O.P.E.R.A. sets $125,000 goal for 2025 fund drive; dollar-for-dollar match in place for first $30,000
For immediate release: Friday, March 28, 2025
After raising a record amount last year, O.P.E.R.A., Inc. hopes to reach $125,000 in donations in 2025 to keep pace with restoration work under way at the Ellendale Opera House.
O.P.E.R.A. – the non-profit organization that owns and operates the opera house – has begun restoration of the Annex storefront next to the renovated Lobby & Gallery, and has hired a structural engineering firm to determine repairs necessary to return the 700-seat second floor auditorium to community use.
As an incentive during this year's "Gaining Momentum" fund drive, all contributions (up to $30,000) will be matched dollar-for-dollar by anonymous O.P.E.R.A. supporters. Donations must be made before the end of August to qualify for the special match.
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.
Other fund drive options/incentives include:
• “Acres for O.P.E.R.A." to enable farm owners to donate a portion of their crop to the non-profit organization and qualify for tax credits.
• Donors contributing more than $300 between now and December 31 will receive a newly designed O.P.E.R.A. coffee mug.
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: