Maynard and Carolyn Sauder Endowment Fund
The Kobacker Society honors individuals who have made provisions for support of the Toledo Symphony, Toledo Ballet, or TAPA through bequests and other provisions in their wills, trusts, life insurance and/or other testamentary instruments. Members of the Sauder family shared their thoughts about the important role TSO plays in our community and why it has been important for them to invest their time, talents, and treasures.
Carolyn, what motivated you and Maynard to get involved with TSO? Maynard and I had a lifelong love for, and connection with music of all types. We were so pleased that there was such a high-quality symphony near us, so we definitely wanted to support TSO. We began attending concerts at the Peristyle and loved our special evenings out, enjoying dinner and the TSO.
How long have you been involved with the TSO? In 1990, as the Executive Director of Sauder Village, I invited the symphony to perform at the Sauder Village Founder's Hall in Archbold. I felt strongly that this would create opportunities for people of all ages to be exposed to an excellent symphony performance close to home. That initial invitation led to 32 years of annual concerts in Archbold. In 1991, I was invited to be a part of the TSO board and was honored to serve on the board until 2012.
What are some of your favorite memories of the TSO? Some of my favorite memories from my involvement with the TSO are the wonderful friendships and connections I made with other board members and the leadership team of TSO, such as Dick and Fran Anderson, Bob Bell, and Kathy Carroll. I admired their leadership and treasured their friendship as well as relationships with others on the board. While on the Orchestra Relations Committee and Executive Committee, I learned to know many of the wonderfully talented musicians, and understood more about the incredible work they do, and the unique challenges they experience. Two special concert highlights were witnessing the TSO perform at Carnegie Hall and connecting the TSO with Goshen College Choir to perform Brahms's Requiem along with the choir at both Goshen College and in Toledo.
Why do you think the TSO and TAPA are important in our community? Music and the arts add joy and truly enrich our lives and the community. Having TSO in NW Ohio also helps develop new generations of musicians through their music instruction, youth orchestra, and educational ensembles.
In 2021, you created the Maynard and Carolyn Sauder Endowment Fund. Why was it important to you and your family to establish this endowment? We created the endowment to help ensure the continuation of the orchestras quality artistic accomplishments and ongoing community service for the future.
Debbie and Kevin, you are both second-generation Sauders to support TSO. Why is supporting TSO important to you? The TSO is a vital part of our Northwest Ohio communities, fostering creativity, appreciation for the arts, and education for the young and old. Through excellent leadership, the TSO continues to find ways to appeal to a diverse audience and enrich our region. - Kevin Sauder
Like my mother, I enjoy music and was honored to serve on the TSO/TAPA Board. My husband, David, and I have valued the experiences we've had over the years enjoying concerts in Toledo and at Sauder Village. The talented musicians and leaders of TSO inspire creativity and well-being, so needed in our world today. - Debbie Sauder David
The Sauder Endowment Fund supports annual activities of TSO with preferences that include regional and community concerts, educational programs, and community outreach. Why are these areas of focus important to you? Maynard and I wanted to make sure that people in smaller communities, such as Archbold, had the opportunity to experience the TSO. We have seen first-hand the positive impact of the TSO performing at Sauder Village for over 32 years. Many students state that it was their first exposure to an orchestra, and it definitely will not be their last. Parents share that their children were captivated by all the musicians. People of all ages have expressed their gratitude that they are able to hear the TSO so close to home. Our daughter, Diane Tinsman, is the President of Black Swamp Arts Council, which has been instrumental in helping facilitate the Archbold TSO concerts. Black Swamp Arts Council also has sponsored the TSO Educational Ensembles to perform for area 4th grade students for many years in Archbold. Teachers tell Diane that the TSO Educational Ensembles are a highlight for their students. We hope that the Sauder Endowment Fund helps to support this continued endeavor and reaches even more people in smaller NW Ohio communities.
