Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Fri) May 22, 2009
MEDIA CONTACT: Kristin Jackson • (808) 428-1625 | kristinjackson@hawaii.rr.com
Symphony’s Hana Laulima Fundraising Campaign Reaches $300,000
Community responds to “many hands working together” to demonstrate support for Honolulu Symphony amidst financial challenges
HONOLULU – Today, the Honolulu Symphony thanked the community for its immediate response to the new Hana Laulima fundraising campaign, which asks supporters of the arts and everyday citizens to join hands and work together to support the Symphony. To date, the campaign has raised $300,000 since April 17, 2009, representing more than 650 donations ranging from $20 to $25,000.
A significant portion of the initial funds raised will go to bridge the Symphony’s normal and ongoing operational expenses, including musician and staff payrolls, as well as costs of educational and community programs.
“In just a few weeks, the Honolulu Symphony has experienced an outpouring of support for its mission in this community,” said Tom Gulick, executive director, Honolulu Symphony. “The funds raised are just over a quarter of the total amount needed to place the organization on solid financial ground, the momentum and support gathered thus far will be instrumental in helping meet our fundraising goals for this fiscal year.”
Support for the Symphony has come from people of all ages and walks of life across Hawaii. At Iolani School, for example, the students selected the Symphony as a recipient for their “Pennies for Practice” fundraising campaign. In total, Iolani students raised $500 to help fund Symphony programs.
“Over the past two years, the number of donors to the Symphony has more than doubled,” continued Gulick. “This is indicative of the level of support the organization – and its mission of music education – has in Hawaii. We know that our communities strongly value music education and enrichment for children, teens, families and seniors. By working together, we are one step closer to ensuring that important Symphony programs will be available for years to come.”
The upcoming “Symphony Fair” offers the community, especially families with young children, the opportunity to experience highlights of what the Symphony offers. The fair takes place on Saturday, May 23 from noon until 5:00 p.m. before the Dave Koz with the Honolulu Symphony Toyota Pops season finale concert. Everyone is welcome at this neighborhood event featuring entertainment and activities for music lovers.
EXPERIENCE MUSIC WITH THE HONOLULU SYMPHONY THIS WEEKEND:
SYMPHONY TELETHON
Symphony volunteers will be accepting pledges by phone on Thursday, May 21st, generously supported by Clear Channel Communications, Visionary Related Entertainment, Cox Radio Group and KGMB 9 Television. Hawai‘i Public Radio has donated their call-center for the telethon scheduled from 3:00 – 7:00 p.m. Donors can pledge from O‘ahu by calling 944-8800 or from Neighbor Islands toll free at 1-888-970-8800.
SYMPHONY FAIR
Family-oriented fair, with music, art and entertainment
Saturday, May 23 from noon to 5:00 p.m.
Waikiki Shell, Kapiolani Park, Honolulu
General Admission: $3. Children under 12 are free.
Attendees are encouraged to bring items such as tents, lawn chairs and blankets, and stay for the afternoon.
“Symphony Fair” runs from noon to 5 pm, with scheduled performances at locations around the Waikiki Shell grounds, as well as ongoing activities for keiki and adults. ‘Ukulele virtuoso, Jake Shimabukuro will be signing autographs from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. and local jazz favorite, Jimmy Borges will be appearing from 12:00 – 3:00 p.m. Attractions include a musical instrument “petting zoo” hosted by the Honolulu Symphony musicians, food concession stands, face painting, sign painting and other fun activities. Participants are encouraged to bring items such as tents, lawn chairs, and blankets, and stay for the afternoon. There will be opportunities to talk with Symphony musicians and staff members, and to contribute to the Symphony’s Hana Laulima campaign.
DAVE KOZ WITH THE TOYOTA POPS
Saturday, May 23 at 7:30 p.m.
Waikiki Shell ‐ 2805 Monsarrat Avenue
Lawn Seating: $15
Reserved Seating: $45, $60, $75 and $90 – *Reserved seating is limited.
Call the Box office at (808) 792-2000 or (weekdays) or (808) 524‐0815 ext. 245 (evenings).
Smooth jazz superstar Dave Koz will reunite with lifelong friend Matt Catingub at the upcoming Honolulu Symphony Toyota Pops season finale. Koz, who is considered a co‐inventor of the smooth jazz scene, is planning a unique night under the stars with the Pops orchestra and Maestro Matt. Fans can look forward to classic songs such as “Over the Rainbow,” “As Time Goes By,” “The Way We Were,” “Moon River,” the theme song to the movie “The Pink Panther” and many more. Honolulu’s own Noel Okimoto opens this fantastic show!
HONOLULU SYMPHONY SEASON TICKETS – ON SALE NOW!
