Lyric Opera 2018-2019 Issue 8 Elektra

February 2 - 22, 2019 | 15 and in this region want access to grand opera, and because they believe a great city deserves a great opera company,” Hurley notes. “Our patrons make it all possible through their philanthropic invest- ment in the company. Lyric exists in collaboration with our audiences and our donors, and it is an honor and a privilege to serve this incredible community.” Philanthropy in the performing arts is the result of relationship building, whether the source of the contribution is a corporation, a foundation, or an individual family. Lyric’s reputation for innova- tive, personalized fundraising continues to be noted by donors city- wide. at reputation, says Lawrence DelPilar, senior director of development, has much to do with “our desire to customize the donor experience so that the outcome is sincerely memorable and meaningful for each individual.” As donors become more invested in the company, their relationship with Lyric deepens. Meaghan Stainback, philanthropy officer for e Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center, frequently sees this process in action: “I find that Ryan Opera Center donors truly become fans of the artists they support and follow them all over the world. Our donors get to watch them grow as performers while they’re here, and it’s a mutual relationship when they leave. e artists understand that the patrons make it all possible.” Gifts of all sizes matter to Lyric “because it’s the collective power of individual donors who share a passion all acting together that transforms an organization,” says Angela Larson, director of annual giving. “Without our donors,” Larson asserts, “it would be categorically impossible to present grand opera on the scale we do at Lyric.” However, Larson also empha- sizes that Lyric’s mission goes beyond what the audience sees on- stage. “When patrons contribute to Lyric, they aren’t just supporting the beautiful performances they see on- stage. ey’re supporting emerging artists through the Ryan Opera Center. ey’re supporting arts education in schools. And they are helping ensure that Lyric remains embedded in the community through our Lyric Unlimited efforts.” Lyric is deeply grateful for all gifts it receives. “Just as it takes an army of artists and artisans to put on an opera, it takes an army of supporters to make the season a success — and to pay for it,” says Stainback. “Any investment in Lyric indicates a patron’s realization that ticket purchases alone don’t cover the entire cost of producing grand opera. It also shows that he or she trusts that Lyric will use his or her donation for the enjoyment of everyone. at donor trust is something we have to earn every day.” How important is Lyric to some of our patrons? Larson recently met a couple who had their first date at Lyric and have been donors ever since: “Because being in the opera house meant so much to them and their relationship, he brought her back to the same seats they sat in for their first date to propose. And of course, she said ‘Yes!’ Now, the young couple is eagerly planning their very own ‘happily ever after’ and is looking forward to bringing their first child to the opera, although they agreed that it would be a few years from now.” “Corporations and foundations contribute to Lyric because we JEFF ELLIS DAN REST Stefan Edlis, a member of the Board of Directors and a production sponsor, visits with Elizabeth Hurley, Lyric's chief development officer. Meaghan Stainback (second from right), philanthropy officer, with Ryan Opera Center Board member Tanja Chevalier (far left) and two longtime Lyric donors and volunteers, Jorge and Beatriz Iorgulescu. “Any investment in Lyric indicates a patron’s realization that ticket purchases alone don’t cover the entire cost of producing grand opera.” — Meaghan Stainback L Y R I C O P E R A O F C H I C A G O