New symphony fundraiser looking stylish
By Cam Fuller, The StarPhoenixFebruary 18, 2010
Rachmaninoff on the Runway? Not exactly. But a new fashion show fundraiser for the Saskatoon Symphony should win some style points and make a few dollars.
"It should be great fun," says fundraising committee co-chair Lynn Ewing.
It's a drinks-dinner-fashion show at the Odeon on Wednesday featuring members of the community rather than professional models, dressed in clothes from Deena's and Ultimo Euromoda.
Symphony core members will provide music during the cocktails and meal. "They're going to play beautifully, they always do. They've entertained at our wine tastings which are very fun and very successful," says Ewing.
DJ music will contribute appropriate thumps when the strutting starts.
This is a new venture for the organization, which has recently changed its fundraising strategy. Instead of a few big events that require a substantial investment and incur significant risks, the trend is to smaller and more numerous events. The plan is working well so far, says Ewing.
"The times of the big dinner with black tie and the rubber chicken are going away. People don't want to go there anymore."
In addition to raising money, organizers hope also to raise the symphony's profile and build its audience. Wine tastings with co-sponsor Cava Secreta have been well received.
"We've been trying new things to appeal to new people. We need to draw some younger audiences."
Tickets to the fashion show cost $50. They're available from symphony board members or by calling 652-2240.
Meanwhile, a fundraiser from earlier in the season is being declared a success.
The symphony's Gourmet Guide, an up-scale coupon book for meals and entertainment, has proven a good seller.
Even if only one of the coupons is used, a two-for-one ticket to the symphony pops series, Saskatoon opera or Persephone Theatre, the book would pay for itself, Ewing says.
"At $25 a pop it's definitely a money-saver but it's also about helping the symphony and keeping it going."
A few are still available, also by calling 652-2240.
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
- - -
SUSTAIN THE MUSIC
The symphony got a big boost on the weekend with the announcement of Sustain the Music, a matching-fund campaign initiated by Ellen Remai of the Frank and Ellen Remai Foundation, which pledged $200,000. The hope is for supporters to match that amount. The money will go into the symphony's endowment fund, managed by the Saskatoon Community Foundation. The announcement was made Saturday in front of a full house at the symphony's masters series concert. David Kaplan is the honorary chair of the campaign. To set up pre-authorized payments, call 665-6414. For more information and to donate online, go to www.saskatoonsymphony.org.