Opera completes $2 million campaign
Written by Christine Senack | | christine@senackandassociates.com
Renay Conlin and Lucille Gorski
The Toledo Opera launched a $2 million campaign in the fall of 2005 for the dual purpose of doubling the size of the opera’s existing endowment and supporting operating costs related to artistic excellence in Toledo Opera performances. The goal was met with the help of more than 350 gifts from businesses and individuals, including one notable gift that brought the Crescendo Campaign to a close.
At a recent celebration party, General and Artistic Director Renay Colin thanked the Opera Trustees, who created and led the campaign, and recognized all donors. She also extended special thanks to Lucille Gorski, who contributed a gift of $1 million to complete the campaign.
Gorski, who was first encouraged by her parents to enjoy opera music, has been a supporter of the art form throughout her life.
“The music is so gorgeous,” she said. “Opera has everything: music, acting and dancing.”
Early in her marriage, Gorski introduced her husband, Ted, to opera. Ted had never attended an opera before meeting her. Because of his love for his wife, he decided to learn more about the art form. In addition to being season ticket holders for years, Ted served as president of the Toledo Opera Board. Together, the Gorskis established the first endowment fund through a matching gift campaign completed just after Ted’s death in 1998. Gorski accepted an invitation to join the Opera Board a year ago and said she is motivated by her service on the Board of Trustees.
As a trustee, Gorski is well-acquainted with the financial realities of the Toledo Opera. As with most local arts organizations, income from ticket sales, donation and corporate sponsorship is not sufficient to support the performances and programs of the organization. Additionally, the Opera endures the financial stress of long-term debt in its annual operations budget.
“It is hard to raise money for current needs while paying off long-term debt,” Conlin said.
Gorski agreed: “It would be nice if they could reduce the debt.”
Gorski divided her gift between releasing the Opera from past financial challenges and investing in its future. Her gift of $1 million included a designation of $200,000 to go toward long-term debt and the remaining $800,000 invested in the Opera’s Crescendo Campaign.
The heart of the Crescendo Campaign was a fundraising crusade to secure and enhance the future of the Toledo Opera. Of the $2 million raised, $1 million will go toward increasing the Endowment Fund, and $1 million is earmarked for an Artistic Excellence Fund. The Artistic Excellence Fund allows the Opera to attract talent by offering competitive artists’ fees, commission new operas, create a summer series and increase performances for children. The Endowment Fund was doubled, which allows greater fiscal soundness and confidence for the Opera’s annual operating budget of $1.2 million. The Toledo Opera was founded in 1957, with the generosity of donors and the loyalty of patrons, the organizations has become a company with a national — even an international reputation — by presenting the finest artists in productions of the highest quality.
Christine Senack is a Toledo-based consultant helping businesses and people develop strategies for philanthropy and community relationships. She can be contacted by email at christine@senackandassociates.com.
