Thousands of people went to the Huntington Harbour Philharmonic Boutique to purchase jewelry, clothing, home decor, art, specialty gourmet and other gifts to raise funds for music programs at Orange County schools. More than 16,000 students have benefited from the annual event at Huntington Harbour Place and other Philharmonic fundraisers held around the county.
“The Philharmonic Society of Orange County strives to provide exceptional youth music education programs that engage and inspire students to develop a life-long appreciation of music,” said Madeline Fields, the society’s Huntington Harbour office manager. “The great programs include Concerts for Second Grade, Music Mobile, Musicians on Campus, Ensembles on Tour, High School Orchestra Festivals, OC Youth Symphony and more.”
“My daughter is in the marching band at Marina High School, recipients of Philharmonic monetary donations,” said Event Co-Chair Kelly Haynes. “I am most proud of working alongside these amazing volunteers and vendors at this 13th annual boutique.”
“We had a very successful event with 31 vendors, who gave a percentage of their sales to support the Society’s Youth Music Programs,” said Event Co-Chair Karen Ridout. “We had tremendous support from the local community.”
Volunteer Raffle salesperson Mim Strickler has been in the Admiralty group of the Philharmonic since 1970. “We now have six groups in the Harbour supporting this worthwhile effort. “The fundraisers start with the Cruise of Lights in December and we have a Grand Ball in the spring, where we announce the Grand Marshal for the popular Holiday Boat Parade. Along with the boutique, they continue to contribute to the great cause.”
Huntington Beach Mayor Pro Tem Lyn Semeta, a member of the Huntington Harbour Philharmonic, said, “The boutique is always my first choice to get a jump on Holiday gift shopping. And, the best part is knowing that the money raised goes to funding children’s music programs.”
You can learn more about the upcoming Cruise of Lights (December 17-23) at: http://www.cruiseoflights.org. For further information, contact, Madeline Fields at: 714-840-7542.
