“Louis P. Ciminelli, the chairman of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra’s board of directors, is turning 60. And he is celebrating his milestone birthday in a big way—by giving the BPO a million dollars,” writes Mary Kunz Goldman in Wednesday’s (9/16) Buffalo News. The gift “kicks off a fund-raising initiative called the Crescendo Campaign. The goal is to raise $30 million, which will push the BPO’s endowment past the $50 million mark…. A challenge grant from the Tower Family Fund will also help jump-start the campaign. The group has pledged a $1 million gift if the BPO can secure another $1 million in contributions. A silent phase of the campaign has already brought in more than $17 million. Ciminelli made his million-dollar gift in honor of BPO Executive Director Daniel Hart…. The orchestra is planning to designate $10 million of the money raised to establish the Next Generation Education Fund. Plans include expanding the Music For Youth series, bringing more BPO musicians into classrooms, and assisting school districts with transportation to concerts.” Says Music Director JoAnn Falletta, “Our Crescendo Campaign will help us increase our commitment to education, and will build upon our musicians’ dedication to the young people of our region.”
Posted September 17, 2015
