Dr. Phillips Center Receives $5.75 Million Total in Major Gifts

Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts announces the receipt of three major gifts to be put toward the Phase 2 capital campaign. Judson and Joyce Green have pledged an additional $4 million to their initial $1 million gift, reaching $5 million in total giving to the arts center, while Jonathan and Krista Ledden have added $400,000 to their original $100,000 gift, totaling $500,000. Linda Downs and Angela Majors have together pledged $250,000.

Judson and Joyce Green are avid supporters of the arts, specifically music, across the country. "It's an exciting moment in the life of the Dr. Phillips Center. Music is an integral, inspiring arm of the performing arts," said Kathy Ramsberger, president and CEO of the Dr. Phillips Center. Judson Green added, "We are honored to combine our love of music and our desire to contribute to the mission of the arts center, further enriching and educating the community about the importance and value of music." This gift of $5 million will be used toward the backstage hall and development of creative musical programming.

Jonathan and Krista Ledden, who make Golden Oak their full time home, met in their former careers in the arts: he was a production manager, and she was a classically trained dancer. "As Orlando is our adopted hometown, we wanted a way to invest in and become a part of the community and to create opportunities for the arts to change lives," they said. "A major cultural arts center is critical to any city seeking to build its economic vitality. Like Lincoln Center in New York, Dr. Phillips Center will be that hub in Orlando."

Linda Downs and Angela Majors are actively involved in community organizations and charities, serving on numerous boards over the years. "We are proponents that the arts are indeed for every life and are so thrilled to be able to support the arts center and its mission."

"We are so grateful for this continued generosity. To date, we have raised more than $164 million in private philanthropy, and these gifts are three more examples of support from all walks of the community, pulling the entire project in the direction of making it a reality. We are inspired that the community is so motivated and enthusiastic, and it's pulling us to great success," added Ramsberger.

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