For immediate release: Thursday, January 29, 2026

O.P.E.R.A., Inc. – the non-profit organization that owns and operates the historic Ellendale Opera House –finished its 2025 fund drive with $117,000 in donations from supporters.

In addition to the funds from individuals, O.P.E.R.A. received a $250,000 grant from the N.D. Dept. of Commerce that will enable the opera house to move forward on renovation of two street-level stores and restoration of the building's Main Street façades.

The 2025 "Gaining Momentum" campaign included a dollar-for-dollar match on contributions made by August 31 up to a maximum amount of $30,000. The matching dollars came from anonymous O.P.E.R.A. supporters.

Renovation plans for the storefronts and façade work are under way and construction is expected to begin this spring.

A new annual fund drive will be announced this spring, but donations are welcome any time.

Donors can direct their support for special naming/sponsorship opportunities, such as the restored Annex, upstairs auditorium, stage rehabilitation or Main Street window restoration.

Donors at all sponsorship levels will be recognized by having their names – or the name of someone they wish to honor or memorialize – listed on a permanent plaque mounted in

the opera house lobby.

For naming/sponsorship opportunities, contact Justin at 701-535-0347.

To contribute, mail your donation to O.P.E.R.A. at P.O. Box 334, Ellendale, ND 58436, or donate online at: www.ellendaleoperahouse.com.

O.P.E.R.A. – Organization of People in Ellendale for Restoration of the Arts – was formed in 1992 to save the Main Street landmark from the wrecking ball. Because O.P.E.R.A. is a charitable non-profit organization, all donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Visit our Facebook page for restoration photos on additional building updates: 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/122667311149139/

The Ellendale Opera House and its services are available to all persons without discrimination as to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, or physical or mental disability. O.P.E.R.A., Inc. is an equal opportunity provider.