Fort Lauderdale, FL., October 29, 1996...Florida philharmonic Executive Director John E. Graham has announced the creation of a $300,000 Florida Philharmonic Stabilization Challenge." Recently, the John S. and James L. Kni ght Foundation awarded the Orchestra a $100,000 challenge grant. The Knight award will be combined with generous gifts from Jim and Jan Moran/ JM Family Enterprises, William D. and Norma Horvitz, and Ralph P. and Harriet Leach to establish the "Philharmonic Stabilization Challenge" of $300,000 to be matched 3 to 1 or $900,000 in new or increased gifts by the end of this fiscal year (May 31, 1997).
"The Knight Foundation grant is an extraordinary statement of support, as it is rare for the Foundation to award a back-to-back, annual grant such as this. It reinforces our success last year in exceeding the terms of the 'Philharmonic Preservation Challenge'," said Graham. "Jim and Jan Moran, Bill and Norma Horvitz, and Ralph and Harriet Leach have once again taken a leadership role in strengthening the Philharmonic. Their on-going generosity sets an example for the community and helps challenge all to join in ensuring a bright future for the Orchestra," continued Mr. Graham.
During the 1995-96 season, the Knight Foundation made a direct grant of $100,000 and a challenge grant of $400,000 to the Florida Philharmonic, to be matched 2 to 1 by new and increased giving over a two year period. The grant was the basis for the "Philharmonic Preservation Challenge" which inspired an overwhelming response from the people of South Florida; the total challenge was exceeded in just 8 months. Core giving from individuals, corporations, foundations and sffiliated support groups totaled $2,626,321 for the 1995-96 Annual Fund.
"Now, the Phillharmonic must build on the success of the 1995-96
preservation challenge. To support its artistic achievement and service
to the public, the Orchestra's Annual Fund must grow from $2.6 million to
$3.5 million. The 'Philharmonic Stabilization Challenge' from the Knight
Foundation, the Morans, Horvitzes, and Leaches will be a major component
ofthe 1996-97 Annual Fund to encourage new donors or increased generosity
to the Philharmonic," concluded Mr. Graham.
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