Fundraising

2007-2008 Fundraising

Annual Campaign – Letters are sent during the Spring and Summer, requesting tax-deductible contributions from past Chorus supporters and selected Philharmonic Orchestra supporters

Dues – Each chorus member is required to pay $70 annual dues prior to the first performance. Additional contributions (tax deductible) are encouraged, but not required. Dues have been kept at this level in order to encourage membership from all ages and incomes.

Gertrude Hawk Candy Sale – Campaign held each Autumn. Delivery guaranteed prior to Christmas. This fundraiser has been extremely successful, as the products are of excellent quality. Contributions may be made in lieu of candy purchase.

Restaurant Fundraisers – These campaigns vary, according the requirements of the restaurant. Previous fundraisers have involved Max & Erma’s as well as Teresa’s Deli. Members participate in one or two of these per year.

2008 - Sustaining C-Note Campaign Established

What a thrill it was last season to stand together on the Warner stage and sing some of the most beautiful and moving choruses of Italian opera! After our April 5 concert with the Erie Philharmonic, Viva Italia! A Night at the Opera, so many people told us how much they enjoyed that evening of powerful and delightful music.

Also a delight was singing in December’s festive Come Home for the Holidays, bringing some of the favorite songs of the season to a very appreciative packed house.

Over and over again, Erie audiences have told us how much they love our music and how much it adds to the musical life in our community. We enjoy our music, too. We eagerly anticipate our upcoming season, our 56th, highlighted by a performance of Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana in March.

Beyond the challenge of rehearsing words and notes, we face another significant challenge – raising the funds necessary to meet the financial needs of our group. In recent years the chorus has been self-funded; our 45 members must raise the money to meet our director’s and accompanist’s salaries, rental of rehearsal space, and other vital costs.

For the 2008-2009 season we have set a goal to raise $10,000. To help reach that goal, we are launching a Sustaining C-Notes campaign. We’re looking for 100 individuals or groups to donate $100, and I thought you would be willing to help us in this effort. Donors will be recognized in the Erie Philharmonic program. Your family or club could join to make a donation, or perhaps you would prefer to honor or memorialize a loved one.

The Erie Philharmonic Chorus has been a vital part of the Philharmonic family for over a half a century, and we need your help to continue. Will you please consider donating a C-Note to help sustain the chorus? Thank you, in advance, for your generosity.

P.S. If you prefer to give a different amount – more or less than a “C-Note” – we would appreciate that, too.

Contributions may be sent to "The Erie Philharmonic Chorus" at PO Box 8142, Erie, PA. 16505