McGregor Fund contribution caps off $1.3 Million raised in December for DSO Annual Fund
DETROIT, (Jan. 17, 2012) – The Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO) is honored to announce that successful year-end fundraising culminated in a six-figure grant from the McGregor Fund, which will help support all aspects of operations at the DSO including our exciting new performance season with the metro Detroit community.
“Metro Detroit’s cultural institutions contribute an irreplaceable element of distinction to our community,” said C. David Campbell, president of the McGregor Fund. “It is our hope that the McGregor Fund can continue to support such civic treasures.”
The McGregor Fund grant was the capstone gift of exceptional community support of the DSO at year’s end totaling $1.3 million in the month of December. From September 1 through December 31, 2011, the DSO Annual Fund campaign raised $6.4 million – a full 83 percent ahead of the same period in 2010. The number of DSO donors increased by 28 percent and over $1 million in new or increased giving was raised. The Governing Members, the DSO’s new, innovative program for civic and cultural leaders, welcomed 58 brand new members to the leadership experience.
Historically among the nation’s most productive in terms of annual fundraising (No. 1 outside of Boston, Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco), the DSO’s 2011-12 Annual Fund campaign has raised 55 percent of the gifts and pledges required to reach its $12 million goal. This 2011-12 campaign runs until August 31, 2012.
“Organizations like the McGregor Fund, that are dedicated to keeping the cultural fabric of metro Detroit intact and vibrant, play a vital role in the daily life of cultural institutions like the DSO,” said Anne Parsons, president and CEO of the DSO. “For their long history of support, as well as this generous vote of confidence in current programs, we are deeply appreciative.”
The McGregor Fund is a private foundation established in 1925 by gifts from Katherine and Tracy McGregor “to relieve the misfortunes and promote the well-being of mankind.” The foundation awards grants to organizations in the following areas: human services, education, health care, arts and culture, and public benefit. The area of principal interest of the foundation is the City of Detroit and Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties. The McGregor Fund has granted over $200 million since its founding and had assets of $165 million as of June 30, 2011. Visit www.mcgregorfund.org for additional information.
Fantastic news! I am excited and pleased for the DSO and all of us living in Detroit.
The Detroit and metro Detroit community has proved that despite it’s caliginous economic atmosphere, through generosity and sacrifice, it was able to resurrect one of this city’s greatest cultural icons: the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. Hurrah for Detroit!
This is wonderful and is trulygreat news. Please use whatever is feasible to retire the debt. Thatis most important. Thank you. Annemarie Lopez