Performing Arts Center has good news in hard times

Lolita Harper

The tenor at the Orange County Performing Arts Center was upbeat

Tuesday evening, despite the lack of any musical instruments, as

officials announced a record-breaking financial performance in the

past year.

In a time when other venues are struggling to stay afloat, the

Center has been flooded with generous donations and a tide of

record-breaking ticket sales and attendance, officials said. The new

concert hall under construction adds to the synergy and provides a

positive outlook for the future of the cultural hub.

“We have in Orange County something that the world is going to

envy -- if they don’t already,” said Roger Kirwan, co-chairman for

the Center’s expansion fund-raising campaign.

More than 350 people gathered in the intimate hall for an

elaborate offering of food and cocktails and a pleasant recital by

board members. Chairman Paul Folino congratulated the Center’s staff

and donors for their loyal support during trying financial times.

“It was challenging, in lieu of the economic environment,” Folino

said. “We should all be very proud that we remain positive and in the

black.”

Treasurer John Evans reported total revenues of $37.6 million and

expenses of $37.2 million, leaving the Center with a net surplus of

$386,000, which will be added to reserves for future programs. Record

ticket sales of $21.1 million and gifts of $7.4 million, none of

which came from government entities, also highlighted Evans’ report.

“I am very pleased to report that our Center continues to operate

in a financially strong and responsible manner, while providing a

broad array of performances and education programs,” Evans said.

Kirwan, co-chair of the Building on the Vision Campaign, assured

the audience the new Renee and Henry Segerstrom and Samueli halls,

which are under construction, would indeed be a reality.

“Get those tuxedos and your best gowns ready, because in September

of [2006], this is the place to be,” Kirwan said.

Since its beginning in 2000, the campaign has brought in more than

$110 million of the $200 million for the project, he said.

“We’ve got momentum in our fund-raising and are rapidly

approaching the $115-million mark,” Kirwan said.

While most of the meeting was scripted, officials surprised Kirwan

with the Chairman’s Cup for Distinguished Service to the Center, an

annual honor given to extraordinary volunteers.

Kirwan accepted the award with humility, surprise and pride in the

Center, he said.

“I have always believed in this,” Kirwan said. “I wouldn’t be dumb

enough to stand here if I didn’t.”

Center President Jerry Mandel touted not only the bottom line but

the underlying mission of the Performing Arts Center: to continue to

enlighten and enhance the community. The Center has maintained a

reputation of “artistic excellence” and will build on that in years

to come, he said. Mandel also stressed the Center’s role in

education.

“We’ve raised that bar high, and next year will be no exception,”

Mandel said.