The Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra’s concert fundraiser with Chris Brubeck and Triple Play on April 15th at the Ridgefield Playhouse was a triple success! The RSO raised $20,000 through ticket sales, donations and proceeds from a silent auction. “Having a concert fundraiser instead of traditional dinner-dance gala makes so much sense for us” says Laurie Kenagy, RSO Executive Director. “It was exciting to have an evening of great live music to raise money to support the orchestra’s mission of presenting live orchestral concerts.”
Planning for the new direction in fundraising began early last fall. “The Playhouse was our #1 choice for the concert” says Kenagy “even though the only spring date available was Easter weekend. It was a challenge but we were confident we could make the event a success.” Marketing Manager Kim Bova vetted several online auction services before setting up the RSO on 32auctions.com. “It was exciting to promote the silent auction” says Bova “we reached more potential participants than ever before by sharing the online platform through our social media and email marketing in the weeks before the event.”
The silent auction featured a European cruise donated by luxury tour operator Tauck, a Cape Cod resort vacation week from the Couri family, a date night package from BMW of Ridgefield, weekend package from Hotel Zero Degrees in Danbury, Give Glow spa package from Adam Broderick, show tickets and Meet & Greet with Ben Vereen from the Ridgefield Playhouse, and a pink quartz and rose gold vermeil bracelet from Craig’s Fine Jewelry. Bidding was spirited before and during the live event!
Triple Play, led by Chris Brubeck and featuring Joel Brown and Peter Madcat Ruth, wowed the crowd with their exuberant musicianship and vivid repertoire of blues, jazz and innovative original works. Brubeck’s charismatic stage presence while playing piano, bass trombone, and electric bass was a joy to watch. Brown’s robust folk rhythms and classical intricacy on the acoustic guitar were instantly engaging. Ruth, widely regarded as one of the best harmonica players on the planet, performed with virtuoso skill and wild abandon. The trio played with energetic enjoyment and the ease of comfortable cohesion that could only come from decades of making music together.
Proceeds from the fundraiser support the Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to enriching the cultural life of the residents of Ridgefield and surrounding communities by presenting live orchestral concerts. The RSO also strives to increase the appreciation for music through innovative education and outreach programs for people of all ages and abilities. www.ridgefieldsymphony.org