Darden Restaurants Foundation Inc. announced Thursday it will donate $5 million over five years to help build the Dr. P. Phillips Orlando Performing Arts Center in downtown Orlando.

Center boosters are seeking $100 million to fund the $376 million project, according to a press release. Darden's donation brings the total amount of contributions to $54.5 million.

The center will be home to the Orlando Philharmonic, Orlando Ballet, Orlando Opera, Festival of Orchestras and provide a venue for touring shows. The performing arts center plans to develop a mixed-use urban arts facility with two large performance halls, a 300-seat theater, educational facilities and a public plaza for outdoor performances.

The performing arts center backers have agreed to name its box office after Bill and Mary Darden, the family that helped found the Orlando-based restaurant chain.

"We thank Darden Restaurants for its long-term commitment to the performing arts in Central Florida," said center Board Chairman Jim Pugh.

Darden also supports the Orlando Ballet, the Orlando Opera, the Orlando Philharmonic and more than 20 other Central Florida performing arts organizations. Since 1988, the Darden foundation has donated more than $45 million to support community nonprofits around the country, and since 1995 has given more than $9 million to arts organizations.

Darden Restaurants (NYSE: DRI) owns and operates more than 1,400 Red Lobster, Olive Garden, Bahama Breeze, Smokey Bones and Seasons 52 restaurants and employs more than 160,000 people.