2017 SOS Challenge Grant
A personal note from Jill Anna:
When Supporters of Opera Singers first called to let me know they were interested in offering us this challenge grant, even they were dubious that we could raise $25,000. There is only one time in our history that we raised that much in a whole season, and that was just last year. But they encouraged us to give it a shot.
And we did. (Because what's life without a little risk?)
Throughout the fall, contributions arrived steadily, and were generally at, or slightly above, previous giving levels. As we entered the month of December, we were doing well, but still several thousand dollars away from our goal.
Then, out of the blue, after a Voice Lab, a donor pledged $5,000. Now our goal was actually within view! In addition to that pledge, handfuls of $25 and $15 contributions began arriving. And they added up.
Late in the evening of Dec 30, we had reached $24,995. (I’m not kidding, we were seriously only $5 short.) I decided that was close enough to declare victory. What I didn’t know was that eight checks were waiting in the PO box.
Which brings me to the point of this message:
We received $32,020 in contributions between Aug 20 and Dec 31 2017!
Over 120 individuals made gifts to the campaign, and 30 contributions came from people who had never given to MOT before.
This is so out of the ordinary for us, it still feels strange to type about it.
Our online giving platform includes a line for people to leave a dedication with their contribution. These are just a few of the things donor's said:
Thank you for all you do!
It’s a pleasure to give to such an adventurous organization!
Thank you MOT for building such a great community with such amazing art!!!
It brings me JOY to support this amazing organization!!
Thank you for adding magic to my life.
The arts scene in MKE is richer for the work of MOT and I’m proud to be one of your supporters!
Keep up the amazing work MOT!
MOT is a Milwaukee TREASURE!
I love MOT!
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for believing in MOT - and for the many ways you help make it run,
With immense gratitude,
Jill Anna
When Supporters of Opera Singers first called to let me know they were interested in offering us this challenge grant, even they were dubious that we could raise $25,000. There is only one time in our history that we raised that much in a whole season, and that was just last year. But they encouraged us to give it a shot.
And we did. (Because what's life without a little risk?)
Throughout the fall, contributions arrived steadily, and were generally at, or slightly above, previous giving levels. As we entered the month of December, we were doing well, but still several thousand dollars away from our goal.
Then, out of the blue, after a Voice Lab, a donor pledged $5,000. Now our goal was actually within view! In addition to that pledge, handfuls of $25 and $15 contributions began arriving. And they added up.
Late in the evening of Dec 30, we had reached $24,995. (I’m not kidding, we were seriously only $5 short.) I decided that was close enough to declare victory. What I didn’t know was that eight checks were waiting in the PO box.
Which brings me to the point of this message:
We received $32,020 in contributions between Aug 20 and Dec 31 2017!
Over 120 individuals made gifts to the campaign, and 30 contributions came from people who had never given to MOT before.
This is so out of the ordinary for us, it still feels strange to type about it.
Our online giving platform includes a line for people to leave a dedication with their contribution. These are just a few of the things donor's said:
Thank you for all you do!
It’s a pleasure to give to such an adventurous organization!
Thank you MOT for building such a great community with such amazing art!!!
It brings me JOY to support this amazing organization!!
Thank you for adding magic to my life.
The arts scene in MKE is richer for the work of MOT and I’m proud to be one of your supporters!
Keep up the amazing work MOT!
MOT is a Milwaukee TREASURE!
I love MOT!
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for believing in MOT - and for the many ways you help make it run,
With immense gratitude,
Jill Anna
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We made it!!! Thanks to your support, we met our fundraising goal of $25,000. These funds will be matched by a generous grant from Supporters of Opera Singers for a total of $50,000! Milwaukee Opera Theatre extends its gracious thanks to all those who helped us reach our goal. Your contributions will allow us to continue commissioning new work, developing our educational programs, and adding artistic and administrative support to our team. |
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