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The Bestor Society

The Bestor Society was formed as an expression of belief in the Chautauqua Institution. The Bestor Society seeks to recognize those whose gifts to Chautauqua are most generous, to inspire others to acts of similar generosity, and thus to help Chautauqua achieve its cultural mission.

The Bestor Society is comprised of individuals who make an annual gift of $2,000 or more to the Chautauqua Fund. Year after year, through gifts at this level, members affirm the centrality of this place and the continuity of its mission. In turn, they are central to the Chautauqua Fund. Bestor Society gifts account for approximately 80% of the Fund total.

The Chautauqua Fund is the bedrock and lifeblood of philanthropy at Chautauqua. Fund proceeds directly support programming for Chautauqua audiences and scholarships for the Chautauqua Schools of Fine and Performing Arts.

The Bestor Society adds value to the Chautauqua experience – seeing to it that Chautauqua has the resources to excel. Excelling is not an option here: a commonplace Chautauqua is a contradiction in terms. Chautauqua’s identity is found precisely in the extra measure of quality, initiative, and freedom that the Bestor Society provides. We depend on Chautauqua Fund dollars as the core commitment for all philanthropy.

Presenting the Chautauqua experience is a costly undertaking, and although ticket sales do provide a substantial amount of income, they cover only about 40% of the cost of underwriting the Chautauqua experience.

 

Benefits of Bestor Society Membership

To join the Bestor Society, please call (716) 357-6243 or email dwilliams@ciweb.org.

David Williams
Director of the Chautauqua Fund
Chautauqua Foundation
PO Box 28, One Ames Avenue
Chautauqua, NY 14722
dwilliams@ciweb.org

Arthur E. Bestor

Arthur E. Bestor

Arthur E. Bestor’s presidency of Chautauqua from 1915 to 1944 saw the Institution through an astonishing period of achievement and growth. Under his leadership the Institution surmounted difficulties experienced by a country during two world wars and a great depression. He realized that while persistence may have achieved his dreams, only passion would sustain them. Maintaining Chautauqua’s programming, which had achieved world acclaim, would require ongoing devotion and support. More than fifty years later, the society that bears his name also shares his passion for maintaining Chautauqua’s greatness. Today’s builders, today’s visionaries – those who care deeply about furthering the Institution’s stability – form Chautauqua’s Bestor Society.