TBPAC: large donation, new name

TAMPA - The Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center has a new name, thanks to a big donation.

Monday CEO Judith Lisi announced a major gift from the David A. Straz, Jr. Foundation -- a gift so large it inspired the board to rename the center.

It will now be called the David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts.

Straz is a graduate of Marquette University, and has been a resident of Tampa for several years. He's a well known philanthropist and a managing director of the Metropolitan Opera.

The David A. Straz Foundation was founded in 1993 for the primary purpose of supporting organizations in higher education, visual arts, civic advancement and performing arts.

Mayor Pam Iorio was at Monday's announcement.

"This is a significant milestone for our community - the largest charitable contribution to a cultural institution in Tampa by one of Tampas most philanthropic leaders", Mayor Iorio said. "I thank David Straz and his wife Catherine for their generosity. They are creating an outstanding legacy of a stronger performing arts center that will continue to grow and thrive for generations to come."

Straz says the TBPAC "is widely considered one of the greatest in the world." He said his family's goal is "to ensure it remains world class for our community."

As part of a confidentiality request in the donation agreement, the amount will not be disclosed.

Lisi says it "is a significant step toward our institutional goal of a $100 million endowment."

The TBPAC opened in 1997, it consists of five theaters, three restaurants, and the Patel Conservatory.