Theater encourages giving on 'Giving Tuesday'

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) -- After making it through Black Friday and Cyber Monday, now today is 'Giving Tuesday.' There are literally thousands of charities looking for your help.

One in New Haven is showing off what it's done with your donations.

As soon as you walk into Long Wharf Theater you can see the $3.8 million improvement. From a nicer, brighter lobby, to a much more comfortable theater.

"So people will have a lot more leg room, a lot more elbow room, better lighting, and the whole experience will be much much much more comfortable," said Gordon Edelstein, Long Wharf Artistic Director.

The seats are nice and comfy and many were donated in honor of someone. And whether it's supporting the arts, feeding the hungry, or housing the homeless, this Tuesday is a day everyone is encouraged to give in some way.

"Black Friday, Cyber Monday and now on November 27th we have Giving Tuesday..."

On the website givingtuesday.org everyone is asked to give to some kind of worthy cause, and then post about it on social media. It's proof that the season of giving doesn't necessarily mean wrapped boxes on Christmas morning.

"It doesn't have to be gifts under the tree," said Eileen Wiseman, Long Wharf Development Director. "We've had a number of people buy passes, buy subscriptions to give to people, we have a great anytime pass people can give at anytime."

"And let's count this in dollars," said Edelstein, "by the $10 donations, by the $500 donations..."

It took a lot of generous people to give the theater its makeover. The first performance there will be December 5th.

"Without culture, without music, theater, dance, our lives are much much emptier," said Edelstein.

That's why the folks there think maybe the arts are where you should be giving on this giving Tuesday.