Pictured left to right are Doug LaBrecque, OPAS artistic director, Donna Osborne, raffle winner, Margie Forbes, OPAS board chair.

For 15 years, the Oconee Performing Arts Society (OPAS) has consistently presented world-class arts experiences and arts education performances to the Lake Oconee area.

Even while combating the challenges brought by the pandemic, OPAS has continued to provide a full lineup of exciting events. They have worked creatively to provide the same standard of exceptional programming members have grown to expect.

From the Rhythm & Brews Festival — headlined by multi-platinum American rock band Gin Blossoms — to Broadway Sings for OPAS and capped by the fabulous holiday concert Fa-la-la, OPAS continued to enhance the cultural enrichment in the area.

Beyond providing enjoyment and entertainment through world-class programming, an equally important tenant of the OPAS mission is to bring life-enriching arts education performances to thousands of local rural children, many of whom would not otherwise have access to the arts. Through generous community support, OPAS has excelled, bringing arts education programs to more than 2,000 local students from Greene and surrounding counties each year. The recent addition of masterclasses given by visiting artists and online lessons for qualified students has been met with excitement by students and teachers.

The 75/25 Cash Raffle for the Arts, benefiting the growing Arts Education programs, earned OPAS $16,575.

The winners were drawn during the highly praised December concert, Fa-la-la.

The second prize given was tickets to the upcoming Michael Feinstein concert, now taking place on Feb. 4, 2023. The crowd looked on in anticipation as Artistic Director Doug LaBrecque read the name of Donna Osborne, a loyal OPAS member.

Seven-year-old Beckam Pigg reached into Santa’s raffle bowl to draw the winning ticket, a cash prize of over $5,000. 

To the surprise of everyone but especially herself, the name he held was that of Donna Osborne.  

“I never win anything!” she exclaimed after claiming both her prizes. “This is truly wonderful.”

The dual-win put an exclamation point on a moving night and provided a resounding finish to another excellent year for OPAS.

OPAS is a non-profit performing arts organization that relies on community support to continue to present life-enriching performing arts experiences to the area. Visit www.opas.org or call 706-467-6000.