The family that owns Holiday World and Splashin' Safari in Santa Claus has donated $25,000 to the Lincoln Amphitheatre in Spencer County. The gift is in memory of Will Koch, who passed away last year. His mother Pat says the family is encouraging others to donate with the hope of having the contribution double to jump start the amphitheatre’s fund drive.

SANTA CLAUS, IND-----With Abraham Lincoln’s birthday just around the corner, Holiday World’s Koch family today issues a $25,000 challenge gift to Lincoln Amphitheatre in memory of Will Koch.

“My oldest son was such an admirer of our sixteenth president,” says Holiday World matriarch Pat Koch. “Part of Will’s legacy is his dedication to seeing the story of Abraham Lincoln’s Indiana roots shared in Lincoln Amphitheatre.”

Abraham Lincoln grew up what is now Lincoln City, Indiana, from the time he was seven until he was 21. Lincoln City is located four miles west of the town of Santa Claus.

The Koch family and Holiday World are encouraging others to donate to Lincoln Amphitheatre in memory of Will Koch, who passed away last June at the age of 48. Thousands of friends and admirers from around the world who sent their condolences remembered him for his vision, integrity, and sense of humor. Will Koch was president of Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari for more than 20 years and also served as president of the Lincoln Boyhood Drama Association. His widow, Lori, now serves on the association’s board.

“We hope our gift will inspire others to make a donation as well,” says Pat Koch. “Our goal is to see today’s contribution double, helping to jump-start the amphitheatre’s upcoming fund drive so that they may continue telling the story of Lincoln’s Indiana years for many seasons to come.”

Lincoln Amphitheatre staff recently announced a planned “re-tooling” of the Lincoln: Upon the Altar of Freedom play, which is expected to return as a more family-friendly musical in 2012. Meanwhile, the amphitheatre will host a variety of outdoor films and theatrical presentations this summer, including a collaborative production of The Wizard of Oz with the Evansville Civic Theatre.

Donations may be made through Lincoln Amphitheatre’s website at LincolnAmphitheatre.com by clicking on the “Donate and Support” button. Lincoln Amphitheatre is located in Lincoln State Park and is operated by the non-profit Lincoln Boyhood Drama Association.

Source: Holiday World and Splashin' Safari & Inside Indiana Business

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