ISO exceeds goal of $5 million in new donations

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - An important fundraiser ended on a high note.

The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra met their latest fundraising goal, to the tune of more than $5 million dollars.

“While we were locked out, we developed a huge base of supporters, and they really stepped up and donated, and to get $5 million in new donations, the community of Indianapolis needs a big thank you,” said Richard Graef, an ISO musician.

Final numbers aren’t yet in for the “Life: It’s Better with Music” campaign. ISO spokesperson Jessica Di Santo says they’ve exceeded their goal of $5 million, and she expects to release exactly how much money they raised later this week.

“It really does take a community; it really does take a village to support an orchestra,” said Di Santo.

Without support, there would be no orchestra. Last fall, the musicians signed a contract that included more than $11 million in concessions. Then, the ISO needed to raise $5 million in new donations.

ISO has been operating since the middle of October with a “bridge” agreement, while the fundraising initiative took place. That campaign was jump-started by donations from Colts owner Jim Irsay and Pacers owner Herb Simon, both giving $750,000 in December. Board member Yvonne Shaheen gave a dollar-for-dollar matching gift of $500,000 as well.

“The outpouring of support we've received especially this past week, is unprecedented,” added Di Santo.