130 Years: Celebrate The Smith with a Birthday Gift on April 11

For Immediate Release

130 Years: Celebrate The Smith with a Birthday Gift on April 11

Smith Opera House

GENEVA, NY –  The Smith Opera House’s Day of Giving on Friday, April 11th, will celebrate 130 years of bringing arts, culture, and community together in the heart of Geneva. This milestone anniversary highlights the rich history and enduring legacy of the Smith Opera House, and we invite the public to join us for our 24-hour virtual fundraising event.

Our online portal thesmith.org/donate will begin accepting donations on Friday, April 4th, a week before the official Day of Giving on April 11th. Thanks to the generous support of philanthropists Brenda and Dave Rickey, Canandaigua National Bank, Bank of the Finger Lakes, Robin and Ed Cooper, and CFCU Community Credit Union, a portion of the gifts received on April 11 will be matched, giving donors the opportunity to double their contribution and impact.

Did you see a show (Los Lobos, The Nutcracker, Eaglemania) or see a film (Wicked, Elf, Rocky Horror) at The Smith this past year? Or maybe you admire its magnificent facade as you walk by it on Seneca Street? However you connect to The Smith, you know that the building is interwoven with Geneva’s rich history and continues to this day to be a testament to the strength and resilience of the Finger Lakes.

The Smith’s 2025 Day of Giving will aim to raise $35,000 to support critical staff, enhance communication efforts, and address the rising costs of maintaining our building and sustaining our operations. Your contribution helps us ensure the continued success of this historic venue and furthers our mission to provide exceptional arts and cultural experiences for our community.