to his family and friends; and be it further

Resolved, that the 2019-2020 Porchlight Music Theatre season be dedicated to the memory of Kim Sargent in tribute and appreciation.

June 17, 2019

Porchlight Music Theatre Board of Directors

Chicago, Illinois