For immediate release: Friday, September 19, 2025

O.P.E.R.A., Inc. supporters donated more than was needed by August 31 to obtain the full $30,000 dollar-for-dollar match in its 2025 "Gaining Momentum" Fund Drive.

The non-profit organization that owns and operates the opera house needed to raise $30,000 by the end of August in order to obtain the match from anonymous supporters.

With the match and nearly $60,000 donated by August 31, the fund drive is now at more than $88,000, or about 70 percent of the $125,000 campaign goal.

A structural engineering firm and O.P.E.R.A.'s architect visited the building last month to determine repairs necessary to return the 700-seat second floor auditorium to community use.

But before addressing the auditorium restoration, the opera house plans to replace the two remaining dilapidated storefront façades and renovate both the Annex space (adjoining the restored Lobby & Gallery) and the former Coleman storefront space next to the Annex. 

Those spaces would then be available for community use or leasing to commercial/retail businesses.

Donors to O.P.E.R.A. can direct their support for special naming/sponsorship opportunities, such as the restored Annex, upstairs auditorium, stage rehabilitation or Main Street storefront restoration work.

Donors at all sponsorship levels will be recognized by having their names – or the name of

someone they wish to honor or memorialize – listed on a permanent plaque mounted in

the opera house lobby. For naming/sponsorship opportunities, contact Justin at 701-535-0347.

Contributors of more than $300 between now and December 31 will receive a newly designed O.P.E.R.A. mug.

You can mail your contribution to O.P.E.R.A. at P.O. Box 334, Ellendale, ND 58436, or donate online by clicking on the "Donate" button at top of page.

O.P.E.R.A. – Organization of People in Ellendale for Restoration of the Arts – was formed in 1992 to save the Main Street landmark from the wrecking ball. Because O.P.E.R.A. is a charitable non-profit organization, all donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Visit our Facebook page for restoration, building updates: 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/122667311149139/

The Ellendale Opera House and its services are available to all persons without discrimination as to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, or physical or mental disability. O.P.E.R.A., Inc. is an equal opportunity provider.