Anderson $250,000 Challenge
Another Generous Gift
As reported earlier (link), to honor their mother Mary, now deceased, the children of Chet and Mary Anderson—Kirsten, Kathleen, Melinda, Chris and Eric— chose the Arts Center as a named gift. They have now announced an additional $250,000 gift for outfitting the stage, which includes lights, rigging and curtains.
“This is a challenge gift,” Chris Anderson said. “Total cost to outfit the stage is right at $500,000. We’re looking for someone to partner with us for the additional $250,000 to get the job done.”
Kirsten Morgan had this to say about the nature of the gift. “Dad’s love affair with the McPherson Opera House began when he was a small boy accompanying his parents to performances of every description. We grew up hearing repeated accountings of the Björling family, a Swedish father who toured the country with his three sons, all of whom ‘sang their hearts out,’ according to Dad. He was particularly interested in young Jussi, a boy about his age, who wandered about the stage, coming forward to join the singing upon his father’s request and then resuming his explorations. When Jussi Björling grew up to be a world-famous opera singer, Dad developed a strong interest in this medium, listening enthusiastically to every Saturday afternoon Metropolitan Opera broadcast on the radio, a favorite childhood memory for all of his kids.
“I truly believe Dad’s fascination with live performance began with exposure to traveling troupes who brought the outside world to this small prairie town and to a young, impressionable mind. He has supported the Opera House renovation from the beginning and takes personal delight in watching it evolve. To honor this commitment through outfitting the stage on which it all happened is a fitting tribute to our amazing father and to all who have carried the vision of gifting McPherson with this remarkable historic venue.”
