The Dallas Opera (TDO) has announced the successful completion of a $25 million challenge grant from the O’Donnell Foundation.

Per an official press release, combined with new and increased gifts secured during the campaign, the effort raised a total of $54.5 million to support the company’s endowment and general operations.

“The Dallas Opera is incredibly grateful to our loyal donors for this forward-thinking investment into the company,” TDO’s Kern Wildenthal General Director and CEO Ian Derrer said in the press release. “Every new gift and pledge helped us meet this challenge—the fact it was met in six months speaks to TDO’s importance in the community. Thanks to our generous donors and the O’Donnell Foundation, the future of opera in North Texas is brighter and more secure.”

The challenge required the company to raise $25 million in new or expanded commitments in order to receive a $25 million matching gift from the Texas-based foundation. The company exceeded the target by $4.5 million, making the campaign the largest fundraising initiative in its history.

In sum, more than 100 donors contributed to the challenge, with significant support coming from the Perot family, the Hamon Foundation, the VanSickle Family Foundation, Cece and Ford Lacy, an anonymous donor, and members of the company’s Board, Trustees, and Honorary Directors.

TDO Board Chair Quincy Roberts described the gift as “seismic” and “transformational,” as the company’s endowment, currently valued at $30 million, will more than double. Funds designated for general operations will provide annual support over the next five years as endowment investments continue to mature.

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