This has been an historic year for FOKO, and for your Municipal Organist of 27 years, Ray Cornils. For those of you who have been distracted, Ray plays the mighty Kotzschmar for the last time as the Municipal Organist on Tuesday, December 19th at Merrill. Kotzschmar Christmas with Cornils promises to be compelling, and will probably sell out. There will be a reception for Ray after the concert; come to the rehearsal hall after the event and say good-bye.
The FOKO board of directors approached Ray earlier this year to find out how he wanted to be honored. As a result of several conversations, we are now offering a way to make it more likely that we will all remember Ray and his efforts on our behalf.
The board has designated a portion of FOKO’s endowment as the “Cornils Ambassador Fund.” We will use the income from this fund (as defined by our annual spending policy) to promote the Kotzschmar Organ in the community to create better awareness of one of Portland’s “crown jewels.” We can also use the funds to continue the education and outreach programs of which Ray was an integral part. Currently, between the funds initially designated, and funds specifically raised since the summer, there is over $172,000 in this fund.
Please consider making a potentially tax deductible contribution to this fund. This will continually remind the community of Ray’s legacy, and of the musical instrument he loves.
