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Fall luncheon

The Houston Symphony League’s Fall Luncheon & Fashion Show was a Resounding Success

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The Houston Symphony League held its annual Fall Membership Luncheon & Fashion Show on September 18, 2024, in the newly redecorated ballroom at The Junior League of Houston. The event attracted a vibrant crowd and offered an afternoon filled with elegance, entertainment, and a deep sense of community spirit.

The event was co-chaired by Cynthia Wolff and Paige Cawthon, whose dedication and vision were instrumental in making the luncheon a success. They highlighted the sponsorship of the Symphony’s First Chair Violinist, Sophia Silivos in a brief interview and violin performance showing the League’s unwavering commitment to inspiring a love of music and the arts throughout our community. Gorgeous professional models and a few key volunteers took the runway showcasingthe exclusive launch of designer Christy Lynn’s Fall line, which captivated attendees with its chic and innovative designs.
A standout moment of the luncheon was the address by League President Heidi Rockecharlie who introduced HS Society Board President, Barbara Burger and this year’s League board members, graciously recognizing each for their commitment to the Symphony in an unprecedented move to make this year more about recognition and appreciation of League volunteers. 
 
Rockecharlie also unveiled innovative strategies to efficiently increase fundraising and reduce costs for greater success, including offering new membership level benefits like Baccarat crystal at the $2,000 level, generously donated by LeaguePresident-Elect, Leslie Nossaman.
 
“Only three months into the season, and we already have enough sponsorships to reduce costs by nearly 50% for some events meaning more funds can be allocated directly to The Houston Symphony from the League!” Rockecharlie emphasized. “We are incredibly thankful to everyone who has participated, especially Christy Lynn, for underwriting the costs associated with her fashion show, and donating a percentage of sales to the League, making this event even more special.”
 
In the crowd: Saks Fifth Avenue General Manager Heidi Turney, Beth Wolff, Lesha Elsenbrook, Betty Tutor, Elsie Eckert, Saula Valente, Nancy Willerson, Helen Shaffer, Sharon Brier, Kirk Kveton, Daniel Irion, Karen Payne,Mary Sage, Seema Sharma, Teresa Cox-Reading, Alecia Lawyer, Diane Gendel, Alex Blair, Christina Sacco, Hasina Stark, Libi Lebel, Jerre Parsons Williams, Nick Rockecharlie, Alicia Jansen, Anna Dean, Astrid Van Dyke, Deborah Laws, Sandra Porter, Kim Padgett, Helen Balensiefen Bow, Kirin Wells, Harriet Gertner, Amy Glenn Becker
League models: Cheryl Byington, Tracie Welch-Brenton, Raquel Lewis, and Blanca Jolly.

League of American Orchestras Awards 2024

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The Houston Symphony League was honored with two awards at the LAO Conference

CONGRATS TO BETTY TUTOR AND FRAN FAWCETT PETERSON FOR THEIR LAO PROJECT!

Congratulations to League members Betty Tutor and Fran Fawcett Peterson for their Gold Award of Excellence-winning presentation, “Re-Imagining Auctions,” at the League of American Orchestras Conference!

In this presentation, Betty and Fran discussed the success of the Houston Symphony Ball Auction and the auction parties. Their creative and unique approach to the Ball Auction was received with enthusiasm by both the presentation attendees and LAO, who included the following positive comments: Well Produced, Great Q and A, Great Content, Loved Luncheon Process, Can Use Approach on Smaller Scale, Took Away Ideas, Clever. Please join us in congratulating Betty and Fran! 

CONGRATS ALSO GO TO DEB HAPP AND LESLIE NOSSAMAN FOR THEIR LAO PROJECT!

Kudos to League members Deb Happ and Leslie Nossaman for their Gold Award of Excellence-winning presentation, “Growing Membership 2022-2023: Focus on What Works” at the League of American Orchestras Conference!


Volunteer organizations from all over the country have reported difficulty with maintaining and growing their membership, and this project provided factual and measurable ways to achieve success. This project was year three of a five-year plan, which was built upon researching HSL membership history and initiating new strategies to target potential members. Attendees appreciated the fact-based strategic plan, which showed how the Houston Symphony League bucked the trend, increased membership by 32% over the previous year, and achieved a 94% renewal rate!


Thanks, Deb and Leslie, for showcasing our Membership Success!

