June 6, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Portland, Ore. … Garden parties, picnics, wine and whiskey tastings, a cruise down the Willamette and a salute to “The Greatest Generation” are among the many options to choose from in “Parties of Note,” 10 fundraisers hosted by Friends of the Oregon Symphony throughout the summer. These events, which begin on July 9 and run through Sept. 15, mark the return of “Parties of Note” to the Symphony’s summer calendar.
“We at the Oregon Symphony are thrilled by the return of the ‘Parties of Note.’ This diverse series of fundraising parties offers something for everyone,” says Joanne Van Ness Menashe, Director of Individual Development. “The Friends of the Oregon Symphony has re-energized their membership activities and we are looking forward to a significant contribution from their fundraising efforts.” All proceeds from these fundraisers will be matched by the James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation matching grant.
The first event, which honors members of “The Greatest Generation,” takes place at the Evergreen Aviation Museum in McMinnville on July 9 at 6:30 p.m. Former senator Mark Hatfield and his wife Antoinette will be featured guests at this event. Guests are invited to wear ‘40s-era swing costumes or WWII uniforms as they visit the Spruce Goose and other vintage aircraft and dance to the swing music of the DC Big Band with singer Renée Cleland, led by Laureate Associate Conductor Norman Leyden. Tickets are $125 and include dinner. This event is supported by the Evergreen Aviation Museum.
On July 10 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. guests can wander the paths of the Old Germantown Gardens at 13510 NW Old Germantown Road in Portland while they enjoy music provided by the Tapestry String Trio and sample fine wines, cheeses, fruits and desserts. Tickets are $50. This event, “Time Began in a Garden,” is hosted by Bruce Wakefield and Jerry Grossnickle, Sunset Friends of the Oregon Symphony and is sponsored by Pacific Office Automation, with support provided by Tazo Tea, Columbia Distributors and Trader Joe’s.
Fiery entertainment is featured on Wednesday, July 13 at the Bold-Sky Café at 3943 N. Mississippi in Portland. Pageantry, Flamenco dancing, Latin jazz, FireDancing and visual arts come together in an evening of creative and dramatic entertainment. A Bacchanal-style buffet dinner with wine or beer will be served. Tickets are $80. This event is hosted by Urban Friends of the Oregon Symphony – Young Professionals and is supported by Nicole Davis of the Bold-Sky Café.
Experience the sights, sounds and tastes of historic Oregon “Along the Barlow Trail” on Sunday, July 17 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Carver Homestead, located at 15338 South Hattan Road in Oregon City. The homestead offers more than twelve acres of land, cultivated and natural habitats, which guests can explore as they listen to the authentic old-time Northwest music of the Pacific Crest Pioneer Band and enjoy a Western-style barbecue dinner with beer and wine. Tickets are $80. This event is hosted by Mt. Tabor Friends of the Oregon Symphony, Site and property by LBD Landscaping, Don Farrelly and sponsored by Marathon Wealth Management, Doug Van Allen, CFP Simpson & Co., Lisa Joerin CPA, Portland Disposal and Recycling, Allen & Mary Lou Dobbins and OrePac Building Materials.
Travel to Tuscany without your passport on Friday, July 29 at 6:30 p.m. for a lavish Italian banquet featuring a different wine for each course. Karen Hinsdale, owner of The Cellar Door, will help guests choose their wines. Tickets are $80. This event is hosted by Dr. Robert and Shirley Berselli and supported by The Cellar Door.
Symphony supporters can cruise down the Willamette on Sunday, Aug. 7 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the “Dire Straits,” a luxurious 54-foot yacht as they enjoy the music of Concertmaster Amy Schwartz Moretti and sample a host of hors d’oeuvres and wine. Tickets are $100. This event is hosted by West Hills Friends of the Oregon Symphony, sponsored by Jack Hessel and supported by the Girardet Winery.
Sample the tastes and sounds of Spain “Abajo La Luna” (under the beautiful moon) on Sunday, Aug. 21 at 6:30 p.m. at a garden party in Dunthorpe. Guests can sip sangria and enjoy an elegant dinner of Spanish food and wine while listening to the Latin sounds of music group “Voxanova.” Tickets are $100. This event is hosted by Willamette Southwest Friends of the Oregon Symphony and the Pacific Breast Center.
Kick off the 2005-06 Symphony season in Waterfront Park on Thursday, Sept. 1 at 7 p.m. and enjoy a pre-concert picnic provided by Friends of the Oregon Symphony. Guests will have comfortable seating in a reserved area and be provided with a delicious box dinner and beverage. Tickets are $50. This event is hosted by Friends of the Oregon Symphony.
The final “Parties of Note” garden party of the summer takes place on Sunday, Sept. 11 at 4 p.m. in West Linn. Guests can wander the extensive grounds and gardens, sample a variety of foods in the buffet dinner, and hear the Symphony’s president, Bill Ryberg, and his wife Evelyn, perform a program of arias, lieder and light classical music. Tickets are $100. This event is hosted by Gerald and Beth Hulsman and Karl and Peggy Smith.
Sample the tastes of Scotland on Thursday, Sept. 15 at 5:30 p.m. at the Arlington Club, as Stuart Ramsay, a connoisseur of fine Scotch whiskies, introduces guests to a number of distinctive single malts. Guests can partake of their whiskey with appetizers, and then enjoy a three-course meal complete with still more whiskey tastings. Tickets are $150. This event is hosted by Bill Findlay.
For more information, call the Symphony at (503) 416-6328 or visit the Symphony’s Web site at www.orsymphony.org.
