Marilyn and Michael Cabak

Marilyn Cabak has an incredible enthusiasm for opera dating back to her early childhood. She shares a story detailing her first introduction to the art form and why she and her husband, Michael, chose to make a legacy gift.

"When I was a young girl, my parents took me and my sister to the Cincinnati Zoo. After we arrived, they were told Madame Butterfly was going to be performed later that evening outdoors, next to the zoo. My parents decided to attend but were concerned as they felt we were too young to sit through an entire performance and worried we might disturb the other guests. But my dad loved the opera and was actually very curious to see how we would react."

"I remember to this day---The music began and eventually a fabulous, beautiful woman entered the stage with a voice exactly like an angel and I was transfixed forever. I stayed awake and was calm and happy and knew I had found something I would always love.... Opera!"

"Michael and I have been avid supporters of the Opera for many years. Our active participation has been absolutely life changing for both of us! Not only has the Opera enhanced our personal relationship but we have also benefited from the numerous friendships we have made with other opera lovers over the years."

"One of the happiest moments in my life, occurred recently, when Michael and I formally founded "The Marilyn & Michael Cabak Charitable Trust", which names the San Francisco Opera as one of its major beneficiaries. The philanthropic outcome is a dream come true for our family. We are very proud to include the Opera for its outstanding contribution to the cultural life of the Bay Area community!"

"We hope that our commitment will serve to help motivate others to consider creative planning methods to reward an organization as wonderful as the San Francisco Opera!"