“It was an honor,” states David Drobis, Class XV, “to serve as co-chair of ‘Thank You Myra Days,’ and help produce the two-day tribute to the founder and former CEO of the Phil.” Conceived last year when Myra announced her retirement, the board and staff at the Phil, as well as the two auxiliary organizations, the League and Friends of Art, wanted an event to celebrate Myra’s achievements and contributions to Naples.
“Myra is a pioneer who set the standard for the arts in this area; we have an enriched quality of life in Naples because of what she achieved, ‘starting from scratch,'” the Naples Daily News wrote in its editorial.
“Thank You Myra Days,” underwritten by more than 40 businesses and corporations, started with a star-studded concert at the Phil Saturday night featuring Boston Pops Conductor Keith Lockhart leading the Naples Orchestra. More than 4,000 people attended Sunday’s free open house for the Community. Governor Rick Scott led the program. Mayor Bill Barnett and Commissioner Fred Coyle presented proclamations.
More than 400 people contributed nearly $6 million dollars for the Myra Janco Daniels Legacy Fund, a reserve fund being set up to help protect Myra’s legacy and her focus on having the very best in the visual and performing arts at the Phil.