Symphony donors honored at summer ceremony

Published 10:03 am Thursday, August 6, 2026

QUINCY — The Quincy Symphony Orchestra Association recently recognized nine donors and families for contributing a combined $230,000 to the organization’s endowment fund during a ceremony at the Quincy Country Club.

The donors became the newest members of the association’s Key Holder Club, a giving program established in 2022 to strengthen the nonprofit’s charitable trust fund and secure performances for future generations. The campaign, which offers Bronze, Silver, Gold and Ruby giving levels, has now received more than $600,000 in pledges toward its $1 million goal. Fifteen keys had been fully funded in previous celebrations before this summer’s ceremony.

Three donors completed new Bronze Keys during the event: the Alan & Carol Nichols Family Key, the David & Mary Oakley Family Key, and the Darlene Stevenson Key. Three Gold Keys were also fully funded and celebrated: the Hermann & Basinger Family Key, the Magliocco Family Key, and the Ethan Prater & Anjali Kalyani Key. Two additional donors advanced to higher giving levels, including the Gerry & Loree Korb Family, whose key moved to the Gold level, and the Webb family, whose key moved to the Ruby level. Honorees received a limited-edition pin, a commemorative key and a keepsake box in recognition of their gifts.

Ethan Prater, who endowed a key with his wife, Anjali Kalyani, said his connection to the organization spans decades. “The Quincy Symphony Orchestra and Chorus are not just a vital part of Quincy’s community, but of America’s heritage,” Prater said. “I grew up attending performances of our wonderful volunteer community orchestra, later performed for several seasons, and studied privately with the late Music Director Clyde Bassett. It is an honor and a pleasure to support this institution and help continue its tradition of great music in my home community.”

Founded in 1947 by George M. Irwin, the Quincy Symphony Orchestra has grown into an umbrella organization comprising five groups: the orchestra itself, the Symphony Chorus, formed in 1972; the Quincy Area Youth Orchestra, formed in 1988; the Quincy Area Youth Chorus, formed in 1995; and the Encore! Symphony Volunteer Council, formed in 1954. The association’s stated mission is to bring symphonic music to the Quincy area, provide performance opportunities for local musicians, and support programs that cultivate young musicians’ interest and skills in symphonic and choral music.

Key Holder donations build the principal of the Standing Room Only Endowment Fund, a trust established in 1974 to provide the association with perpetual income. Contributions are tax-deductible, and a portion of the fund’s earnings is distributed to the association annually, while the principal and undistributed earnings remain invested to sustain the fund over the long term.

“The goal of the Key Campaign is to double the endowment while offering a way to honor supporters who love the organization,” said Loree Korb, founder of the Key Campaign. “Many families have come to concerts for generations and want to ensure the symphony’s future. The endowment serves as a springboard for building a sustainable tomorrow. It’s a legacy that impacts countless generations.”

The association’s Board of Directors is inviting members of the public to join the Key Holder Club, either for themselves or in honor of a loved one, with keys displayed and listed in concert programs in perpetuity. Participation starts with a minimum $1,000 gift, and donors have up to five years to complete a key. Bronze Keys are fully funded at $10,000, Silver Keys at $20,000, Gold Keys at $30,000, and Ruby Keys at $50,000 or more. Estate gifts exceeding $10,000 are named with a key at the corresponding level, and keys can honor a family, an individual or a business. Others may also contribute toward completing an existing key or advancing it to the next level.

Contributions can be made as one-time gifts or as recurring monthly or annual pledges. The association said legacy planning options include bequests through a will, gifts of assets from tax-deferred retirement accounts such as IRAs and 401(k)s, and gifts of stocks, securities or life insurance.

Those interested in joining the Key Holder Club can contact the Quincy Symphony Orchestra Association office at 217-222-2856 or visit the organization’s website for more information on its support and legacy giving programs.