Tyler

The Women’s Symphony League of Tyler is celebrating after Symphony Ball Chair Linda Rowe presented a check for $176,750 at Thursday’s Joint WSL Board Meeting, WSL Publicity Chair Leslie Roberts said.

The figure represents the most the Symphony Ball has ever raised.

“I want to thank the community for making this year such a success. More than 900 guests attended this year’s Symphony Ball, a record attendance,” Mrs. Rowe said. “The incredible turnout accounted for a big portion of our proceeds as our Silent Auction also set a record at $20,000 raised.”

Mrs. Rowe said the Ball takes “an army of volunteers to produce,” and she is indebted to the WSL women who gave so much of their time and talents.

“These women spend countless hours to make the Symphony Ball something our community can be proud of, as well as an event that will highlight the senior year of our Junior Symphony League members. We are blessed to have that kind of philanthropic spirit in Tyler, and the Women’s Symphony League of Tyler would not be able to raise funds at this level to support the East Texas Symphony Orchestra if it were not for our talented and giving volunteers,” Mrs. Rowe said.

Julie Hanks, outgoing WSL president, thanked Mrs. Rowe for her leadership.

“Linda was the perfect chair for this event. She assembled an incredible committee and provided our community with an elegant, fun and memorable evening we still talk about today. Her successful efforts have given the WSL valuable resources to enhance our community through the East Texas Symphony Orchestra and we are all very grateful,” Ms. Hanks said

The WSL Symphony Ball is slated for March 6 in 2009.

Chairs for the event are George Ann Reed and Sharon Eiche.

SUPPORTING THE SYMPHONY: From left, 2008 Women’s Symphony League Ball Chairman Linda Rowe and outgoing President Julie Hanks display a check for $176,750, which they presented at Thursday’s joint WSL board meeting. The Ball, “A Night at the Moulin Rouge,” was a fundraiser in support of the East Texas Symphony Orchestra.
((Courtesy Photo))