Gala 2009
Redlands Symphony 2009 Gala Glitters And The Dancing “Stars” Shine
Supporters of the Redlands Symphony came out in force the night of June 6 (2009) to raise money to support the organization’s 24th annual Gala, “Dancing With The Stars” at Orton Center on the campus of the University of Redlands. The Gala grossed almost $200,000 for the evening, exceeding projections.
Almost 400 people filled the center, enjoying dinner, a silent auction and then a live auction before six local “celebrities” took to the floor to show-off the results of weeks of training and practice. Dancers Berangere Robertson-Tucker, Debbie Brown, Martha Green, Pete Aguilar, Neil Macready and Neal Warner raised a combined total of more than $31,000 by collecting one dollar per vote from supporters. Debbie Brown emerged as the leading vote-getter to claim the large mirror-balled trophy that went along with first prize.
“On behalf of the Redlands Symphony we are very grateful for the tremendous outpouring of support shown by the community,” said Ann Bryan, a member of the Symphony’s Gala Committee, “This was the biggest Gala in history and I believe it demonstrates just how important having an exceptional orchestra here in Redlands is to so many people.”
“We have many people to thank for this success,” noted Zack Tucker, the Symphony’s board president, “It starts with the volunteers on the Gala Committee, extends to the dancers who gave of their time and talent and includes our own staff who worked above and beyond the call of duty. But certainly, a party isn’t a party if no one comes, and we owe a great debt of gratitude to the people who attended the event, purchased auction items and supported the dancers.”
The Symphony’s Gala is held annually and will celebrate its 25th Anniversary next year when the event will be held on June 5, 2010.
2009 Highlights
Thank you to our Dancers for lending their talent to the 2009 Gala.
