Interlochen Center for the Arts announced the completion of its CREATE AMAZING fundraising campaign Wednesday, with the organization raising over $134 million since the campaign started six years ago.

CREATE AMAZING: The Campaign for Interlochen began in July 2012 with a $100 million goal. That goal eventually rose to $125 million, and then reached over $134 million. According to Interlochen, $36.6 million was raised for campus improvements (incuding the new Music Building opening in spring 2019, the Dennison Center for Recreation and Wellness, and a coming expansion and renovation of dance facilities), while $29.1 million was committed in annual operating support for the Interlochen Annual Fund and Interlochen Public Radio. Another $11.2 million was raised toward endowment, including over 30 new endowed scholarships, and $57.4 million was given in planned gifts, including to unrestricted operating support and endowed scholarships.

More than 18,000 donors from 54 countries, 49 states and Washington, D.C. made gifts through the Campaign. “One Campaign goal was to create a much deeper and broader connection with the larger community that makes Interlochen possible,” says Interlochen Trustee and Campaign Cabinet Co-Chair Nancy Hoagland. “It has been deeply gratifying to realize the conviction of so many supporters from northern Michigan and across the globe who believe in Interlochen and want to see it continue as both a community resource and leader in the arts.”

Increasing financial aid and constructing Interlochen's first centralized Music Building were two key priorities of the Campaign. In 2018, Interlochen distributed the most financial aid in its history, in part through the Create Amazing Opportunities Challenge. Made possible by Interlochen trustee and economist Dr. Mohamed A. El-Erian, the challenge raised over $1.7 million and helped an additional 120 students attend Interlochen this summer.

“As Interlochen moves toward its 100th anniversary, we are excited to build upon what our community near and far has made possible through their support,” says Interlochen Center for the Arts President Trey Devey. “This Campaign is crucial as we work to invest further in the student experience with a commitment toward increasing financial aid. We also look to strengthen the value we bring to our northern Michigan community and beyond through educational outreach and community programming on Interlochen Public Radio."