Help us compose the future
You step into the historic Warner Theatre. You see the array of plush orange seats, the golden glow from the chandeliers, the musicians of the Philharmonic taking the stage in concert black, testing their instruments and warming up. The lights dim, the crowd comes to a hush, and you hear the musicians of the Philharmonic tune to a unison ‘A’, and the house lights fall dim.
Thank you for being such an important part of this magical experience. Please consider making the Philharmonic part of your legacy giving during our Endowment 2020 Campaign to insure that generations of Erie families will continue to enjoy the great musicians and great music-making for generations to come. Those amazing Saturday nights at the Warner Theatre will continue to inspire audiences and enrich people’s lives in ways yet to be told - your gift helps us compose the future.
In honor of Beethoven’s 250th Birthday in 2020, the Philharmonic launched a four-year festival in 2016 with the idea that everyone in Erie should have the opportunity to hear the works of Beethoven live at least once in their lifetimes. To celebrate this 250th birthday, we are looking for 250 new estate pledges by the end of our festival on April 4, 2020.
Goal: $10 million via estate pledges and one-time cash gifts
Starting endowment: $2.2 million
Pledged/received: $6.4 million
Total: $8.6 million
Left to goal: $1.4 million
We’re more than 85% of our goal - please consider including the Erie Philharmonic as part of your estate plans. Your pledge today puts the orchestra one step closer to permanent fiscal stability.
This is truly the gift that last a lifetime!
Why the Philharmonic?
We have chosen to remember the Philharmonic in our estate plans because the orchestra has given us countless moments of joy and inspiration and others that were so moving they gave us goosebumps and, at times, tears.
- Wally Faas & Patty Holstein
To me, the orchestra is a vibrant force...bringing music to life in our region! To assure that future generations will have inspiring musical experiences, I have supported the Endowment 2020 campaign.
- Lisa Graff
I have become more involved in the Philharmonic not only because Erie is privileged to have renowned Director Daniel Meyer and talented musicians and vocalists, but additionally, because their small Staff accomplishes monumental tasks. The brilliant concerts, the outreach programs, and the pure joy of being a Board of Governors member further influenced my decision to include the Erie Philharmonic in my Estate plan.
- Judy Emling
The orchestra has given me countless hours of enjoyment, and I want to help make sure future Erie generations will have the same musical experiences. For this reason, I have made a provision in my will for a donation to the Philharmonic.
- Noel Burgoyne, 2018-19 Baton conductor
The Erie Philharmonic is a very important piece of the "quality of life" in Erie. As Erie natives, we want to be sure it endures for many generations to come, so that they may experience the same joy it has brought to us.
- Deb and Doug Murphy
Growing up, my parents took our family to Erie Philharmonic concerts in the magical Warner Theatre. It was so awe-inspiring that I remember asking Santa for a Tchaikovsky album for Christmas in the 3rd grade! I have included the Erie Phil in my estate plan because I believe in the transformational experiences that the performing arts may provide to people of all ages.
- Julie Chacona
We have experienced such enjoyment from the Orchestra over the years. It is one of Erie's treasurers. We have included the Philharmonic in our wills so that this treasure may be perpetuated into future generations. A strong endowment is necessary to smooth out the financial peaks and valleys that symphony orchestras inevitably experience.
- Wally and Gloria Knox
We believe the Erie Philharmonic is a cultural jewel that significantly adds to the quality of life in Erie, Pennsylvania. If we had not inherited this from past generations we would not enjoy and could not replicate it today. That is why the current generation must foster and enhance it for succeeding generations, and why we support the Philharmonic in the present and in our estate plans.
- John and Bonnie Enders
As the pace of our lives in the 21st century seems to constantly increase music is one of the things that can nourish our spirits. The Erie Philharmonic performs music of the highest level. This is our way of saying thank you.
