Toledo Opera Honors Sanford with Dinner, 'Tosca' Performances

Conductor James Meena (standing, at left) expresses appreciation for
Ann Sanford's 20 years as a Toledo Opera trustee at a dinner Friday
in the Corinthian dining room at the Toledo Club.

Ann Sanford not only takes the cake, she also gives it.

At the post-performance reception Friday for "Tosca" cast and audience members, the off-stage star of the evening demonstrated the selflessness and charitable nature for which she had been lauded by cutting and serving the sheet cake frosted with a bouquet of roses herself.

The Toledo Opera staged the 2014 production of "Tosca" in Sanford's honor for her 20 years of board service and unwavering support of the organization.

Sanford shares
her appreciation.

Friends and opera fans also gathered earlier Friday evening at the Toledo Club, where notable folks shared their gratitude for Sanford and the caliber of production that the Toledo Opera is able to present to the community.

"So goes the Toledo Opera, so goes the nation's operas," stage director Michael Capasso said.

Toledo Opera executive director Suzanne Rorick noted that Sanford was personally responsible for introducing many people to opera, inviting them to performances and events. Rorick expressed deep appreciation for Sanford's straight-forward communication and commitment, as well as her friendship.

Sanford told the assembled guests that she was flattered by the attention but saw herself as one of many who worked together to promote the Toledo Opera. She said opera was a family, and that she had done only what one would do for brothers and sisters, parents and grandparents, and children who would carry on the tradition.

Ann Sanford serves cake with the help of Karen DeNune in
the Red Room at the Toledo Club.

In her letter in the "Tosca" program, Sanford encouraged people to volunteer. "Join the chorus, the Opera Guild, or come to a fundraiser and you will soon be part of the Toledo Opera family," she wrote.

Conductor James Meena called Sanford a beacon for the successful journey of the Toledo Opera, which weathered a recent financial crisis in large part to her efforts. Meena said she was as willing to do the "little things" as well -- perhaps a foreshadowing of the humble cake cutting.