From TOLEDO OPERA
Toledo Opera will present America 250 Week, a series of community events taking place May 2-9 at various locations throughout the Toledo region. Sponsored by The Wolfe Family Foundation and the Lucas County Commissioners, the week will feature opportunities for community engagement through volunteerism, live performance, and a fundraising gala.
The series will begin on Saturday, May 2, with “Sing While You Work: Day of Service,” held from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Forest Cemetery, 1110 Paxton St., Toledo. Community volunteers and veteran organizations will gather to clean and prepare veteran graves ahead of Memorial Day. Manhattan’s Pub’n Cheer will provide lunch for all volunteers. Registration is required and can be found at https://www.toledoopera.org/beyond-the-stage/america-250-week/
On Tuesday, May 5, Toledo Opera will present the America 250 Veterans Concert at Conn Weissenberger American Legion Post 587, 2020 W. Alexis Road, Toledo. Dinner will be available for purchase from Deet’s BBQ food truck beginning at 5:30 p.m., followed by a concert at 7 p.m. featuring the Toledo Opera resident artists who will perform patriotic selections. This event is free and open to the public, with ticket registration required. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Registration can be found at https://www.toledoopera.org/beyond-the-stage/america-250-week/.
The week will conclude on Saturday, May 9, with Opera Gala Route 250, Toledo Opera’s annual fundraising gala, held at Millbury Classic Cars & Trucks Museum, 26929 Cummings Road, Millbury. VIP admission will begin at 6 p.m., with general admission opening at 6:30 p.m. The event will feature live musical performances by the Toledo Opera resident artists, hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction, and a paddle raise. Guests will have the opportunity to explore the museum’s collection of classic and custom vehicles throughout the evening.
Ticket options for the gala include a VIP experience for $300, which includes a private reception, a meet-and-greet with museum owners, and access to a private open bar. General admission is $200 and includes access to the full evening of performances and activities, along with a cash bar. Cocktail attire is requested. Tickets are available for purchase at toledoopera.org
For Toledo Opera General Director James M. Norman, America 250 Week represents an opportunity to bring the community together through music and service.
“We are proud to celebrate America 250 with a week of meaningful and inspiring events. From a community day of service to a moving veterans’ concert, culminating in a festive fundraising gala. Together, these moments honor our shared music history while bringing our community together in service, reflection, and celebration,” Norman said.
For Leah Whitaker, Toledo Opera’s development officer, Toledo Opera’s ongoing engagement with the veteran community reflects a growing and deeply valued relationship, one that began during the company’s 2025 production of “South Pacific” and has continued to expand through meaningful partnerships and shared experiences.
“This work began with a 100-year-old veteran, Bob Masters, whom I met during our production of ‘South Pacific.’ His stories of service and history made clear how vital veterans are to building and sustaining strong communities. Since then, a meaningful connection has grown between Toledo Opera and our local veteran community. America 250 Week is a natural extension of that outreach and partnership work, honoring veterans’ voices and service through music and community engagement,” Whitaker said.
“Combining the joy and beauty of music with community service is an excellent way to celebrate America 250 and instill pride in Lucas County’s contributions to the vibrancy of our nation,” Board of Lucas County Commissioners President Lisa A. Sobecki said. “Toledo Opera’s outreach programs enrich our community, and the Lucas County Commissioners are proud to sponsor these events for the benefit of our veterans and broader public.”
Opera Gala Route 250 is supported by Grogan’s Towne Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram; Gryphon Financial Partners; Lucas County Commissioners; Marino’s Beverage Center; McGuire Group Insurance Agency, Ohio Auto Dealers Association, Peter and Colleen Demczuk; VFW Post 3338; and Yark Automotive Group.
Toledo Opera will present America 250 Week from May 2 – 9. To learn more about America 250 Week and to register or purchase tickets, visit toledoopera.org.
