What is LEAVE A LEGACY
 |
|
Herman Frankel |
Love of
Opera Leads Patron to Make Bequest, Other Planned
Gifts to Ensure the Future of Michigan Opera
Theatre
In its 36
years filled with exciting performances, world-class
stars and notable events, Michigan Opera Theatre has
grown to become a thriving, well-respected
organization of national acclaim. That acclaim would
not be possible without the support of loyal
patrons, many of whom have kept the opera theatre
thriving with charitable bequests.
Herman Frankel, a builder with his own home building
company founded in 1954, is one of the theatre’s
supportive patrons, and he has shown his support
with a charitable bequest, among other gifts.
Frankel has been a fixture at the theatre in many
ways. He’s a member of the board of directors, board
of trustees, the Finance Committee, and the Avanti
Society (Michigan Opera Theatre’s legacy society).
Specifically, the Avanti Society is a recognition
society for friends of Michigan Opera Theatre who
have made plans to include the organization in their
estate plans, whether by will, trust, insurance or
life income arrangements.
Mr. Frankel first became involved with Michigan
Opera Theatre as a major benefactor to the campaign
to restore the Detroit Opera House and subsequently
to the annual campaign. In 2002, with Mr. Frankel’s
commitment, Michigan Opera Theatre was able to
complete the purchase of an adjacent garage, which
was transformed into a new parking center by 2005.
Because he loves the opera, he insisted that opera
patrons not be left out in the cold in the midst of
the revitalization of downtown Detroit.
Frankel has also contributed to the theatre through
several charitable gift annuities, adding that,
“There is no better way to support your charity and
at the same time receive an income stream with a
high rate of return.”
A bequest, one of numerous charitable giving
vehicles, is certainly a most simple, easy and
effective vehicle for donors to leave a legacy and
to make a difference in the lives of others for
generations to come, as is illustrated in this case.
“Without special people like Herman Frankel, none of
this would be possible. His support is sincerely
appreciated by all of us at Michigan Opera Theatre,”
said David DiChiera, General Director of Michigan
Opera Theatre.
LEAVE A
LEGACY® wishes to thank the The Michigan
Opera Theatre for sharing this story.
|
