A $1.8 million donation to the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra is the largest individual gift in the organization's history, officials announced Tuesday.
The orchestra said in a statement that the "transformational gift" to its endowment came from the estate of Linda Garner Riggs, a former chairwoman of the Board of Directors of its foundation.
“We are overwhelmingly thankful for this gift from a longtime benefactor and friend,” Christina Littlejohn, the orchestra's CEO, said in a statement. “Linda loved the Symphony. She was intelligent, kind and special to me and to all of us who recognize the importance of arts and cultural institutions like ours."
Riggs, who died in 2017, also served as Arkansas insurance commissioner, worked as legislative and budget director for former Arkansas Gov. Frank White and spent 25 years in corporate finance with Stephens Inc.
Her husband, Lamar Riggs, said in the statement that his wife "loved the sound of the orchestra" and "recognized the ability of its members and leadership."
"Her gift commemorates her memory and its melody,” he said.
The statement said the gift will help the orchestra expand its educational programs and "continue to attract outstanding professional musicians." It will also endow the principal cello chair in Linda Garner Riggs' name.
Read Wednesday's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for full details.