- Derf & Rita Hopsecger
The memories your legacy helps to create
Legacy Society (as of September 2019)
Emily and Charlie Ingram
Chuck Jarecki
Sandra Jarecki
Bonnie and Bruce Kern
Julie and John Knox
Gloria and Wally Knox
Linkty Luther
Michael Martin
Adam McClelland
Daniel Meyer
Scott Miller
Deb and Doug Murphy
Melany Myers
Joellen Nelson
Donna and Bill Netkowicz
Joe Parlak
Maura and Carl Pelinsky
Bobbi Pollock
Kelly and Tom Reams
Lee Rexrode
Peggy and Al Richardson
Lois and Nels Sandberg
Yolanda Snyder
Norm Stark
Jamey and Jennifer Stewart
Margaret Stolley
Janice Underhill
Cheryl and Tom Vicary
Lorraine and Hillert Vitt
Brian and Kate Weber
Steve Weiser
Linda Wilkinson
Sue and Dan Zimmerman
Lisa Adams and Scott Gordon
Penny and Cle Austin
Susan and Don Baxter
Jean Bloom
Erika Berlin
Joan and Boyd Bert
Diana and John Brautigam
Tom and Susan Brooks
Noel Burgoyne
Julie Cella
Geri Cicchetti
Julie Chacona
Pete Clemens
Andy Connor
Pam and Dave Davis
Amy and Mark Denlinger
Kelly and Michael DeSanctis
Sally and Richard DiBacco
Judy Emling
Bonnie and John Enders
Eriez Magnetics
Wally Faas and Patty Holstein
Lorianne Feltz
Sabrina Fischer
Richard Flynn
Amy and David Fugate
Lisa Graff
Thomas B. Hagen
Mili and Tom Hanes
Charles and Barbara Harris
Nadia Havard
Robb Hoff
Derf and Rita Hopsecger
Instrumental petting zoos at the Blues and Jazz Fest
Why an Endowment?
Because an endowment, held in perpetuity and invested and managed conservatively, augments the annual ticket sales, charitable contributions and corporate sponsorships that fuel our budget.
Without endowment, ticket prices would climb beyond the means of most concertgoers. It is an unchallenged truth that only a properly sized endowment stabilizes a good symphony.
Your pledge today puts the orchestra one step closer to permanent fiscal stability.
We want your name or your family name honored. We look forward to speaking with you about the endowment gift you want to make, so that the orchestra plays for all seasons.
Anonymity is always an option. Individual naming opportunities will recognize significant gifts.
Cardio drumming with the Philharmonic at Healthy Kids Day!
Endow your annual gift
Make a plan so that the programs and goals most important to you continue thriving after your lifetime. Your current Annual Fund gift serves as our lifeblood each season, ensuring that we can continue all of our various activities from sold-out concerts to piano donations, and everything in between.
The first number represents your potential current Annual Fund gift - the second number is the amount needed to endow your gift forever.*
$250 : $6,250
$500 : $12,500
$1,500 : $37,500
$5,000 : $125,000
$15,000 : $375,000
Imagine that. Your estate pledge of $37,500 towards our Endowment 2020 Campaign ensures that the orchestra would receive your gift of $1,500 a year in perpuitity. That's composing the future!
* At a 4 percent endowment spending level, 25 times an annual gift amount equals a perpetual gift
Your Support Matters
Youth Concerts for over 6,000 students
Benefits
Your gift may entitle you to the following tax benefits:*
Federal estate tax exemption
Immediate income tax deduction
Elimination of capital gains taxes
Variable income for life
Crescendo Society
Additionally, those who include the Philharmonic in their estate plans (minimum gift $10,000) will become members of the Crescendo Society and will receive the following benefits:
Invitation to annual thank you dinner with Maestro Daniel Meyer and fellow Crescendo Society members
Usage of Encore Parking Lot and Encore Lounge for all Erie Philharmonic concerts at the Warner Theatre
Name listed as member of Crescendo Society on website and in program book
* For legal or tax advice, please consult an attorney and/or CPA