Lincoln Center Raises $10.4 Million at Largest Fundraiser in Its History

Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts (LCPA) raised a record $10.4 million last night at its Spring Gala honoring Hearst Corporation, as announced by Katherine Farley, chair of Lincoln Center. The event, attended by more than 500 people, lauded Hearst President and CEO Steven R. Swartz, and Executive Vice-chairman and former CEO, Frank A. Bennack, Jr. for the enormous and varied contributions to Lincoln Center made by them as well as by their company. Both men serve on Lincoln Center's Board of Directors; Mr. Bennack was chairman of Lincoln Center from 2005 through 2010, and Mr. Swartz is currently chairman of Lincoln Center's Corporate Fund.

"Frank Bennack and Steve Swartz are men of vision and philanthropy," said Katherine Farley. "They give their wisdom, support, and guidance to Lincoln Center, time and again, and we are honored to call them friends."

Ms. Farley also noted the completion of the Bravo Campaign, which raised the funds for the $1.2 billion transformation of the campus. It was the largest fundraising campaign of any performing arts center in history.

In a surprise announcement, LCPA Trustee and past Vice-chair of the board David M. Rubenstein stated that he would donate an additional $5 million to Lincoln Center, following his earlier $15 million gift. The new gift will help support the activities at Lincoln Center's popular visitor and neighborhood facility that bears his name, the David Rubenstein Atrium. Since its opening in 2010, the Atrium has welcomed more than 1.5 million visitors who enjoy the Atrium's free programming, café, free WiFi, low-cost tickets, and many other amenities.

Jed Bernstein, President of Lincoln Center, noted, "David Rubenstein's generous contribution helps us to fulfill our philosophy that 'Great art is for all!' The programs at the Rubenstein Atrium include monthly performances for families, tours, low-cost tickets, and terrific free weekly programming. This enables us to realize our vision for Lincoln Center and the community at large. Thank you, David."

Mr. Rubenstein is a philanthropist and Chairman of the Carlyle Group, the private equities firm he founded in 1987, who has had a long relationship with Lincoln Center. He joined its Board of Trustees in 2004 and has served as Founding Chair of the Bravo Campaign, the largest and most comprehensive redevelopment campaign of any performing arts center in the world.

The evening began with a reception outdoors on Hearst Plaza and the Laurie M. Tisch Illumination Lawn, followed by a performance by singer-songwriter and nine-time Grammy® winner Natalie Cole in Alice Tully Hall. Following the concert, the guests were led to Damrosch Park where dinner was served. The décor for the event was by Remco van Vliet (van Vliet & Trap Event Design) and the catering was by Restaurant Associates.