On November 14, we celebrate a very special milestone: the 80th birthday of Ashokan Center Co-Founder and Co-CEO Jay Ungar!
For more than four decades, Jay has helped shape the spirit and vision of Ashokan. What began with a shared love for the land, music, and community grew into something much larger: a place where people of all ages can come together to learn, create, explore, and connect.
A Vision That Helped Bring Ashokan to Life
More than 40 years ago, Jay Ungar and his wife and musical partner, Molly Mason, worked alongside friends and supporters to save the land they loved and help establish what would become the Ashokan Center.
Jay envisioned Ashokan as a place of peace and introspection, where people could step away from the demands of everyday life and reconnect with the things that bring us together. That vision continues to guide the Center today.
Through school field trips, Music & Dance Camps, concerts, festivals, and community programs, Ashokan welcomes thousands of people each year to experience the power of music, nature, history, and art.
Jay’s contributions extend beyond helping establish the organization. As a celebrated musician, educator, and longtime leader, he has helped create a space where musical traditions are shared between generations, creativity is encouraged, and friendships are formed. His music, including the beloved “Ashokan Farewell,” has touched audiences around the world and remains closely connected to the place that inspired it.
Helping Carry the Ashokan Spirit Forward
The work Jay and Molly began continues through every student discovering something new on a school field trip, every musician learning a tune at camp, every family gathering at a festival, and every person who finds a sense of belonging here.
Ashokan’s mission is made possible through the generosity of people who believe in creating these opportunities for future generations.
In honor of Jay’s 80th birthday, Jay and Molly have made an extraordinary commitment: they will match every gift to the Ashokan Center dollar for dollar, up to $100,000, through December 31, 2026.
That means every contribution can go twice as far in supporting outdoor education, music and arts programs, scholarships, and free and affordable community events.
Celebrate Jay’s Birthday by Giving Joy a Place to Grow
As we celebrate Jay’s 80 years, we’re also celebrating the legacy he has helped build: a place where people come together, traditions continue, and new memories are made every day.
A gift in honor of Jay’s birthday is an opportunity to help carry that vision forward. With Jay and Molly’s matching challenge, your generosity will make twice the difference.
Join us in celebrating Jay and help ensure that generations to come can experience the magic of Ashokan.
Make your gift today and have it doubled!
Happy 80th Birthday, Jay! And thank you for all you’ve helped make possible.