Jim Pugh's philanthropic push of a $7.5 million pledge toward a new performing-arts center has established momentum for an ambitious fundraising effort.

The goal of $100 million will need checks with lots of zeros from Central Florida arts patrons. But it is important to consider the relevance of reaching to a greater audience beyond the black-tie, big-ticket contributors.

This is a great opportunity to engage all of Central Florida in fundraising endeavors. The process will allow everyone -- from the couple who writes a $100 check to kids who collect $30 at a car wash -- to feel that they were part of the team that saw a $389 million dream come to life in the heart of downtown Orlando.

A funding agreement between the city, county and other partners will pay for the bulk of a project that includes three performance halls and education space, framed by a public plaza with shops and restaurants.

Mr. Pugh, the chairman of the arts-center board, will most certainly identify people who can give at the higher levels. "You work your way down from $5 million to $1 million to $500,000 to $25,000," he said. The arts-center board will work in conjunction with Community Counselling Service, which has done consulting on a number of large-scale projects, to develop a strategy. "I'm just a worker bee," Mr. Pugh said.

And there are high-priced naming rights in the mix.

But think of the possibilities once every big-check option is exhausted.

How about bricks -- better yet stars -- along the arts-center plaza, for those who contribute $100 or $200? How about setting up a "Pitch In for the Performing Arts Center" drop box at the Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre, Mad Cow Theatre and other arts venues? How about a "Walk for the Arts" fundraiser along Lake Eola? What about community partners having arts-related raffles in their offices?

Those grass-roots efforts also would break down any shrugs of indifference from a large number of people who have never been to the ballet or opera.

"We have a hard time resonating with those folks," said Jim Lussier, a longtime member of the arts-district board. "Their reaction is, `Get the rich people to do it. Get the government to do it.'"

Understandably, the arts community will have to capture the public's imagination in projects that aren't terribly labor intensive and are cost-effective in relation to the amount of money raised.

But a few dollars here and there make sense if you can gather enthusiasm from an entire community.

The performing-arts center will opens its doors to folks from all demographics by 2010.

Imagine the possibilities if they all had a hand in the building process as well.