General Operating Support

Support the Hixon family whose beloved husband, father and primary breadwinner was taken from them far too soon. Thank you for your generosity.

On December 15, 2025, The Strand Theater Initiative lost a pillar of its organization, MIKE POTEMRA. Anyone who has been to The Strand for more than five years may not have known his name, but they knew Mike's work as the Sound Engineer for just about every show since The Strand first reopened in 2009. He earned the nickname 'Iron' Mike for his relentless support and dedication, even before any work on the theater was begun. He joined the organization in 2003 and was a fixture at all fundraising events, and then every show when the theater reopened, until his retirement in 2022. In 2014, Mike became the only Strand Volunteer to receive the WQED VITA AWARD (Volunteer in the Arts) for his selfless dedication.

Knowing of his unparalleled passion for The Strand, Mike's family has asked for donations to The Strand in Mike's name in lieu of flowers.