ORANGE COUNTY PERSPECTIVE : The Art of Giving

Leo Freedman may have had grandiose ideas about bringing Broadway-style musical theater to Orange County. His two ventures in that direction--Melodyland Theatre and Freedman Forum, both in Anaheim--fell far short of fulfilling his dreams. But never mind.

Freedman left something more than dreams when he died in 1989 at 79. He had set up a foundation aimed at bolstering arts organizations in Orange County--in particular, in Anaheim, where he made much of his fortune as a hotel developer. Last week, the foundation surprised the arts community by distributing $950,336 to a dozen groups, including $250,000 to the beleaguered and highly respected Grove Shakespeare Festival in Garden Grove.

The foundation, currently with assets of about $12 million, expects to distribute about $500,000 next year and in successive years. The money couldn’t have come at a better time.

The poor economy has sorely undermined the arts in Orange County and elsewhere. Ticket sales and contributions have lagged. Some groups have given up the ghost; others are hanging on by a string. Most are trying to ride out the bad times.

The Freedman Foundation’s initial grants were much larger than expected. For example, the Orange County Performing Arts Center also received $250,000. It will use the money for its classical ballet series and for two arts programs that emphasize community activities and youth education.

In addition, substantial grants were given to groups such as the Pacific Symphony and the Buena Park Fine Arts Commission. And nearly $400,000 will go to Anaheim organizations such as senior citizen and youth performing groups and summer theater troupes.

Freedman’s generosity is like a rainbow at the end of a dismal rain. He has left a lasting and welcome legacy to Orange County.