Arts benefactor donates $100K

Photo: Michael Penn | Juneau Empire

Ron Maas celebrates 87th birthday by giving to local groups

By Amy Fletcher
Posted: October 20, 2014 - 12:07am
Retired businessman and active musician Ron Maas celebrated the double occasion of his 87th birthday and Alaska Day this week by giving Juneau a present: $100,000.

Maas’ donation, announced during a private birthday celebration Saturday, will be shared equally among four local organizations: Juneau Jazz & Classics, Juneau Alaska Music Matters (JAMM), the Juneau Symphony and the Glory Hole.

Maas, a trumpeter and leader of the Thunder Mountain Big Band, said his decision to donate to the Glory Hole in addition to the three music organizations stems from childhood memories that remain vivid in his mind.

“We didn’t have much to eat, ever. It was pretty grim,” he recalled during an interview last week. “I remember that very well. When you go hungry for a week, it makes you think, you know. Those were tough days, tough days. … I learned that we have to help each other. And I’m in the position to be able to do that. That’s what I like to do.”

Juneau Jazz & Classics Artistic Director Linda Rosenthal, who accepted Maas’ $25,000 check on behalf of her organization at Saturday’s event, said Maas’ contributions to the community have taken many forms: an arts patron, a gifted trumpet player and a band leader who has kept Thunder Mountain Big Band alive for the past 20 years.


“Over the years, in so many different ways, he’s supported Jazz and Classics, but beyond that he’s such an inspiration, a shining example of what community spirit and community living is all about,” Rosenthal said. “He’s made life better for all of us in Juneau.”
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