March 27, 2025

Honoring Dennis Turner: $25,000 Matching Gift Announced 

At the heart of the Fairmont Opera House’s history are the dedicated individuals who have poured their time, talent, and passion into preserving its legacy. Few embodied that dedication more than Dennis Turner. Today, we are honored to announce a $25,000 matching gift in memory of Dennis—an opportunity for our community to double their impact in continuing the work he cared so deeply about.

Dennis was not just a supporter of the Opera House; he was a builder, a fixer, and a problem solver whose contributions shaped the very foundation of our historic venue. His hands-on commitment and innovative spirit made lasting improvements that many may not even realize but are critical to the building’s ongoing survival.

Dennis’ Legacy of Hard Work and Ingenuity

🔹 The Basement Excavation Project – One of Dennis’ most ambitious projects was leading the excavation of the basement, expanding the Opera House’s usable space. Using a crew from Sentenced to Serve, he designed and built a custom conveyor belt system to efficiently remove soil through a window to street level for hauling away. His wife, Sharon, fondly referred to the Opera House as “Dennis’ sandbox” during this process—a testament to his relentless work and problem-solving mindset.

🔹 Critical Infrastructure Improvements – During the basement work, Dennis identified the need for a water main update and took charge of overseeing that crucial upgrade, ensuring the Opera House was equipped for the future.

🔹 Flooring Repairs – He and Dan St. John worked side by side to reinforce weak areas in the flooring, making the space safer and sturdier for performers and audiences alike.

🔹 Restoring the Theater Seating – When the seats were removed for reupholstering, Dennis painted the metal framework and reinstalled them, ensuring they were as good as new for patrons to enjoy.

🔹 Stage and House Flooring – He painted not only the stage floor but also the flooring under the seating, preserving the structure and enhancing its longevity.

🔹 Lighting and Curtain Rigging – Dennis took on the task of refurbishing the theater’s lighting and ensuring the curtain rigging was in top condition, enhancing every performance on our historic stage.

🔹 Air Conditioning Work – Comfort matters in a theater, and Dennis played a role in improving the Opera House’s air conditioning system, helping create a better experience for all who walk through our doors.

Continuing His Legacy – Your Gift Matched Dollar for Dollar

Thanks to dedicated individuals like Dennis, the Fairmont Opera House has undergone many updates since his time—each one building upon his hard work. However, today, we face a make-or-break moment. The current capital campaign to repair the roof and supporting structures will determine the future of this beloved institution. Without these critical repairs, the very structure of the Opera House is at risk.

Dennis didn’t just fix what was broken; he strengthened, restored, and prepared the Opera House for the future. Now, we invite you to carry his legacy forward.

Thanks to a generous donor, every dollar given—up to $25,000—will be matched in Dennis’ honor. That means your donation will go twice as far in ensuring the Opera House stands strong for years to come.

Let’s build on what Dennis started. Make your gift today and help preserve the Fairmont Opera House for generations to come.

How You Can Help

Even a gift as small as $5 gets us closer to our goal. Here’s how you can get involved:

1. Make a Donation: Whether you can give $5, $50, or more, every dollar counts
2. Share the Cause: Help us spread the word about Fairmont Opera House! Share our campaign with your friends, family, and colleagues through social media, email, or word of mouth.
3. Set Up a Facebook Fundraiser: Love Fairmont Opera House? Create a personal fundraising page and rally your own network to give. It’s an easy and impactful way to show your support!

Looking to set up a matching gift? Give us a call at 507-238-4900. We would love to hear from you!