The Columbus Symphony Orchestra in Ohio has received an $8 million donation, the largest in the group's history.
The Columbus Dispatch reports the orchestra received the donation from the estate of Anne Melvin. Melvin, a local philanthropist and supporter of the arts – as well as a WOSU donor – died in December 2016.
In a statement Thursday, Melvin's daughter says the symphony was "one of the great loves" of her mother's life.
Denise Rehg, symphony executive director, says they knew Melvin had made provisions for the orchestra in her will but they did not know exactly how much.
She says the donation will help add to the symphony's endowment that started last year. With Melvin’s donation, the endowment has raised a total of $12.8 million. Rehg says their goal is to eventually reach $50 million.
