For those of you shocked to discover there is opera in Toledo, you might be astounded to realize that there is a fundraising arm that helps the machine run. The Toledo Opera Guild, a volunteer organization dedicated to making the Glass City shatter with the sustained resonance of the high C note, has the stated purpose of promoting opera in the Toledo community and region. Founded in 1962, and utilizing a multitude of techniques to raise funds for the opera, the TOG is one of the most innovative— and fun— groups that you can be associated with around town.
Here are five things you should know about joining this organization:
5. You can be involved in exciting parties
The terrific part about the Toledo Opera Guild is that it isn’t limited to operatic events. Not that there’s anything wrong with opera, but it’s fun to branch out and explore high culture in all its forms. Take, for instance, their upcoming Casablanca party. As part of the Opera Guild’s fundraising ambition, they’re whisking Toledoans away to the glitz and glamour of 1940s French Morocco for an evening of costumes and merriment (November 11, if you’re interested. More details at the bottom of this article). Right now, you’re just sitting here reading articles. You could be a part of something cool in town.
4. You can house opera stars!
Have you ever wanted to get close to one of the amazing performers that graces the stages of the Valentine Theater during an opera? Good news, one of the Guild’s functions is finding accommodations for the performers during their time here. Because of the prohibitive cost of housing performers in hotels for the entire run of rehearsals and productions, members of the Guild take it upon themselves to offer up room and board for entertainers. The tradeoff is that you get to spend time with a phenomenal talent and might make a new best friend out of it all.
3. You can bring your unique skill set
The beauty of a fundraising team like the Toledo Opera Guild is that they need jacks of all trades to participate. There’s always lots to be done and, doubtlessly, you possess a skill set that they would love to have involved. From technical work to creative knowhow to simple clerical and mailing duties, you have an opportunity to flaunt your stuff in a charity setting. That looks great on a resume.
2. Educate students
The Toledo Opera has an excellent program in place where they perform for students and young people to spread the magic of opera to all ages. Who knows, a young Puccini or Callas could be in the audience, just waiting for their unknown talent to be activated? You can be a part of forming young minds with your participation.
1. Your membership dues are enough!
Don’t have time to actually commit to being a member of an opera organization? Don’t worry, your $35 membership dues are a terrific form of support for the Guild and their fundraising efforts. Just being a part of the group helps further the cause of bringing amazing music and a beautiful art form to the Glass City. Even if you don’t go to the performances, surely you can support enriching the town’s cultural ambitions.
For more information on joining the Toledo Opera Guild, please visit their website at toledooperaguild.org.
To participate in the Casablanca evening on November 11, reservations can be made here. Tickets are $75 per person. You must RSVP by November 5.
The event, which is held at the Toledo Club (235 14th St.), runs from 6:30-11:30pm, and will include live and silent auctions, music by Raq the Casbah and hors d’oeuvres. And, of course, all proceeds will benefit Toledo opera.
