Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024

During a special event September 27 marking the 115th birthday of the Ellendale Opera House, seven long-time supporters were recognized for their contributions to O.P.E.R.A., Inc., the non-profit organization that owns and operates the facility.

Recognized for their service and dedication were:

• Marilyn Burow – O.P.E.R.A., Inc. Board of Director for more than 30 years and one of the original board members in 1992.

 • Grant Crabtree – Long-time O.P.E.R.A. board member and treasurer of the organization for more than 25 years.

• Linda Gayman – A charter member and organizer of O.P.E.R.A.

• Karen Hoffman – A charter member and president of the first O.P.E.R.A. Board of Directors.

• Lana Schlecht – A charter member and vice president of the first O.P.E.R.A. Board of Directors.

• Helen Roeszler – A charter member and organizer of O.P.E.R.A.

• Ken Schmierer – Long-time O.P.E.R.A. board member and key organizer of programs at the opera house for more than 25 years. 

The reception at the opera house Lobby & Gallery included entertainment by award-winning fiddler Laura Barry of Ellendale, and accordian player Ely Rud, of Aberdeen.

Attendees at the event were encouraged to donate $115 to the organization's 2024 "Building on Success" fund drive. More than $15,000 was raised at the birthday event, bringing the overall fund drive total to more than $21,000.

This year's fund drive seeks to raise $75,000 for renovation of the Main Street storefronts for expanded community use of the building. The fund drive continues until the end of the year.

This year donors have the opportunity to underwrite restoration of the building's 18 Main Street windows after the old plywood coverings of the windows were removed last year.

By being a window sponsor/donor, the individual would have his/her name (or a memorial dedication for a family member) permanently affixed to a window. The donation also would be recognized with an engraved plaque in the opera house gallery.

Full sponsorship for a window restoration is $5,000; half sponsorship ($2,500 donation) of a window restoration also is available.

Larger naming/sponsorships opportunities for restoration of other parts of the building are available. For details, contact Justin at 701-535-0347.

This year's fund drive options/incentives include:

• “Acres for O.P.E.R.A." to encourage farm owners to donate a portion of their crop to the non-profit organization. Such direct grain donations can provide tax benefits. (Farm owners should consult a tax professional to determine if the program would benefit them.)

• Donors contributing more than $300 between now and December 31 will receive a newly designed O.P.E.R.A. coffee mug. 

To contribute to the "Building on Success," mail your donation to O.P.E.R.A., Inc. 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 full extent allowed by law.

All donors also will have their names listed on a display in the Opera House Lobby & Gallery.

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

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

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