Crystal Society
ESTHER M. MERTZ
ULLA R. SEARING
LEE AND BOB PETERSON
in memoriam A
in memoriam A
in memoriam A
Esther M. Mertz was a most loyal and long-standing champion. Her support began in the early 1980s and a contribution in 1989 in memory of her husband made possible the installation of the Dunfermline Opera house, now named The Harold and Esther Mertz Theatre in their honor. In 2003, Mrs. Mertz provided a lead matching gift to the Asolo Theatre Endowment Fund. In 2004, she funded the search for Producing Artistic Director, Michael Donald Edwards, and in 2005, she shared in the cost of renovating the theatre’s lobby. Beginning in 1993, she provided the FSU/Asolo Conservatory with endowed gifts that have historically supported up to five students each season and will continue to support students in the years to come. We miss you, Esther, and you will always be The First Lady of Asolo Rep.
Elegant and refined, Mrs. Ulla R. Searing 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 gave generously to our area’s most prized arts organizations. Asolo Rep is deeply grateful for the bequest Mrs. Searing granted the theatre, and, in December 2019, participated in installing a plaque in her honor near the main entrance. Thank you, Mrs. Searing, for all you have done for Asolo Rep and for this community.
Generous patrons of many Sarasota arts and service organizations, the Petersons always said, “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 Board Chair and Co-Chair of the Capital/Endowment Campaign meant so much to Asolo Rep over 24 seasons. We sadly miss their presence in the board room and on Opening Nights, but dearly cherish their memories.
MEMBERS
Indicates contributors who have made gifts for Asolo Rep’s Endowment.
$1,000,000+ asolorep.org |
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