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Fall luncheon
Tracie Welch-Brenton

The Houston Symphony League’s Fall Luncheon & Fashion Show was a Resounding Success

/in /by

The Houston Symphony League held its annual Fall Membership Luncheon & Fashion Show on September 18, 2024, in the newly redecorated ballroom at The Junior League of Houston. The event attracted a vibrant crowd and offered an afternoon filled with elegance, entertainment, and a deep sense of community spirit.

The event was co-chaired by Cynthia Wolff and Paige Cawthon, whose dedication and vision were instrumental in making the luncheon a success. They highlighted the sponsorship of the Symphony’s First Chair Violinist, Sophia Silivos in a brief interview and violin performance showing the League’s unwavering commitment to inspiring a love of music and the arts throughout our community. Gorgeous professional models and a few key volunteers took the runway showcasingthe exclusive launch of designer Christy Lynn’s Fall line, which captivated attendees with its chic and innovative designs.
A standout moment of the luncheon was the address by League President Heidi Rockecharlie who introduced HS Society Board President, Barbara Burger and this year’s League board members, graciously recognizing each for their commitment to the Symphony in an unprecedented move to make this year more about recognition and appreciation of League volunteers. 
 
Rockecharlie also unveiled innovative strategies to efficiently increase fundraising and reduce costs for greater success, including offering new membership level benefits like Baccarat crystal at the $2,000 level, generously donated by LeaguePresident-Elect, Leslie Nossaman.
 
“Only three months into the season, and we already have enough sponsorships to reduce costs by nearly 50% for some events meaning more funds can be allocated directly to The Houston Symphony from the League!” Rockecharlie emphasized. “We are incredibly thankful to everyone who has participated, especially Christy Lynn, for underwriting the costs associated with her fashion show, and donating a percentage of sales to the League, making this event even more special.”
 
In the crowd: Saks Fifth Avenue General Manager Heidi Turney, Beth Wolff, Lesha Elsenbrook, Betty Tutor, Elsie Eckert, Saula Valente, Nancy Willerson, Helen Shaffer, Sharon Brier, Kirk Kveton, Daniel Irion, Karen Payne,Mary Sage, Seema Sharma, Teresa Cox-Reading, Alecia Lawyer, Diane Gendel, Alex Blair, Christina Sacco, Hasina Stark, Libi Lebel, Jerre Parsons Williams, Nick Rockecharlie, Alicia Jansen, Anna Dean, Astrid Van Dyke, Deborah Laws, Sandra Porter, Kim Padgett, Helen Balensiefen Bow, Kirin Wells, Harriet Gertner, Amy Glenn Becker
League models: Cheryl Byington, Tracie Welch-Brenton, Raquel Lewis, and Blanca Jolly.
Tracie Welch-Brenton

League of American Orchestras Awards 2024

/in /by

The Houston Symphony League was honored with two awards at the LAO Conference

CONGRATS TO BETTY TUTOR AND FRAN FAWCETT PETERSON FOR THEIR LAO PROJECT!

Congratulations to League members Betty Tutor and Fran Fawcett Peterson for their Gold Award of Excellence-winning presentation, “Re-Imagining Auctions,” at the League of American Orchestras Conference!

In this presentation, Betty and Fran discussed the success of the Houston Symphony Ball Auction and the auction parties. Their creative and unique approach to the Ball Auction was received with enthusiasm by both the presentation attendees and LAO, who included the following positive comments: Well Produced, Great Q and A, Great Content, Loved Luncheon Process, Can Use Approach on Smaller Scale, Took Away Ideas, Clever. Please join us in congratulating Betty and Fran! 

CONGRATS ALSO GO TO DEB HAPP AND LESLIE NOSSAMAN FOR THEIR LAO PROJECT!

Kudos to League members Deb Happ and Leslie Nossaman for their Gold Award of Excellence-winning presentation, “Growing Membership 2022-2023: Focus on What Works” at the League of American Orchestras Conference!


Volunteer organizations from all over the country have reported difficulty with maintaining and growing their membership, and this project provided factual and measurable ways to achieve success. This project was year three of a five-year plan, which was built upon researching HSL membership history and initiating new strategies to target potential members. Attendees appreciated the fact-based strategic plan, which showed how the Houston Symphony League bucked the trend, increased membership by 32% over the previous year, and achieved a 94% renewal rate!


Thanks, Deb and Leslie, for showcasing our Membership Success!

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