If you've thought about contributing to restoration of the Ellendale Opera House but never donated, this year's fund drive hopes to enlist your financial support with a special double-match.

For each dollar donated to the All-In, All-School Fund Drive by first-time contributors, anonymous O.P.E.R.A. supporters will match that amount with $2, up to a total of $10,000.

In other words, if $10,000 is contributed by first-time donors, O.P.E.R.A. will receive a total of $30,000 toward this year's fund drive.

Also new this year:

• An "Acres for O.P.E.R.A." program is being offered to encourage Dickey County farm owners to donate a portion of their crop to the non-profit organization. Donating grain directly to O.P.E.R.A. can provide tax benefits to farm owners. (Farm owners should consult a tax professional to determine if the program would benefit them.)

• All contributions by past donors will be matched dollar-for-dollar by O.P.E.R.A. supporters up to a maximum of $20,000.

• And, those who donate $250 or more to the All-In, All-School Fund Drive between now and August 31 will receive a custom-designed O.P.E.R.A. coffee mug (while supplies last).

The name of this year's fund drive refers to the Ellendale High School All-School Reunion being held July 7-10.

The reunion of all high school classes is held every five years and involves special events and activities, including a "Walk of Fame" dinner with induction of past and present residents who have made notable contributions to the community.

During the all-school reunion week, the Ellendale Opera House Lobby & Gallery will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., providing a place for conversation and free refreshments. Donation forms, information about the opera house restoration and tours will be provided visitors.

A special photography exhibit with images from the the 2020 governor's photo contest will be on display in the gallery during the reunion. The photography exhibit will be up from June 20 until July 20.

O.P.E.R.A. began its current "Building Our Future and Preserving Our Past" capital campaign in late 2018 to raise funds to bring the 1909 opera house back to full use by the community.

To contribute to the All-In, All-School Fund Drive, mail your donation to O.P.E.R.A., Inc. at P.O. Box 334, Ellendale, ND 58436, or donate online by clicking on the "Donate" button in the top menu of this site. 

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.

All donors will have their names listed on a display in the Opera House Lobby & Gallery. Donations can be made to honor other individuals or family members and have those names listed on the donor display.

For additional information, call 701-535-0347 or email jmmeid@hotmail.com.