A significant portion of the initial funds raised will go to bridge the Symphony’s normal and ongoing operational expenses, including musician and staff payrolls, as well as costs of educational and community programs.
“In just a few weeks, the Honolulu Symphony has experienced an outpouring of support for its mission in this community,” said Tom Gulick, executive director, Honolulu Symphony. “The funds raised are just over a quarter of the total amount needed to place the organization on solid financial ground, the momentum and support gathered thus far will be instrumental in helping meet our fundraising goals for this fiscal year.”
Support for the Symphony has come from people of all ages and walks of life across Hawaii. At Iolani School, for example, the students selected the Symphony as a recipient for their “Pennies for Practice” fundraising campaign. In total, Iolani students raised $500 to help fund Symphony programs.
“Over the past two years, the number of donors to the Symphony has more than doubled,” continued Gulick. “This is indicative of the level of support the organization – and its mission of music education – has in Hawaii. We know that our communities strongly value music education and enrichment for children, teens, families and seniors. By working together, we are one step closer to ensuring that important Symphony programs will be available for years to come.”
The upcoming “Symphony Fair” offers the community, especially families with young children, the opportunity to experience highlights of what the Symphony offers. The fair takes place on Saturday, May 23 from noon until 5:00 p.m. before the Dave Koz with the Honolulu Symphony Toyota Pops season finale concert. Everyone is welcome at this neighborhood event featuring entertainment and activities for music lovers.
EXPERIENCE MUSIC WITH THE HONOLULU SYMPHONY THIS WEEKEND:
SYMPHONY TELETHON
Symphony volunteers will be accepting pledges by phone on Thursday, May 21st, generously supported by Clear Channel Communications, Visionary Related Entertainment, Cox Radio Group and KGMB 9 Television. Hawai‘i Public Radio has donated their call-center for the telethon scheduled from 3:00 – 7:00 p.m. Donors can pledge from O‘ahu by calling 944-8800 or from Neighbor Islands toll free at 1-888-970-8800.
SYMPHONY FAIR
Family-oriented fair, with music, art and entertainment
Saturday, May 23 from noon to 5:00 p.m.
Waikiki Shell, Kapiolani Park, Honolulu
General Admission: $3. Children under 12 are free.
Attendees are encouraged to bring items such as tents, lawn chairs and blankets, and stay for the afternoon.
“Symphony Fair” runs from noon to 5 pm, with scheduled performances at locations around the Waikiki Shell grounds, as well as ongoing activities for keiki and adults. ‘Ukulele virtuoso, Jake Shimabukuro will be signing autographs from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. and local jazz favorite, Jimmy Borges will be appearing from 12:00 – 3:00 p.m. Attractions include a musical instrument “petting zoo” hosted by the Honolulu Symphony musicians, food concession stands, face painting, sign painting and other fun activities. Participants are encouraged to bring items such as tents, lawn chairs, and blankets, and stay for the afternoon. There will be opportunities to talk with Symphony musicians and staff members, and to contribute to the Symphony’s Hana Laulima campaign.
DAVE KOZ WITH THE TOYOTA POPS
Saturday, May 23 at 7:30 p.m.
Waikiki Shell ‐ 2805 Monsarrat Avenue
Lawn Seating: $15
Reserved Seating: $45, $60, $75 and $90 – *Reserved seating is limited.
Call the Box office at (808) 792-2000 or (weekdays) or (808) 524‐0815 ext. 245 (evenings).
Smooth jazz superstar Dave Koz will reunite with lifelong friend Matt Catingub at the upcoming Honolulu Symphony Toyota Pops season finale. Koz, who is considered a co‐inventor of the smooth jazz scene, is planning a unique night under the stars with the Pops orchestra and Maestro Matt. Fans can look forward to classic songs such as “Over the Rainbow,” “As Time Goes By,” “The Way We Were,” “Moon River,” the theme song to the movie “The Pink Panther” and many more. Honolulu’s own Noel Okimoto opens this fantastic show!
HONOLULU SYMPHONY SEASON TICKETS – ON SALE NOW!
- New patrons receive 50 percent off their selected season ticket package.
- Season ticket prices remain unchanged for the third season in a row.
- Season ticket holders enjoy special benefits, including ticket exchanges, invitations to exclusive backstage events and priority seating.
- Halekulani MasterWorks season ticket packages start from $198 for 12 concerts. Toyota Pops packages start from $126 for 12 concerts.
- The Symphony’s family-friendly Sunday afternoon concerts, beginning at 4 p.m., continue to offer the perfect outing for all generations. Parents and grandparents are encouraged to share the concert experience with children and teens this season.
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