Complex sentence: Philanthropist LuEsther Mertz underwrote the purchase of the theater in 1979, at a cost of $225,000, and the renovated facility was named for her daughter, Joyce, to honor this contribution.
Split into simpler sentences: Philanthropist LuEsther Mertz underwrote the purchase of the theater in 1979, at a cost of $225,000. The renovated facility was named for her daughter, Joyce, to honor this contribution.