The philanthropic spirit runs strong in Madison, from those who support groups as volunteers and modest donors to major benefactors like Robert and Irwin Goodman, Herb Kohl, Simona and Jerome Chazen, Jack Lussier - the list goes on.
But the grandest givers of all are Jerry Frautschi and his wife, Pleasant Rowland - the head of Webcrafters and founder of American Girl, respectively - who kicked in more than $200 million for the Overture Center and $23 million more for an endowment fund for resident arts groups.
The Overture Center has taken a few unforeseen twists and turns, presenting challenges for the city and arts community. But there is no denying it is a beautiful world-class building that enhances Madison and reflects well on the couple who made it possible.
