Arkansas Symphony Orchestra Raises $7.1 Million in Three-Year Campaign

The Arkansas Symphony Orchestra announced Monday that it had concluded its three-year "Orchestrating the Future" fundraising campaign, raising over $7.1 million. The extended appeal for funds ended Thursday, surpassing the orchestra's stated goal of $7 million.

The fundraiser was established to help the ASO's various arts programs and to supplement funding for the renovation of Robinson Center Music Hall, set to reopen this November. The raised $7.1 million will also assist the ASO in growing their annual base of donors and building the endowment.

Christina Littlejohn, ASO executive director, explained to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette how each individual contribution helped the fundraiser, regardless of its amount:

"Hitting that goal [also] represents hundreds of members of the community," Littlejohn said. "A lot of that total represents gifts of $25, $50 and $10, so our patrons and subscribers that made it possible to make our goal."

While the ASO has reportedly been in the black for the past several years, organizers wanted to ensure the future of the symphony with the aptly-titled fundraiser.

The Stella Boyle Smith Trust was the main contributor to the campaign. The trust is named for Stella Boyle Smith, the musician who started The Musical Group in 1923 which became the ASO in 1966.

An executive of the Stella Boyle Smith Trust described their support for their ASO:

"The Arkansas Symphony Orchestra was a passion for Stella, and the Trust is honored to continue her support of this wonderful organization," said Mike Mayton, Senior Trustee of the Stella Boyle Smith Trust. "She would have been absolutely delighted to see how the orchestra has flourished throughout the last few years."

Other significant donors to the ASO cause included the Christine Sturgis Charitable Trust, the Philip R. Jonsson Family Foundation, the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Beth and Dr. Richard Wheeler, and Jan and Dr. Randal Hundley.

Below, watch ASO associate conductor Geoffrey Robson in a short YouTube video promoting the Symphony's recent "Beethoven & Blue Jeans" event.

We want to hear from you -- let us know what you think of ASO's awesome fundraiser. If you live in the "The Land of Opportunity," have you ever attended a performance by the state's orchestra? Sound off in the comments section!

TagsArkansas Symphony Orchestra, Stella Boyle Smith Trust, Geoffrey Robson, Robinson Center Music Hall