Algonquin Arts recently received a $50,000 donation from an anonymous supporter for the 2009/2010 season, according to officials with the non-profit organization.

The donation was made in honor of the supporter’s late wife, Marialana, who was a dedicated Algonquin Arts volunteer for many years.

Algonquin Arts will acknowledge Marialana in all publications and marketing materials for the 2009/2010 Family Series, theatre officials said.

When speaking of his wife, the donor said, “She was a child advocate. She worked as a school nurse and guidance counselor for 35 years. In her memory, I wanted to make this donation to further programming for children.”

Approximately 40 percent of the organization’s operating expenses are covered by donated contributions, according to officials.

Algonquin Arts this year saw a 30 percent cut in funding from the state. Private foundations and grant opportunities also have cut the amount of money these foundations can give and some have altogether stopped accepting new proposals, according to the organization.

Donations from individual supporters make it possible for Algonquin Arts to thrive and continue to bring culturally enriching and entertaining programs to the Jersey Shore, officials said.

Programming is made possible through the philanthropic support of private citizens, local businesses, the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, OceanFirst Foundation, PNC Foundation, Manasquan Savings Bank, the Women’s Club of Brielle, Investors Savings Bank Charitable Fund, Verizon Foundation, Janice Blanton Plangere and Jules Plangere III, Algonquin Arts officials said.

Algonquin Arts was founded in 1992 as a nonprofit corporation to promote and advance artistic, social, literary, education and community endeavors in central New Jersey. The organization's outreach programs bring cultural and educational programs to schools, community centers and long-term adult care facilities throughout Monmouth and Ocean Counties.

In its first full season, Algonquin Arts attracted 9,000 people to 54 events. Today, more than 90,000 people — 26,000 of them schoolchildren — attend 217 programs in the 540-seat Algonquin Arts Theatre, located on Main Street in Manasquan, according to the organization.

Anyone interested in making a donation to Algonquin Arts should call the organization’s development coordinator, Brett Colby, at 732-528-4336 or e-mail brett@algonquinarts.org.

Also, donations can be made online by visiting www.algonquinarts.org and clicking the “Donate Online” link.