VALPARAISO | Chicago Street Theatre and Tudor Cleaning and Restoration teamed up for a fundraiser at the beginning of November.

Patrons of the theatre were able to have their carpets cleaned by Tudor during the first week of the month, with 40 percent of the proceeds going directly to Chicago Street Theatre.

The 13 customers who participated also were given two tickets to either of the theatre’s holiday shows as a premium for participating in the program. The total amount of money raised was about $1,600.

Chicago Street Theatre Managing Director Donna Blanchard said she was appreciative of the generosity from Tudor Cleaning and Restoration.

“I honestly believe that getting out of this economic slump is going to take creative thinking and effort at the grass-roots level,” she said. “I cannot think of a better type of win/win/win scenario for our economic development than this one. I got my carpet cleaned – it looks gorgeous – the theatre benefited financially and I am now a new and loyal customer of Tudor Cleaning and Restoration.”

James Tudor, owner of Tudor Cleaning and Restoration, said his company is always enthusiastic about helping the community and important local organizations.

Tudor technician Erik Kozuszek handled all the Chicago Street Theater's cleaning jobs and was so well-received by the Chicago Street Theater Patrons, that many committed to future services from the company as well. This also increased the amount of contributions to the theatre.

Tudor explained that his company was committed to helping Chicago Street Theatre because of the importance and quality of the living art it shares with the community.

“This idea was one way that Tudor could help the Theater,” Tudor said. “Donna Blanchard accepted Tudor's offer with an open heart. Even if it would have generated much less, I believe Donna would have been grateful. In my opinion and from my experience, The Chicago Street Theater is in good hands with Donna Blanchard as a manager.”

--For The Times