In a year with so many challenges, there are a few bright spots that will be long remembered. At The Soraya in 2020, the brightest spot is the generosity of Milt and Debbie Valera. I’m honored to join them in announcing their long-term commitment to The Soraya with a major gift that will be used, in part, to ensure the care of our beloved facility long into the future. In honor of their gift, The Soraya’s lobby will be renamed “The Milt and Debbie Valera Lobby.” I could not be prouder, and naming the lobby is such a fitting tribute to them. As Debbie says, “The lobby is the heart of The Soraya,” a spirit that the Valeras embodies, attending countless performances and hosting guests with their irrepressible enthusiasm.
Milt and Debbie’s support for The Soraya dates back to its opening, ten years ago. Recently, they underwrote the 2016 gala with Wynton Marsalis and the 2019 Opening Night with Itzhak Perlman. They also established an endowment for The Soraya’s education activities.
I can think of no better way to celebrate Giving Tuesday than to honor Milt and Debbie’s generosity. I know they would not want this annual occasion to pass without asking you to join them. While the future is bright, the challenges facing the performing arts are significant, and The Soraya will rely on the generosity of people like you to make it through this difficult time. A gift of any size is critical in supporting The Soraya’s most immediate efforts. In fact, contributions are presently the only source of revenue we can count on.
Please join me in thanking and congratulating Milt and Debbie. The best possible “thanks” you can offer would be a gift on behalf of Giving Tuesday. Now more than ever, we appreciate and rely on the generosity of everyone who joins the Valeras in our collective cause.
Gratefully,
