Donor Spotlight: Deborah Eldridge Miali

Music has always been an important part of Deborah Eldridge Miali’s life. She recalls attending classical concerts in the auditorium of her local high school in suburban California.

“It was such a treat to dress up, sit in the balcony, and share magical moments with my mom,” she said.

Years of piano lessons taught her that she wasn’t musically gifted, “but it also led me to respect and appreciate the talented musicians of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra,” Miali said.

Miali and her husband, Jim, became SLSO season subscribers soon after moving to St. Louis in 2002. When she retired, she joined the Symphony Volunteer Association. The SVA gave Miali a new way of supporting the SLSO and making countless friends along the way. 

Miali is currently the SVA’s Vice President of Philanthropy and Stewardship, but over the past seven years she has served in a series of roles including Vice Chair of Picture the Music and Vice Chair of Powell Hall Opportunities.

“These volunteer roles have helped me better understand the depth of talent we have in the SLSO,” Miali said. “The outreach to young students is wonderful and it’s such fun to see the smiles and bright eyes as children hear new music in a new environment.”

As a donor, Miali believes she has a responsibility to ensure the SLSO continues to be welcoming and accessible to all.

“We believe we should support what matters most to us not only with our presence but also financially,” she said. “For the SLSO to continue its important work we need to help ensure that it is fiscally sound.”

Compiled by Iain Shaw.