The New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark has announced an $11 million gift from longtime supporter Betty Wold Johnson.

The largest gift in the organization's history will establish an $8 million endowment to provide upkeep, maintenance, and updated technologies for the center, while $3 million will be used to support urgent capital needs, artistic initiatives, and operations. With Johnson's gift, the center is less than $10 million away from its $180 million capital campaign goal.

"Our nation has a long history of visionary philanthropists helping institutions navigate the vicissitudes of a fluctuating economy," said Goldman. "The particular significance of the Johnson gift is that it will allow NJPAC to ensure that, even through difficult economic times, the building, grounds, and systems are maintained to the highest standards."