Behind the Curtain - Winter 2014

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Curtain S A N F R A N C I S C O OPER A

B E H I N D

T H E

A P u b l i c at i o n E x c l u s i v e ly f o r Sa n F r a n c i s c o Ope r a C o n t r i b u t o r s

“Whatever You Can Do” Longtime Donor Jim Heagy Thinks All Giving is Significant

the future so talent has a place to sing.” – Jim Heagy

photo by Betsey Kershner

“Invest in

Jim’s involvement with the company steadily increased. “The Opera Guild recruited my wife but she said, ‘No, take him.’” Jim has been one of the few male members of the Guild ever since. Since then, Jim has continued to serve San Francisco Opera in a dozen different ways, large and small. He picks up artists at the airport. He volunteers backstage in the canteen during performances, working countless coffee services. Jim also serves on the Guild’s Education Council. He has become so well known for providing refreshments for High School Night at the Opera that he received James Heagy and the ‘Cookie Monster Award’.” Leah Crocetto. Perhaps most impressive, Jim has become a great friend to San Francisco Opera’s young artists, both f all the people who go above and beyond Merolini and Adler Fellows—“the kids,” he calls to support San Francisco Opera, James (Jim) them. “I’ve seen firsthand how some kids don’t make Heagy stands out. it because they don’t get enough support.” Jim has His love of music started early. His mother played stepped up to meet a variety of their needs. classical flute and piano jazz. His father played After his wife passed, Jim opened his own home to oboe and English horn and oversaw music eduyoung artists. It is now known as the “Heagy Hotel.” cation for Fresno public schools. “I have room, and these kids need “Jayne still guides When it came time to choose an a place to stay. Sometimes it’s a instrument, Jim chose the cello beme to do something juggling act to fit everyone in.” He cause “it had the nicest tone and adds, “I’ve never had more than worthwhile.” you can eat while you play.” seven or eight kids here at a time.” Music brought together Jim and his late wife, Jayne, Jim has also included the Opera in his estate plans while students at Fresno State College. She was also a through his membership in the Bel Canto Society. cellist, and their first dates consisted of playing duets. Where does he get the energy? “I’m retired! What The newly married couple moved to San Franciselse am I going to do?” Whenever the company calls co where Jim got a job as a chemist. “I was in the ilon Jim, he answers. But Jim also asks. “I’m always legal drug business for twenty-nine years. But it was telling people to donate. When my house is full, I OK because I worked for the federal government.” talk a friend into hosting some kids. I tell everyone Looking for some kind of adventure, Jim’s wife to make a legacy gift through the Bel Canto Society.” started ushering at the Opera House and talked him And when his kids ask what they can do for him, into it. “It was the one time we could get dressed up.” he says “when you can afford it, make a donation They ushered for nine years. Eventually, they tired to the Opera in memory of Jayne, even if it is only of sitting on the steps in the Dress Circle. They de$100. She’s the one that should get the credit.” scribed their first seats as “way back in the second On advancing the Opera’s mission, Jim’s philosorow of the orchestra section.” phy is simple: “Give whatever you can afford.”

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Letter from David Gockley on page two