New twists on theme and ambiance keep the annual Kansas City Symphony Ball a blockbuster fundraiser
Symphony balls are tried-and-true fundraisers and are often prestigious social events that kick off the season for orchestras. But keeping them alive and profitable year after year is a challenge. The Symphony League of Kansas City embraced a very special theme and ambiance to their 2008 Symphony Ball that earned them more than $800,000 profit for their Orchestra and a Gold Book Award from the League’s Volunteer Council this year.
Because 2008 was an important presidential election year, they chose The Song of America as their theme and created the ambiance of a White House State Dinner. The invitations were very formal with a federal-type seal and script; the event décor included a red-white-and blue color scheme; a commemorative bowl centered each table; and the gourmet dinner featured food from various regions of the country. The evening culminated with the entire Kansas City Symphony Orchestra performing with the Navy Sea Chanters, the official chorus of the United States Navy.
Another variation on this year’s Ball was the addition of a special donor category, appropriately named “First Ladies of the Kansas City Symphony.” Ten ladies each donating $25,000 were honored throughout the evening.
For more information on this spectacular fundraiser and other 2010 Gold Book Award winners selected by the League’s Volunteer Council, see www.goldbookonline.org/award_winners_2010.
Posted April 1, 2011
