“Whereas the Directors of the Philadelphia Orchestra Association recognize that the splendid services of Mr. Edward Bok, Chairman of the Campaign Committee of the Philadelphia Orchestra Endowment Fund, were largely responsible for the triumphant success of the Campaign,
“Be It Resolved that the Directors of the Philadelphia Orchestra Association place on record such belief, and, further, their appreciation of the energy, resourcefulness and self-sacrificing devotion with which he led the Campaign to success, together with a real expression of their regard for him.”
Also this one passed at the Annual Meeting of the Association, May 25th, 1920:
“Mr. Edward W. Bok as Chairman of the Twentieth Anniversary Endowment Fund Campaign Committee was successful, in October, 1919, in procuring from the people of Philadelphia and vicinity, a fund of One Million Dollars for the Philadelphia Orchestra. This fund, when added to the Endowment Fund of 1916, will place the Orchestra on a permanent foundation.
“In no piece of work hitherto undertaken by Mr. Bok has he shown more decided talents of leadership, executive ability and resourcefulness, than in this brilliantly executed campaign. Future generations, only, can measure the value of the establishment of a great orchestra in this city, but certain it is that the raising of this magnificent sum for music is an achievement the like of which Philadelphia has not previously witnessed.
“Therefore be it Resolved:
“That the thanks of the Philadelphia Orchestra Association be hereby expressed to the Chairman of the Endowment Campaign Committee, Edward W. Bok, together with our appreciation of his great service to the Philadelphia Orchestra, to the cause of music, and to the people of Philadelphia.”
Gifts ranged from one penny, given by a blind child, to $100,000. Many men and women of moderate means deprived themselves of necessities in order that the orchestra might live. Others gave time and others again gave both time and money, but never one word of regret has been heard.
The Chairman’s parting shot appeared in the programme book a week later:
November 14th-15th, 1919:
“THANK YOU!
“The Million Dollar Endowment for the Philadelphia Orchestra has been secured with the goal passed by a generous margin. The result ensures not only the permanency of the present Orchestra but the expansion of its influence.
“To each and all who worked and gave and encouraged, we extend, individually and collectively, our heartfelt thanks.
“We asked you to save the Orchestra!
“The Orchestra IS saved!
“Thank you!
November 14th, 1919.”
Thus the creation of an Endowment Fund was achieved by the most extraordinary campaign ever conducted in Philadelphia, and through the contributions of more than 13,000 people who wished to place a Philadelphia musical institution on a permanent foundation.