Orlando Museum of Art has received a record $540,000 donation from the Council of 101
- Alastair Mac
- Jun 24
- 4 min read
The funds came from the overwhelming success of two of Orlando’s most-loved events: Festival of Trees and Art in Bloom. The donation will help OMA expand exhibits and outreach across Central Florida, including to underserved communities.
The Orlando Museum of Art (OMA) is honored to announce a landmark $540,000 gift from the Council of 101, marking the highest donation in the Council’s history. This generous contribution reflects the tremendous success of the Council’s flagship fundraising events – the Festival of Trees and Art in Bloom – both beloved fixtures in Orlando’s cultural calendar.
Since 1965, the Council of 101, a dedicated group of nearly 300 volunteers, has been instrumental in supporting OMA’s mission to inspire creativity and lifelong learning through art. Its cumulative gifts of more than $15 million to OMA have enabled the museum to enhance exhibitions and expand educational programs that serve the Central Florida community. This donation tops last year’s record donation of $510,000.
“We are deeply grateful to the Council of 101 for their many years of support and unwavering dedication to OMA,” said Cathryn Mattson, CEO of OMA. “This record-breaking donation will allow us to deepen our educational outreach and bring even more dynamic exhibitions to our audiences. We very much appreciate their commitment to increasing support of the arts in Orlando.”
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Last year’s Festival of Trees welcomed over 14,800 attendees over its 10-day run, while Art in Bloom in April drew a vibrant crowd of more than 2,400 visitors. Both events showcase the Council’s creativity and dedication, highlighting innovative art installations and festive community spirit.
“All of us at the Council of 101 are thrilled to contribute to the continued growth and vitality of the Orlando Museum of Art,” said Allison Hudson, President of the Council of 101. “Our events bring together the community in celebration of art, and it’s inspiring to see how our fundraising translates into meaningful experiences and opportunities for people of all ages.”
The donation will directly support OMA’s programs, including educational workshops, outreach initiatives to underserved populations, and special exhibitions designed to attract visitors from across Florida and beyond.
For more information about the Orlando Museum of Art and upcoming events, please visit www.omart.org.
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