Sep 26, 2024

“It inspires me to see great performances,” says Dale Sulymka. “You watch the crowd coming out after a Manitoba Opera performance and everyone’s happy. There’s a kind of buzz.”  

Dale knows about the work that goes into making these moments happen. He’s retired now, but for seven years he was the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for Manitoba Opera, and before that he worked with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet for 24 years.   

“Being in arts administration for 30 years, I know the financial side can be challenging,” Dale states.  That’s why as Manitoba Opera’s CFO he advocated for an endowment campaign. 

“Endowment funds just make sense because every donation is getting a match from the government,” Dale explains. “When I was CFO, one of the happiest days of the year was when we found out what the match was going to be from Canadian Heritage. 

“And there are other matches from The Winnipeg Foundation and major donors.” 

In uncertain economic times, endowment funds provide steady, reliable, predictable returns. “An endowment fund lasts forever, it grows, it’s well-managed. It’s set up to give you a constant return every year,” Dale explains. 

Dale and his wife, Velvet, are supporters of Manitoba Opera’s Power of Voice Endowment Campaign. “I believe in it, so I’m trying to show that with my donation,” he says. He and Velvet make annual donations in memory of their parents and Dale’s brother.  

“My parents loved to go to the opera. They’d get dressed up and go early to get a good parking spot,” Dale recalls. “And my wife’s parents were also very musical.” 

With the Power of Voice Endowment Campaign, Manitoba Opera supporters can become part of a lasting and substantial legacy. “Anyone can contribute,” Dale says. “It all adds up.” 

“Donating just makes you feel good,” he concludes. “And, you know, speaking from the accounting side, the tax deduction is also nice.”