LEGACY SOCIETY

YOU CAN PLAY A LEADING ROLE
By including Washington National Opera in your estate or financial plans, you perpetuate the Opera's dynamic performances and build the bridge from this generation of opera lovers to the next. Donors who provide for the Opera through bequests, life insurance, retirement plans and real estate are eligible for the Legacy Society, as well those making gifts today that offer them income for life, through a charitable gift annuity and charitable trust or provide income now to the Opera and benefit their loved ones through a charitable lead trust. Founded in 2002 under the patronage of Bob and Jamie Craft, the Legacy Society acknowledges those special friends who secure the Opera's future with their commitment today. If you have already included Washington National Opera in your estate plans, you are eligible to become a member of the Legacy Society. If you let us know, you will be invited to special events such as the Legacy Society Day and other activities.

JOIN US TO SET THE STAGE FOR WASHINGTON NATIONAL OPERA'S FUTURE
“My wife Jamie and I have arranged a gift through our wills to Washington National Opera, and others have told us of their intentions. We hope that you will consider joining with us to ensure the long-term artistic excellence of Washington National Opera. In planning for the Opera’s future, you will also help sustain our company’s nationally acclaimed programs for building future generations of opera artists and audiences.”
-Robert H. Craft, Jr., Member of the Board of Trustees; Founding Patron, The Legacy Society

“Washington National Opera has been one of the happiest parts of our life here. It’s been like a family to Bob and me. It’s really critical that the fans support opera companies. If the fans don’t do it, no one will. If our company is to continue – and it must – it will only happen if the opera fans make it a priority.”
-Jamison F. Craft, Member of the WNO Women’s Committee; Founding Patron, The Legacy Society

ENGAGE IN THE LIFE OF THE OPERA
As part of the Opera family, Legacy Society members are invited to engage in the life of the Opera behind the scenes, as well as on the main stage. Members also participate in our Legacy Society Day.  Through the Legacy Society, we are able to build comraderie among opera lovers within the Washington National Opera family.

LEGACY SOCIETY DAY 2008
We hope that you will join the Legacy Society and participate in next year's Legacy Society Day in November 2008 (specific date and performance to be determined).  Please contact Steve I. Schneider, Esq., Director of Planned Giving, at 202.295.2418 or sschneider@dc-opera.org if you are interested in participating.  For information on last year's event, please see below.

LEGACY SOCIETY DAY 2007

On Sunday, November 4, 2007, we held our fifth annual Legacy Society Day. A lunch and lecture by Christina Scheppelmann, WNO’s Director of Artistic Operations, was followed by a matinee performance of Don Giovanni and a Q&A session with the artists.  The day concluded with cocktails and dinner with cast members in attendance.  A memorable day was had by all!

To learn how you can participate in The Legacy Society, contact Steve I. Schneider, Esq., Director of Planned Giving, at 202.295.2418 or sschneider@dc-opera.org

For more information on how to arrange planned gifts and their benefits to Washington National Opera and to you, click here.