Capital Campaign for the Ford Center for the Performing Arts
A Message from Robert C. Khayat
Over 20 years ago, we recognized the great need to have a performing arts center –a missing piece in our cultural arts offerings. Today, the magnificent Gertrude C. Ford Center commands attention at a prominent Ole Miss campus entrance. It reflects our commitment to the cultural arts and invites people to be transported by experiences in the Ford Center. Our stunning facility has been the stage for an historic Presidential Debate viewed by millions … the stage for the works of musicians from Beethoven to George Gershwin … to the Moscow Ballet, B.B. King and more!
Similar facilities rely upon private contributions from individuals, foundations, corporations and businesses to sustain operations and programs, and our Ford Center is no different. The Celebrating the Arts campaign is securing gifts to build a $3 million endowment for the Center. Gifts of all sizes help, and donors can choose to give at levels honored with their names engraved on a bronze tree sculpture recently installed in the Ford Center lobby. Featured are various sized tree boughs (gifts of $20,000-$30,000) and on the ground ensuring future trees, golden acorns ($10,000) and also 750 donor recognition leaves ($1,000). And now, to assist us in completing our campaign goal, we have these heavenly Stars on a new Walk of Fame for $100,000 each. Please join me in supporting this campaign.
-Chancellor Emeritus Robert C. Khayat
