S.F. Opera patron donates $35 million / Largest gift of its kind in U.S. follows several lean years

S.F. Opera patron donates $35 million / Largest gift of its kind in U.S. follows several lean years: "S.F. Opera patron donates $35 million
Largest gift of its kind in U.S. follows several lean years

Joshua Kosman

Wednesday, October 4, 2006

Jeannik Méquet Littlefield is thanked before a performanc... Jeannik Mequet Littlefield is donating $35 million to the... Jeannik Mequet Littlefield (left) is donating $35 million...

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At a time when the San Francisco Opera is looking to shore up its finances, the company has received $35 million from longtime patron and supporter Jeannik Méquet Littlefield, a donation believed to be the largest to an American opera company from a single benefactor.

General Director David Gockley said Tuesday that $10 million of the donation would go into annual operating expenses, and the remaining $25 million would augment the company's endowment, which stands at around $90 million. The money comes with no restrictions on its use, Gockley said."