An anonymous donor has thrown down the gauntlet and the Troy-Pike Cultural Arts Center is encouraging the community to meet the challenge.

Morgan Drinkard, arts center executive director, said that the anonymous donor has presented the Cultural Arts Center with a Membership Challenge Grant.

“The donor will match, dollar-for-dollar, each dollar raised before Oct. 1, above and beyond the amount of last year’s membership dues which were $10,000,” Drinkard said. “The donor realizes the importance of the arts in Troy and Pike County and the need to maintain and increase our membership. We are grateful for the support and what this opportunity means to our fund-raising efforts.”

Drinkard said that, to date, the Troy-Pike Cultural Arts Center has raised $10,000, so future memberships will double in amount. For example, a $25 membership will be doubled to $50. A $100 membership will be $200. This is a great opportunity of support.”

The membership goal for the year is $20,000.

“We are encouraging the community to help us reach our goal by placing or renewing memberships, or by upgrading memberships,” Drinkard said. “Membership dues are tax deductible

The membership levels for Troy-Pike Cultural Arts Center, which includes the Johnson Center for the Arts, The Studio and the Arts Center Annex, are $10 for students, $25 for individuals and $50 for families. A Centennial membership is $100, a Friends of the Arts membership is $250 and a Directors Circle membership is $500.

Drinkard said the Center’s operating budget is $250,000 and membership is an important budget item.

“Only 14 percent of our operating budget comes from government entities,” she said. “Every other dollar has to be raised through memberships, contributions, grants and fund-raisers. So, to double the amount of our membership fees would be a real boost to our budget.”

Drinkard said the mission of the Troy-Pike Cultural Arts Center is to provide education and exposure to the arts.

“Johnson Center memberships help us keep the doors of the arts center open and for the community to enjoy outstanding exhibitions free of charge,” Drinkard said.

Johnson Center for the Arts memberships are available at the Johnson Center, 300 East Walnut Street in downtown Troy. For more information, call (334) 670-2287.

Johnson Center hours are 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and until 3 p.m. on Saturday.