Opera Volunteers International will present the Partners in Excellence Award in honor of Lucille “Luci” F. Gorski on Thursday, May 22, 2025 at the 2025 OPERA America Conference in Memphis, TN. Luci’s nomination came about from Toledo Opera Guild, led by co-Presidents, Barbara J. Brown and Celinda Niggemyer. Toledo Opera Director of Marketing and Communications, Rachael Cammarn will accept the award on behalf of Toledo Opera and the Gorski family.
As a major donor, Luci’s support ensured the financial stability of Toledo Opera for decades. Together with her husband, Theodore “Ted” Gorski, she established the Toledo Opera Endowment with a $1 million matching gift, laying the financial groundwork that continues to sustain Toledo Opera today. In recognition of their extraordinary generosity, this $2 million fund was named the Lucille F. Gorski Endowment, a lasting tribute to her commitment to securing the future of opera in our community.
Luci’s impact extended far beyond financial contributions, however. She was a hands-on leader who dedicated her time and expertise as a longtime member of Toledo Opera’s Board of Trustees and Finance Committee. She served on the Toledo Opera Board from 2007 to 2011, offering invaluable insight and guidance during a pivotal time for the company.
Luci’s leadership within the opera community began decades earlier. In the 1980s, she served on the Toledo Opera Guild board, playing an active role in advancing the organization’s mission. Her visionary thinking was evident when she chaired the 25th anniversary Sapphire Ball, where she pioneered the use of corporate sponsorships, dramatically increasing fundraising efforts. This innovative approach laid the groundwork for future financial sustainability and elevated Toledo Opera’s ability to serve the region.
Luci and Ted passed their love of opera onto their son, Joel, who currently serves as the President of the Toledo Opera Board, and his wife, Clare, who co-chaired the 50th Anniversary Sapphire Ball and is a current Toledo Opera Guild board member.
“Luci embodied the spirit of opera volunteerism at its highest level,” shared Toledo Opera General Director, James M. Norman. “Her passion for this art form was infectious, inspiring others to invest in the cultural fabric of our city. Through her generosity, advocacy, and leadership, she has left an indelible mark not just on Toledo Opera but on the greater opera community. It is most fitting for Luci’s enduring legacy to be recognized with the Partners in Excellence Award.”
“The Gorski family is thrilled that our mom, Luci, is honored in this manor so many years after she and our dad, Ted, made the initial matching grant that established the Lucille F. Gorski Endowment at the Toledo Opera Association,” stated Toledo Opera Board President Joel Gorski, PhD. “The Toledo Opera Association and the Toledo Opera Endowment have today built a greater than $4.5 million Endowment that helps provide stability and necessary annual operational funding to keep this small opera operation a viable entity ensuring Luci and Ted’s passion for locally produced opera lives on.”
More about The Partners in Excellence Award: Since 1994-95, Opera Volunteers International (OVI) has honored over 100 individuals and support groups who have made outstanding contributions to their opera companies and to their communities. Partners in Excellence recognition also may be extended to support groups to recognize an important milestone or achievement. Recipients of a Partners in Excellence Award are recognized for their achievements at a meeting of the membership at an OVI Conference, and in OVI’s various publications. Each Partner in Excellence has been recommended, in writing, by the president of an OVI member Support Group. At least one letter of recommendation is required from senior, appropriate, involved persons who are familiar with the person or organization being nominated.
More about Opera Volunteers International: Opera Volunteers International (OVI) is a nonprofit volunteer organization that advocates for and supports volunteerism in opera throughout North America and beyond. OVI works to connect individuals and local opera support organizations so that successful ideas and projects are championed, publicized and shared among members. OVI celebrates the hard work of volunteers and offers ways to help make more volunteer involvement possible by recognizing achievement and creativity, supporting volunteer projects, and advocating for continued involvement of volunteers in opera. OVI believes that volunteering enriches the lives of volunteers, builds bridges to the community, and makes it possible for opera companies to do more.
For more information about Opera Volunteers International, visit operavolunteers.org. To learn more about Toledo Opera, visit toledoopera.org. For media access, please contact Rachael Cammarn at rcammarn@toledoopera.org.
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