supporters donor spotlight
Stephen A. Finn
(left to right) Steve Finn celebrated the success of the 40th Anniversary Challenge at CSMA's end-of-year holiday party. Joining him were Bob Fenwick, wife Jan, a CSMA board member, and Mike Couch, also a board member.Stephen A. Finn & 86 Great Givers Enrich CSMA with a 40th Anniversary Gift!
When CSMA first opened Finn Center in 2004, we shared with readers the story of our “namesake,” local philanthropist Stephen A. Finn, lead donor to our capital campaign to build our first permanent home. Four years later, Mr. Finn’s “spotlight” continues to grow and glow for CSMA!
In anticipation of CSMA’s 40th anniversary year in 2008, Mr. Finn provided us with a wonderful opportunity: a one million dollar challenge grant to be met by the end of 2007. All money raised, which he generously offered to match at either 50% or 100%, depending upon whether the donation was made by a new or an existing supporter, would be used for the development of an adjacent parcel of land acquired by CSMA in 2006. The .8 acre property, located at 250 San Antonio Road, provides additional parking and an annex for expanded programming.
“Mr. Finn’s challenge inspired 86 new and existing donors to support the school with contributions of $748,990, which were then matched by Mr. Finn to the tune of $443,665,” said Development Director Kelly Hudson. “CSMA celebrated the start of its 40th anniversary year with a total of $1,192,654 because of this special challenge.”
Mr. Finn’s leadership in giving CSMA both an anniversary and a new year’s gift provides the school with invaluable support as it is poised to move into the next chapter of its history. In his words, it is also recognition that, “The annex property is a wonderful extension of the campus and will allow the school to develop new and innovative programs in music, digital and visual arts.”
A resident of Los Altos Hills, Finn is a former mayor and city council member. He is the former chairman, president, and CEO of Trust Company of America, an independent trust company with headquarters in Colorado.
“We are enormously grateful to Steve Finn for his generosity and for the entrepreneurial spirit of his gift to CSMA,” commented Executive Director Jeffry Walker. “Clearly, both Steve and many other generous supporters realized that in making their donation, they are making a solid investment in the cultural life of our region!”
View a complete list of donors to the 40th Anniversary Challenge.
