Sarasota Opera Receives $4 Million Gift

After the completion of the opera company's restoration and renovation project in March 2008, the auditorium of the Sarasota Opera House will be renamed "The William E. Schmidt Opera Theater."

Mr. and Mrs. Schmidt are full-time residents of Sarasota and are Sarasota Opera Co-Producers and sponsors of the Sarasota Youth Opera. According to Mr. and Mrs. Schmidt, "Our gift to Sarasota Opera is not a gift to strangers, but rather a gift to a special family of artists and deeply committed and talented people. We are happy to be a part of this family that helps make our lives richer and more meaningful. We hope that others will join us in generously supporting our Opera's renovation program."

Sarasota Opera's Executive Director Susan T. Danis commented that "the entire opera family is overwhelmed by the Schmidt's generosity. This gift truly will help us transform our opera house and reach important artistic goals. We are deeply moved by their belief and commitment to what we do."

Mr. Schmidt has a long-standing interest in creative approaches to community improvement and a long history of philanthropic giving privately and since 1992 through The William E. Schmidt Foundation. After serving as an Air Force Fighter Pilot, he returned home to Indiana where he raised three children and had a very successful career as a commercial real estate developer and investor.

He has sponsored the William E. Schmidt Youth Awards in Evansville, Indiana since the 1980's and now also in Sarasota. Other major gifts have gone the University of Southern Indiana, University of Evansville, and the Boys and Girls Club of Sarasota.

Sarasota Opera's "Building on the Vision" Capital Campaign was begun in March 2006. The campaign goal of $60 million includes $20 million to fund the restoration and renovation of the historic Sarasota Opera House; $10 million to build the Endowment; and $30 million in Legacy Gifts. Just over $40 million has currently been raised. The renovation project began immediately after the close of the 2007 Winter Opera Fesival on March 4 and is expected to be completed in time for the company to open the next Winter Opera Festival in March 2008. -- www.sarasotaopera.org