Ballet Arizona is honored to announce a landmark $1 million gift from Thomas Carlton Rogers II, received last spring. This generous contribution establishes the Thomas Carlton Rogers II Balletomane Fund, a permanent endowment that will sustain Ballet Arizona’s mission to ignite the human spirit through the magic of dance and help make our vision of ballet for everyone a reality.
Thomas Carlton Rogers II, a Phoenix native who grew up in San Marino, California, attributes his passion for ballet to early exposure the performing arts. “Television shows of Ballet Blanc in Copenhagen were my first view of the fine arts from Europe,” he recalled. “As time went on, I developed into a balletomane – a ballet devotee. Now, I have the means to do something on behalf of fine art in Arizona.”
Rogers emphasized his gift is deeply rooted in his appreciation for his Arizona heritage and his steadfast conviction that the arts are essential to a thriving city. “The money that I am donating is not something that I conjured up down at the stock exchange. This money was earned in the mining business in Arizona by hard and dangerous work. I’m not sure what those men would think about this donation, but I believe that Phoenix can never be a great city without fine art,” he explained.
The inspiration for this remarkable donation also stems from Rogers’ admiration for Ballet Arizona’s leadership. “Their relentless devotion to the Ballet gives me absolute confidence that this money will support artisanship and excellence in perpetuity,” Rogers said. “I know they are bringing the highest level of artisanship to our community.”
In honor of Thomas Carlton Rogers II’s remarkable generosity and dedication to the arts, Ballet Arizona has named the artistic wing of its state-of-the-art facility the “Thomas Carlton Rogers II Artistic Wing.” This recognition celebrates Mr. Rogers’ impactful contribution, ensuring his legacy will inspire and support the growth of ballet for generations to come.
Why Endowments Matter
Endowments are a cornerstone of financial health and stability for non-profit organizations. A permanent fund that generates annual investment income, an endowment acts as a financial anchor, providing a sustainable source of funding and can make the difference between a company thriving or struggling.
As ticket sales only cover 50% of our operating costs, we rely on contributions and grants from individuals and institutions. However, these revenue streams often fluctuate due to economic conditions, changes in donor priorities, or unexpected emergencies. This stability offered by an endowment, enables non-profits to weather economic fluctuations, innovate in programming, and focus on fulfilling their mission without being solely dependent on annual fundraising efforts.
For Ballet Arizona, this new endowment represents an enduring investment in the cultural enrichment of Arizona and will play a vital role in the company’s future as we set our strategic plans in motion. This fund will enable us to maintain our high artistic standards, expand our repertoire and nurture the next generation of artists and balletomanes!
“An endowment is a gift that keeps giving,” says Executive Director, Jami Kozemczak. “The Thomas Carlton Rogers II Balletomane Fund is not just a celebration of generosity but also a testament to the enduring value of the arts. We are deeply grateful to Tom, his visionary support, and his belief in the transformative power of cultural investment.”
For more information about supporting Ballet Arizona’s endowment or other giving opportunities, visit balletaz.org/support or contact Director of Philanthropy, Steven Henderson at shenderson@balletaz.org.
