Friends of Mondavi Center is a dedicated donor-based organization of arts-loving volunteers whose purpose is to assist the Mondavi Center’s presenting program with education, outreach, fundraising, and audience development. Friends engage in a variety of activities that support these programs and annually contribute thousands of hours and raise thousands of dollars to benefit Mondavi Center Arts Education.
Friends provide an invaluable link to the Sacramento region as they represent the Mondavi Center, the region’s premier performing arts venue. When you join Friends of Mondavi Center, you choose the activities which you prefer and the commitment level that best suits you. In addition, you work with other Friends who share your interests.
Contact Us
To connect with a fellow Friend and for more information, please email: [email protected]
How to Become a Friend
Member donations support both the Mondavi Center Annual Fund and the School Matinee Program.
Volunteers serve as ushers at school matinees, support Mondavi Center outreach to UC Davis students, and organize educational and social programs for their members.
There are three ways to become a Friends member. Supporters may choose one (or more) options to join.
Donate to the Mondavi Center Annual Fund
Donate to the Mondavi Center Annual Fund
Donate a minimum of $125 to the Mondavi Center Annual Fund
Check the box “I would like to become a Friend of the Mondavi Center” on the donation page.
Donate to the Friends of Mondavi Center School Matinee Ticket Fund
Support School Matinees
Help bring the performing arts to local students. A gift of $375 provides school matinee tickets for a class of 30 students, plus their teachers and chaperones.
Last year, Friends of Mondavi Center donations provided tickets for more than 900 students, teachers and chaperones. With your support, that number is expected to exceed 1,500 participants during the 2026-27 season.
Giving Levels
- $375 sponsors one class (30 students plus teachers/chaperones)
- $1,125 sponsors three classes
How to Donate
By check:
Make checks payable to UC Regents and note "SMAT Tickets" in the memo line, or include a note directing your gift to Mondavi Center School Matinees.
Mail to:
Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts
MC Friends
UC Davis
1 Shields Avenue
Davis, CA 95616
Checks may also be submitted at Friends events or given to a member of the Friends of Mondavi Center Board.
By credit card:
Call 530-752-7354.
All donations to the Friends of Mondavi Center School Matinee Program are used to purchase tickets for K-12 students, teachers and chaperones.
Become a Friends of Mondavi Center Volunteer
Donate your time by volunteering at least 15 hours each season.
Volunteer opportunities include:
- Assisting with Event Planning, Fundraising, or Membership Development
- Working with local school districts to distribute School Matinee tickets purchased by Friends of Mondavi Center
- Ushering at School Matinees
- Volunteering as a Tour Guide at the Mondavi Center
Complete this form to indicate how you would like to volunteer
Not Ready to Join
Become a Friend of Friends of Mondavi Center
Stay connected to the Mondavi Center community. Friend of Friends participants receive updates about events, volunteer opportunities and Friends activities, and are welcome to participate in Friends programs and volunteer efforts.
Please note that Friend of Friends participants may not vote in Friends elections or serve on the Friends of Mondavi Center Board.
Send an email to [email protected]
About the Friends
Activities & Programs
ACTIVITIES
The Friends Events Committee organizes several events throughout the year and the Membership Committee fosters stewardship and mentoring for new members with a variety of activities throughout the year.
AUDIENCE ENRICHMENT
The Audience Enrichment Committee focuses on communication with the adult community. The goal is to provide community outreach so that more people are aware of the vast array of performance arts that occur at the Mondavi Center each season. In addition, the committee wants to make community members aware of the educational activities that are held within the framework of the Mondavi Center and presented by the Friends of Mondavi Center.
Engagement & Support
SCHOOL MATINEE TICKET PROGRAM
A primary focus of the School Outreach Committee is to administer funds raised at Friends Events for the School Matinee Ticket Program. Annually, the committee selects a school district and specified school programs to receive tickets to a Mondavi Center school matinee. Many of these students may not otherwise have an opportunity to attend a performance at the Mondavi Center. These schools are chosen based on an application process that ensures the principals’ support.
SPECIAL EVENTS FOR UC DAVIS STUDENTS
Friends support special events for UC Davis at the Mondavi Center, such as the Fall Welcome Event and quarterly Student Appreciation Days before finals week. These events encourage UC Davis students to learn about their student benefits and engage with the performing arts.
USHERS
Ushers are present at every school matinee performance. They greet and help the students and teachers to their seats and provide general assistance. Our ushers take great pleasure in welcoming young audiences to the Mondavi Center.