Sam Frech gave $1 million Gift boosts funding for Performing Arts Center Samuel Frech, a local financial consultant and longtime supporter of arts in the Coastal Bend, gave a $1 million gift to Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi toward the planned Edward H. Harte Performing Arts Center. Frech’s gift came just months before his passing July 1. The University hosted a reception for Frech on March 3 at the Early Childhood Development Center where he was honored by friends and community leaders for his lifetime commitment to the arts in Corpus Christi. Frech’s gift brought funding for the $18 million facility to $15 million. Of that, $10.5 million is in state funds and $3.5 million was given last year by newspaper publisher and philanthropist Ed Harte. Frech said Harte's generosity helped motivate him to make his gift. “I am pleased that others have seen fit to give,” Frech said. “Ed Harte has set a wonderful standard for us all to aspire to. I join in good company, certainly. And if it turns out to be a truly splendid building--architecturally satisfying with acoustics as good as can be--then it will breathe new life into music and drama in this region.” Dr. Robert R. Furgason, A&M-Corpus Christi president, expressed pleasure at having Frech involved in making the Center a reality. “The goal for the Center is excellence,” he said. “I am pleased that we have such generous support from individuals who have played such a central role in the local arts community," Furgason said. “We are going to build a top-notch facility that will attract world-class performers.” Dr. S. Trent Hill, vice president for institutional advancement at A&M-Corpus Christi, said that Frech’s generosity contributes to the momentum that is making the Island University an educational leader in South Texas. “Sam’s tenured dedication to the performing arts in Corpus Christi will continue in perpetuity because of his commitment to A&M-Corpus Christi,” said Hill. Frech was a founding member of the President’s Council of A&M-Corpus Christi. He was a financial consultant with Merrill Lynch for 45 years, serving as vice president of the Private Client Group. Frech’s long history of involvement with the local arts community includes his patronage of the Harbor Playhouse beginning in the 1950s when he performed in the Thornton Wilder play “Our Town.” About a decade later, Playhouse officials created the “Sammy” Award to recognize Frech for his contributions of time, leadership and talent. The award is given each spring to theatrical talents and dedicated volunteers during a reception that has become known as Sammy Night. In 1998, Frech was given the Life of Service Award by the Harbor Playhouse and a commemorative award for 25 years of service as president of the Corpus Christi Community Concerts. For more than two decades, he served as master of ceremonies, earning accolades for his quick wit and comedic manner. Also last year, talk show host and actress Oprah Winfrey honored Frech and Merrill Lynch for their Habitat for Humanity efforts during her Angel Network Dinner in Chicago. Frech served as an officer of the South Texas Public Broadcasting Corp., the American Cancer Society, The Heart Fund, United Way, Council of Alcoholism, and the Corpus Christi Ministerial Alliance. In addition, Frech was a Eucharistic minister, lay reader and active member of The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd.