UNITED ARTS OF CENTRAL FLORIDA AWARDS MORE THAN $1.37 MILLION IN OPERATING SUPPORT GRANTS

The Board of United Arts of Central Florida approved the recommendations of three grant panels composed of 42 volunteer-reviewers to award $1,370,231 in operating support grants to 43 Central Florida nonprofit cultural institutions.

The Operating Support Grant program is one of more than six United Arts funding programs, including designated giving secured through the collaborative Campaign for the Arts and power2give.org; match dollars provided by United Arts’ Trustee; and corporate donors and contracts for services including educational programming. Ninety percent of today’s award is committed to Central Florida’s cornerstone cultural institutions. These include, in part, Bach Festival Society of Winter Park, Orlando Ballet, Orlando Museum of Art, Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, Orlando Repertory Theatre, Orlando Science Center and Orlando Shakespeare Theater.

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Kenneth & Ann Hicks Murrah Honored with 2013 Blackburn Award

Ken & Ann Hicks Murrah

The Murrahs accepted the award at the Philharmonic’s Beethoven 7 concert on Saturday.

(ORLANDO, FL – November 18, 2013) On Saturday, the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra presented its 2013 John O. Blackburn Distinguished Service Award to Winter Park residents Kenneth and Ann Hicks Murrah in recognition of their service to the orchestra. The presentation was made on stage prior to Saturday’s Beethoven 7 concert at Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre.

“I can’t think of two people who are more deserving of this award, and who exemplify the qualities that John Blackburn embodied, than Kenneth and Ann,” said Executive Director David Schillhammer. “On behalf of the musicians, board, staff and volunteers, I can’t thank them enough for their service, generosity and passion for the Philharmonic.”

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