by Gary Murphy
Dear Opera League Members and Friends:
The catastrophic fires continue to weigh heavily on our collective hearts as we struggle to comprehend the impact on our community. To those who have suffered losses, we express our sincere condolences.
As LA Opera’s primary volunteer support organization, we join the company as they spearhead a special fund to help those artists and staff who might need immediate assistance as well as partner with the county and other government leaders to see how to best harness the tremendous resources and volunteer power of our many passionate members.
In their letter to the LA Opera community, Chairman Keith Leonard and President and CEO Christopher Koelsch write:
“So far, we know of at least seven artists and staff who have been adversely impacted by this disaster. We are hoping to raise $100,000 to create a bridge fund that will enable them to cover the costs they will incur as they await insurance payouts and other relocation costs. In most cases, we see the use of these funds as temporary loans until an insurance payout is received. The distribution of the funds will be closely monitored through a careful review process to ensure that they are used for the intended purposes. We are also confirming the mechanics and tax implications with our attorneys and auditors.
"If you have not already been directly impacted or are not already aiding others during this time, we hope that you will consider contributing $5,000 to this fund. Any funds that are refunded or not used for direct relief will be directed to community support as approved by the Budget and Finance Committee. If you are able to participate, please reach out directly to LA Opera at (213) 972-7277 or friends@laopera.org. You can also give through this link."
Thank you for your ongoing support, and we look forward to seeing you all again when we resume activities in the near future.
Sincerely,
Gary W. Murphy
President & CEO