Microsoft makes $1 million pledge to group building Bellevue theater

Microsoft has pledged $1 million to a 2,000-seat theater planned in downtown Bellevue, the company's biggest donation ever to an Eastside nonprofit group.

Organizers of the Performing Arts Center Eastside (PACE) have received half the money and will get the rest over the next two years, company officials said. A Microsoft executive will also join the PACE board of directors.

The company decided to make the donation because the theater will benefit employees and the community, including children who will see performances and perform there themselves, said Jane Broom, senior program manager for local community affairs.

"It's very important to us that our employees and their families have an opportunity to access a vibrant and diverse arts and culture scene," Broom said.

PACE officials say the relationship with Microsoft is important, especially since next year, the company will move its North American sales headquarters into 15 floors of the Lincoln Square office tower, a block away from the site of the new theater.

PACE now has almost $16 million of its planned $100 million budget, most of which will come from private donations.

Organizers will auction off 26 fiberglass deer — along with 40 smaller, tabletop deer — at the Oct. 21 "Bucks for PACE" gala. Seven of the deer were vandalized this summer while on display outdoors in Bellevue, but they have all been repaired.

PACE officials still hope to raise $500,000 at the gala, which starts at 5:30 p.m. at the Westin Bellevue, 600 Bellevue Way N.E.

Groundbreaking is scheduled for fall 2007, with the facility opening in early 2009.

Ashley Bach: 206-464-2567 or abach@seattletimes.com