A report Thursday (5/9) on the Wood TV NBC News channel 8 website (Grand Rapids, Michigan) states, “The Grand Rapids Symphony has announced a new campaign to help ensure the orchestra’s ability to provide music and educational programs to the West Michigan community for many years to come. Long-time supporters of the Symphony, Amway co-founder Richard and Helen DeVos, have pledged $20 million to the $40 million endowment campaign. The campaign, which is a key element of the financial roadmap in the Symphony’s strategic plan, will help the orchestra make significant and necessary progress toward financial sustainability, according to a news release. … ‘We know that the orchestra provides inspiration, education and enjoyment for the people of West Michigan,’ said Helen DeVos. ‘We hope that our gift will encourage the generous support of many others who care deeply about the orchestra’s future and want it to enrich our community for many generations to come.’ Richard and Helen DeVos have been associated with and supported the Grand Rapids Symphony for decades. Helen DeVos joined the Symphony Board in 1971 and remains an Honorary Board Member. They established the DeVos Quartet in 1974, allowing the orchestra to hire its first full-time musicians and setting the ensemble on a path to excellence. They were instrumental in efforts to build DeVos Performance Hall in 1980.”
Posted May 10, 2013
