The Next Chapter: Paying it Forward
Chapter Members are some of Lyric’s most ardent supporters — tirelessly devoting time and energy to educational programs in their communities and raising money to support Lyric Opera of Chicago. Chapters Members’ love for opera — and for Lyric specifically — is palpable. Their passionate commitment has enabled Lyric to become the crown jewel of Chicago’s arts community that it is today.
Chapter Members are also ensuring Lyric’s future remains bright.
Many Chapter Members have decided to take what they consider the next step in support of their beloved Lyric and have made arrangements to leave a legacy gift. The most common legacy gifts name Lyric as a beneficiary in a will, trust, or IRA.
We invite you to consider joining your fellow Chapter Members with a legacy gift to Lyric.
I have been a part of the close-knit Lyric Opera Chapters community for many years. I never imagined my connection to Lyric could be any stronger, but joining the Ardis Krainik Society really enhanced the relationship, and my experience at Lyric has become even more meaningful.”
Sharing the thrill of opera with the next generation
No art form approaches opera in its ability to thrill and captivate. From the first note of the overture to the soaring high notes of the arias, the experience is unparalleled. Mainstage operas are the heart of Lyric, and with your support through a legacy gift, Lyric can produce great opera today and for generations to come.
All of Lyric's elements — our artists, chorus, orchestra, technicians, and administrators — are interdependent, contributing to Lyric’s worldwide reputation of excellence. A vital component of Lyric's future is its group of donors who have included Lyric in their estate plans, known as the Ardis Krainik Society. These Ardis Krainik Society members — many of whom are Chapters Members — share the desire, and the means, of supporting Lyric through their legacy.
Opera is the most complete art form and has filled our lives with wonder for over 30 years. We want to ensure these masterpieces are available for future generations. That’s why we are leaving a portion of our estate to Lyric.”
Deepen your experience by becoming part of the Ardis Krainik Society
Gifts in the present are always needed, but there is something particularly special — sacred even — about considering a time beyond ourselves and taking action to ensure that our beloved art form thrives to inspire the next generation of opera supporters. To express our profound gratitude for this type of incredible, forward-thinking generosity, Lyric invites people who have made these types of commitments into the Ardis Krainik Society. As part of the Ardis Krainik Society, members have the opportunity to:
- Join us for an Ardis Krainik Society Appreciation Luncheon, which features special guests and provides access to dress rehearsals
- Utilize VIP ticketing privileges
- Receive invitations to special events and performances not offered to the public, such as our fundraising events and the Lyric Annual Meeting
- See special recognition in season programs
- Attend estate planning seminars
- Access individualized estate planning assistance for charitable gift plans
Lyric has been a special part of my life for over 50 years. Not being a person of great means, I always gave modestly with my subscription renewal. I wanted to do more – that’s why I decided to make a planned gift to Lyric.”
How to plan your gift
There are many ways to leave a legacy gift to Lyric, and some ways allow for giving that’s free of any estate tax. Legacy gifts can be made through bequests in your will or trust, creating a charitable remainder trust, or naming Lyric as a beneficiary of your life insurance, IRA, or retirement plans — in addition to other gift planning vehicles.
If you have already named Lyric in your plans please let us know — we would love the opportunity to welcome you into the Ardis Krainik Society. If you would like to learn more, please contact Mike Biver at 312.827.5655 or [email protected] or visit our legacy gift planning website to access additional resources, tool kits, gift planning examples, and more.
Experiencing great opera has been a rewarding part of our lives. We believe it’s the duty of our generation to make opera available for future audiences. That’s why we’ve included Lyric in our estate plans.”
Photo Credit
Todd Rosenberg, Kyle Flubacker