Yes, VIRGINIA, there is a Santa Claus!

Earlier this month I received an invitation from a friend to see him portray Francis. P. Clark, the newspaperman who in 1897 penned a now famous and beloved response to eight-year old Virginia O’Hanlon’s query about the existence of Santa Claus.

“Yes, VIRGINIA, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! How dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus.”

Now imagine for a moment how dreary life in Connecticut might be if this holiday season we stopped celebrating the generosity Mr. Clark writes about in his editorial.

Even as you read this blog you are probably getting inundated with countless letters and e-mails seeking your charitable support. Just like Connecticut Opera’s holiday appeals, those other letters and e-mails are from an assortment of charities working hard during this economically challenging time to make Connecticut a better place to call home. And Connecticut Opera is no different from those other groups - we truly need your generosity this holiday season.

Now we know that much of your charitable giving during this holiday season will likely go to charities providing basic human needs, but we hope that you will spend part of your charitable budget during this stressful time to support Connecticut Opera. And in return for your charitable support this holiday season, we will spend the coming year providing some uplifting moments to Connecticut as we give voice to life’s passions by:

~ Contributing to the artistic and cultural diversity of Hartford;
~ Providing seasonal employment to approximately 100 local musicians, production technicians and support personnel to present our main stage opera productions;
~ Bringing our nationally recognized educational program, “Opera Express” annually to tens of thousands of children around Connecticut at little or no cost to their schools.

Won’t you please take a moment today to make your on-line gift to Connecticut Opera?
Click here for more information.

From all of us at Connecticut Opera, we wish you a very safe and joyous holiday season.