FROM THEIR VERY FIRST VISIT, Bill and Marian Mapes recognized the importance of the Green Music Center to the North Bay community.

Longtime residents of Northern California, Bill and Marian have been attending live performances for many years. Before moving to Santa Rosa, the couple attended everything from the opera to local jazz festivals. Now they appreciate having the Green Music Center just a short drive down the road.

One of their favorite parts about the Green Music Center is the sense of community it evokes. They especially remember how the entire community was offered complimentary tickets to attend performances in the aftermath of the devastating wildfires in 2017 and 2019. Marian recalls, “We felt so welcome, and there was something special about being in Weill Hall and bonding with other members of the community. It was a great feeling.”

This sense of inclusiveness has helped inspire them to become donors to the Green Music Center. Bill comments, “We are happy to contribute because we feel that music and the arts bring people together. Being inside the hall enjoying a performance together— what’s better than that?”

Marian chimes in, “There is something quite special about being part of a community of donors. While we are aware that there are those who make very significant donations to the Green Music Center, we do feel pleased to give meaningfully, recognizing that the generosity of many—regardless of the size of the gift—serves to make the Green’s dynamic programming possible for all of us.”

As supporters of the arts, Bill and Marian recognize that ticket sales alone can’t cover the cost of a performance. They are happy to be able to give back, and in this way support the whole community’s access to the arts. As Bill says, “It’s just fun—to be able to support the Green Music Center, and more so to be able to go to a performance!”

For more information about joining our community of donors, please contact Gail Chadwin at (707) 664-3661 or chadwin@sonoma.edu.