Conway Symphony Orchestra raises $14,000

The Conway Symphony Orchestra raised $14,000 at their Symphony Fest, a fundraising dinner and auction Thursday.

The fest was held at the Old Gin on Markham Street to raise the budget for their program.

The festival consisted of dinner, silent auction and live auction. Sixteen items were sold in the live auction, raising $6,175, while about 150 items were sold for a total of $7,825 in the silent auction.

"Symphony Fest is the major event for fundraising," Vicki Crockett, Conway Symphony Orchestra general manager, said. "All the money raised from the (dinner) ticket sales and items purchased at the auction all go to the support of the symphony program. That includes our music programs, children and community concerts (that are) free to everybody in summer time educational program outreach program and guest artists."

The attendees were required to purchase $10 dinner tickets.

Items at the live auction were such as a five-day, four-night trip to New Mexico valued at $1,500 that sold for $1,000, an oil painting valued at $2,400 that sold for $500 and a right to conduct the orchestra in their concert "Live Over the Lake" on June 28 for $200.

The items at the silent auction included gift cards, ornaments, wines, paintings, DVD players and car tires. The price ranged from $5 to $350.

In the two-hour silent auction, bidders signed their names with their bidding price on the list. Those who listed the highest price at the end of the auction gained the right to purchase the items.

Auctioneer Philip Shell led the live auction, which was preceded by the silent one.

Conway City Council member Shelly Mehl attended the fest.

"I'm happy to see younger adults to be involved," Mehl said, "Conway is so lucky to have the symphony that is our own (and) has to be supportive for the orchestra since it doesn't happen everywhere."

Mehl also said she was once a board member for the orchestra.

Rollin Potter, dean of College of Fine Arts and Communication at the University of Central Arkansas, said UCA's artist-in-residence program has worked with the orchestra frequently.

"It is a great opportunity for the orchestra to build up their resources. We have a better season every year," Potter said.

UCA does not have an event with the orchestra in the 2007-2008 academic year, but Potter said he hopes to have a music event with them next year.

The orchestra's music director and conductor Israel Getzov said he was glad to see Conway community to gather for the support.

"(Symphony Fest) is one of our primary fundraising programs," Getzov said, "as well as it will get us (more) patriotic to see each other (at concerts)."

All items were donated by the board members, individuals and local businesses.

"We really appreciate all the support from the community and the local businesses and individual donations," Crockett said.

Suzanne Banister from Conway made a bid on a skin care product.

"I hope it'll raise enough money for the symphony," Banister said. "We are very fortunate to have the symphony in Conway."

The orchestra raised $20,000 from the fest last year.

The orchestra's upcoming concert is "A Conway Christmas: Christmas Fantasy" in Reynolds Performance Hall at UCA on Dec. 1.

The tickets are available at the box office, by phone and online.