Commentary : A Dream for the Arts Comes True

How does one adequately describe the emotions and feelings in our hearts on such a happy occasion as this (the recent dedication of Segerstrom Hall)? I know we are sharing an overwhelming joy and sense of accomplishment. We are grateful to all who have participated.

It has been an enriching experience to witness the unselfish generosity of our donors for the benefit of others--and to observe how the Performing Arts Center has unified our county.

This is a proud day for us, for Orange County and for all the performing arts in this country. It is a treasured and distinguished time for the Segerstrom family.

For today we join in celebrating completion and dedication of one of the world’s great performing arts halls. From this time forward a new cultural era will dawn for us and our future generations. Here is provided a structure of, and for, the arts at least equal to any in this great country--one destined to inspire the world’s finest artists.

No ordinary hall, this. It is a masterpiece. A joy to us, it will provide enjoyment to others.

In 1979, we shared this dream together. When board representatives of the then-Orange County Music Center came to us requesting a gift of land and construction of parking facilities for a new performing arts center, the Segerstrom family accepted the challenge to provide community leadership in moving this great area into its cultural destiny. The role we have played through both financial support and through personal effort has stemmed from a desire to enrich this society in which we all live.

As a family we have watched Orange County grow and prosper. Our lives have been dedicated to its development.

In the time we have been here five generations have been associated with its history. Orange County is part of the Segerstroms. And so, our family is honored for the recognition of our role in the birth of this great hall. Its name will not only form a bond to our past family generations, but also will forge a link with our family generations to come.

Following the commitment by the Segerstrom family, the greatest volunteer private cultural fund raising ever undertaken in this state, and perhaps in this country, was undertaken.

It is with heartfelt thanks that I acknowledge the unprecedented volunteer efforts of hundreds of dedicated fund-raisers and thousands of support group members who are making the Center campaign a success. Guided by skillful, professional assistance, and with continued commitment to our cause, I am confident we will say on opening night we have reached or surpassed our financial goals.

Each participant in this monumental effort deserves our never-ending gratitude. I salute you all!

In our combined accomplishments the successes of the Center campaign volunteers have reflected the spirit of independence and self-reliance so deeply rooted in our communities. Individuals, foundations and corporations have responded magnificently to the challenge of private funding. We discovered the greatest motivation for giving to be esteem for the area in which we live--and a desire to return the rewards it offers each of us.

With opening night soon upon us, the time has come for us to refocus on the future. We now look forward to breathing the life of performance into the unique interior of this great building.

In its use let us all aspire to play our roles so that 100 years from now those who follow after will judge us not by the grandeur of this structure, but rather by the brilliant performances within its walls.

On behalf of all the Segerstroms of the century past, those present and family members yet unborn, we thank you for allowing us to give back to our community, and for the recognition you have accorded us in creating this legacy--Segerstrom Hall.