By Shannon Lukens
The Steamboat Symphony Orchestra has received a donation of $500,000. It is from Sara Craig-Scheckman, in honor of her mother, Kathleen Willis Craig. An endowment for the Steamboat Symphony Orchestra will be established, and the money allows the group to continue working with students and musicians of all ages in the Yampa Valley.
Opening night for the 31st season of the Steamboat Symphony Orchestra is this weekend, with performances Saturday and Sunday evenings, under the leadership of Conductor Ernest Richardson. Tickets are available through SteamboatSymphony.org USE CODE EZSSOS to get $5 off any adult ticket for this concert.
Monday, September 12, 2022
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Steamboat Symphony Orchestra Receives $500,000 Donation
The Steamboat Symphony Orchestra, a 501c3 organization, is honored to receive a $500,000 donation from Sara Craig-Scheckman, in honor of her mother, Kathleen Willis Craig.
Executive Director, Jennifer Grathwohl, expressed the following, “A gift and donation of this magnitude to our organization is one that creates profound, long-term positive impacts. With this generosity, we will be establishing our first endowment, securing a sustainable future for the Steamboat Symphony Orchestra (SSO), allowing us to continue our impactful work with students and musicians of all ages, as well as share our world-class and innovative programming with the Yampa Valley.”
Kathy Craig was a dedicated supporter of the Steamboat Symphony Orchestra, performing arts in the community, and education for all. Each of her grandchildren, Natalia, Alex, Maddie, Emily, and Jack all studied musical instruments, ranging from violin and flute to cello and guitar. Kathy never missed a recital and was a steadfast supporter of their musical and educational growth.
Ernest Richardson, Music Director and Conductor, added, “Sara’s remarkable gift to the SSO represents an affirmation of our past, a confirmation of our present efforts, and a bridge to our future…full of the joy of changing lives, the power of the SSO sound to move the spirit, and a community – infused with music – that nurtures our children and empowers their dreams. As a steward of the resources invested in our organization I am grateful, humbled, and inspired by Sara’s gift in honor of her mother’s life and in her memory.”
The Steamboat Symphony Orchestra, celebrating its 31st year, holds three concerts per season, featuring local, regional, national, and international artists, plus free ensemble performances throughout the year. Additionally, the organization provides instruction and funding for the Steamboat Springs High School Orchestra program, composed of students from various schools in the region.
For questions, please contact Jennifer Grathwohl
Email:jennifer@steamboatsymphony.org
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