Major gift advances January construction fundraising milestone as Foundation and Rialto partner on special Giving Wednesday initiative honoring Charles Addams’ legacy
WESTFIELD, NJ — OCTOBER 29, 2026 — The Rialto Center for Creativity has received a generous $300,000 gift from the Tee & Charles Addams Foundation, marking a significant milestone in the effort to transform Westfield’s historic Rialto theater into a vibrant destination for arts, culture, and community.
The announcement comes on the heels of Westfield’s annual AddamsFest celebration and the conclusion of AddamsFest Americana, an exhibition at the Rialto featuring original artwork by Charles Addams alongside works by local artists.
Charles Addams, the internationally renowned cartoonist and creator of The Addams Family, was born in Westfield in 1912 and graduated from Westfield High School in 1929. His distinctive artistic vision continues to inspire audiences around the world.
“There’s something incredibly meaningful about having the legacy of one of Westfield’s most celebrated creative figures help shape the future of the Rialto,” said Dawn Mackey, Rialto Trustee and AddamsFest creator. “Charlie took pieces of his hometown and wove them into his art. He used his creativity to celebrate differences and message acceptance. Thanks to the generosity of the Tee & Charles Addams Foundation, we’re moving closer to creating a place where that same spirit of imagination and creativity can inspire generations to come.”
From October 9 through 25, the Rialto hosted the AddamsFest Americana exhibit, celebrating America250 by exploring the American experience through an Addams-inspired lens and showcasing Addams works on loan from the Foundation alongside art by local creators. The Rialto also welcomed H. Kevin Miserocchi, who leads the Foundation, for an October Spotlight conversation exploring Addams’ artistic achievements and enduring influence.
“The Rialto has a special place in Westfield’s history, and Charles Addams never lost his connection to the community that helped shape his imagination,” said H. Kevin Miserocchi of the Tee & Charles Addams Foundation. “We see this gift as an opportunity to honor his creative legacy while helping build something meaningful for the future. Charlie believed in the power of an original idea, and the Rialto’s vision for a welcoming home for artistic expression and discovery is very much in that spirit.”
Building Momentum Toward Construction
The Foundation’s $300,000 gift helps advance a critical fundraising milestone for the Rialto Center for Creativity, which is working to raise $3 million in cash by January 7, 2027, to enable construction to begin.
With this latest gift, the organization has reached 25% of that goal, reflecting growing philanthropic and community support as the project moves toward its next phase.
The fundraising effort follows a $43.3 million award through the New Jersey Economic Development Authority’s Cultural Arts Facilities Expansion (CAFE) Program, a major investment in the historic theater’s transformation.
“We’ve made tremendous progress, but reaching our January 7 fundraising milestone will require continued support from individuals, businesses, and organizations throughout our community,” added Bill Crandall, the Rialto’s Interim Executive Director. “Every contribution brings us closer to the day when construction can begin and this vision starts becoming a reality. This is an opportunity for all of us to be part of the Rialto’s next chapter.”
“It is fitting that The Rialto name this day Giving Wednesday in honor of one of Charles Addams’s most cherished cartoon characters while raising awareness in financial support of one of his favorite hometown haunts,” added Miserocchi.
The future Rialto Center for Creativity will feature a flexible performance and event space accommodating up to 450 people, four multi-use classrooms and studios, galleries showcasing local and regional artists, and welcoming spaces for community gatherings. Planned activities include live performances, film screenings, exhibitions, creative workshops, and cultural conversations.
Construction is anticipated to begin in 2027, with the Center’s opening planned for 2029.
A Special Giving Wednesday to Honor Charles Addams
To celebrate the Foundation’s generosity and inspire broader community participation, the Tee & Charles Addams Foundation and the Rialto Center for Creativity are partnering to declare Wednesday, November 4, Giving Wednesday, inviting supporters to make a contribution in honor of Charles Addams and his enduring creative legacy.
The initiative encourages individuals, families, businesses, and community organizations to build on the momentum of the Foundation’s gift while helping the Rialto reach its January construction fundraising milestone.
“Charles Addams’ imagination reached far beyond Westfield, but his story began here,” said Miserocchi. “We hope Giving Wednesday encourages the community to celebrate that remarkable legacy by supporting a place where new ideas, new artists, and new creative possibilities can flourish.”
Every contribution, regardless of size, will help move the Rialto closer to its goal of creating a vibrant cultural destination for Westfield and the surrounding region.
Community members interested in participating in Giving Wednesday can make a gift at rialtowestfield.org/donate.
About the Rialto Center for Creativity
The Rialto Center for Creativity is an independent nonprofit organization working to transform Westfield’s historic Rialto theater into a vibrant and inclusive destination for artistic expression, education, and community engagement. The reimagined Center will offer live performances, film screenings, exhibitions, workshops, and opportunities for creative exploration, bringing people together through shared cultural experiences.
About the Tee & Charles Addams Foundation
Established in 1999 by Marilyn “Tee” Addams, the Tee & Charles Addams Foundation is a nonprofit private operating foundation dedicated to preserving, interpreting, and sharing the artistic achievements of Charles Addams, the renowned American cartoonist and creator of The Addams Family. Through exhibitions, publications, educational programs, and stewardship of the artist’s work and archives, the Foundation continues to celebrate Addams’ distinctive contributions to American art and culture.
For more information, visit charlesaddams.com.