ASHLAND — The Ashland Symphony Orchestra is three-quarters of the way to reaching a goal that, if met, means the creation of an endowment fund.
Bob and Jan Archer pledged to establish a $1 million endowment fund for the Ashland Symphony Orchestra if the group can raise $100,000 by Oct. 1.
Martha Buckner, the symphony’s executive director, said ASO has raised about $77,000 of that goal since first announcing the campaign in late June.
“So we have just a little bit to go,” she said.
The endowment fund, which will be managed by the Ashland County Community Foundation, will disburse annual payments to the ASO. Buckner said the money will likely go toward giving musicians raises.
“We have a professional orchestra,” Buckner said. “And they are ‘per-service musicians,’ meaning they’re paid for each rehearsal and performance. As the fund grows, we’ll use that growth to pass along to the musicians and give them raises.”
Bob Archer said he and his wife have supported ASO financially for at least 40 years. Setting up the “legacy gift” means the Archers’ support will outlive them.
‘We invested well’
Bob Archer, 90, earned financial success through his ownership of Kent Water Sports. The company, now known as Kent Outdoors, manufactures and sells more life jackets than any outlet in the world.
Since 1981, Kent Water Sports, under Archer’s management, acquired 35 companies and divested three.
“All but those three paid great dividends,” he said. “We invested well, and now we wanna give it back. When I die, I don’t want to give the government one dime. They’ll just waste it.”
The Archers have donated millions to Ashland University, Ashland City Schools and other causes in the area.
Music holds a special place in the Archers’ hearts. Jan Archer plays piano, and earned a degree in music from Baldwin Wallace. Rob Archer used to take piano lessons and played trumpet for a time in high school.
“I decided I wanted to play football instead of play in band, so I left it behind,” he said, chuckling.
Nevertheless, the Archers never miss a show from the ASO and from Ashland High School, he said.
“Conductors aren’t cheap,” he said. “And it costs money to keep offering quality music through the symphony.”
Click here for information on how to give to ASO.