Kennedy Center Receives $22.5 Million Donation

The Kennedy Center has received the largest private donation in its history - a $22.5 million gift from Dick and Betsy DeVos to endow its Arts Management Institute that trains the nation's arts leaders.  Additionally, David M. Rubenstein was appointed the new Chairman for The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

The newly named DeVos Institute of Arts Management at the Kennedy will "help ensure continued training of current and future arts leaders in the United States and around the world and will include $2.5 million devoted to the Institute's operating funds over five years. An additional $20 million will create an endowment to indefinitely provide the Institute with annual support."

Rubenstein said, "As a world-class performing arts center, the Kennedy Center has developed extensive expertise in strategic planning, board management, marketing, fundraising, financial management, technology, and artistic planning. Betsy and Dick's extremely generous commitment will ensure this expertise is shared throughout the nation and the world. It is appropriate for the Institute to bear their name."

Dick DeVos, an Amway Corp. heir, ran unsuccessfully for Michigan governor as a Republican in 2006. DeVos spent more than $35 million to challenge Democratic incumbent Jennifer Granholm. His family also owns the NBA's Orlando Magic.  Former President George W. Bush appointed Betsy DeVos to the Kennedy Center's board. She is a former chairman of Michigan's GOP.

For more information, visit: http://www.kennedy-center.org/education/artsmanagement/.

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