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Crystal Society

Asolo Rep proudly recognizes Crystal Society members who have made extraordinary gifts or pledges of $1,000,000 or more, primarily for the theatre’s Endowment and Capital Campaign.

CLICK HERE to learn more about Asolo Rep’s Endowment and Capital Campaign.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ESTHER M. MERTZ
Mrs. Esther M. Mertz is the theatre’s most loyal and long standing supporter. Her contribution to the 1988 Asolo building fund made possible the installation of the Dunfermline Opera House, now the theatre’s mainstage, named in her and her husband’s honor. In 2003, Mrs. Mertz’s lead matching gift created Asolo Rep’s Endowment Fund and was the impetus for the current Endowment and Capital Campaign. In 2004, she funded the search for Producing Artistic Director Michael Donald Edwards, and in 2005, our lady shared in the cost of the theatre’s lobby renovation. Her fellowship endowment annually supports four students in the FSU/Asolo Conservatory. This season, Mrs. Mertz continues her support as a Major Season Presenter with a $100,000 donation. We love and thank you, Esther, The First Lady of Asolo Rep!

 

ULLA R. SEARING
Elegant and refined, Mrs. Ulla R. Searing has graced Asolo Rep with her presence for more than four decades. A bold supporter of the arts and honored member of the Sarasota community, Mrs. Searing has given generously to our area’s most prized arts organizations. Asolo Rep is deeply grateful for the bequest Mrs. Searing has granted the theatre. Her photo hangs in the lobby and her handprints are displayed on the theatre’s terrace, reminding us all of her love of Asolo Rep. Thank you, Mrs. Searing, for all you have done for Asolo Rep and for this community.

 

 

LEE & BOB PETERSON
Lee’s early opera training has led to a lifelong love of live performance, and Bob was a member of the Mask and Wig Club at the University of Pennsylvania during his undergraduate days. Generous patrons of many Sarasota arts and service organizations, the Petersons say that “Asolo Rep is the joy of our lives.” Their enthusiasm for the groundbreaking work of the theatre under Michael Donald Edwards’ leadership translated into their founding support of the Artistic Excellence Society. A bold matching challenge issued by the Petersons during Michael’s first season led to an overwhelming response from board members, a true vote of confidence for the new Producing Artistic Director. Lee’s vivacious chairmanship of many Asolo Rep events, and Bob’s steady hand as former Board Chair and current co-chair of the Endowment and Capital Campaign, have meant so much to Asolo Rep over the past 18 seasons.   

 

BEVERLY L. KOSKI
Bev and Bob Koski used to bring their young children to performances at the “old” Asolo Theater when it was housed at the Ringling Museum back in the 1960’s. Accessible theatre enriched their lives as a family, opened portals to the imagination, and introduced cultural activities that have become lifelong passions. Bev’s gifts to Asolo Rep are inspired by her personal connection to this place, and make possible new memories for today’s patrons, young and old. The Robert and Beverly Koski Production Center is a testament to this family’s abiding support of Asolo Rep and its artistic and educational missions.

 

JOAN MENDELL
Joan leverages her prolific poetic talents to support her beloved Asolo Rep: the proceeds from sales of her first two published volumes of poetry are designated to benefit the theatre. A true aficionada of all the arts, Joan is a faithful and ardent member of nearly every opening night house, as well as an enthusiastic member of the Asolo Rep Adventures travel club. Walt Whitman said, “To have great poets there must be great audiences, and in Joan, we are fortunate to have both!