Ellendale Opera House fund drive at $56,000;

still seeking new donors to reach full match

Friday, August 19, 2022

This year's O.P.E.R.A., Inc. fund drive now totals nearly $56,000, but the non-profit group hopes to raise an additional $7,000 from first-time donors to reach the full matching amount available.

This year's "All-In, All-School Fund Drive" involved two matching incentives thanks to anonymous Ellendale Opera House supporters.

For each dollar donated by first-time contributors, O.P.E.R.A. will receive $2, up to a maximum of $10,000.

For each dollar donated by previous O.P.E.R.A. contributors, the non-profit will receive $1, up to a maximum of $20,000.

The maximum match has been reached for contributions from previous donors, but the two-for- one match for donations from new contributors is at $3,000, or $7,000 below the maximum match available.

If you've thought about contributing to restoration of the Ellendale Opera House, but never donated, this year's fund drive is seeking to enlist your financial help to achieve the full double- match amount.

Also new this year:

• An "Acres for O.P.E.R.A." program is being offered to provide farm owners the ability to donate a portion of their crop to the non-profit organization. Donating grain directly to O.P.E.R.A. can provide added tax benefits. (Farm owners should consult a tax professional to determine if the program would benefit them. Contact O.P.E.R.A. for details or to be mailed a grain donation form.)

• And, those who donate $250 or more to the All-In, All-School Fund Drive between now and the end of the year 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 that was held in July.

  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.

  Last year, the group raised $78,000 during its "Next Step" fund drive. 

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" link at the top of the page.

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.