RPO Showhouse Exceeds Fundraising Expectations

Rochester, NY – The final numbers have been tallied, and the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra is pleased to announce that its 2006 Symphony Showhouse has netted $118,000 – exceeding the goal of $109,000. The fundraiser provides major support for the Orchestra’s numerous educational programs. This year’s Showhouse boasted the highest net profit since the RPO began its biennial Showhouse fundraiser in 2000. There were more than 6,600 tickets redeemed, a 10% increase over the last Showhouse in 2004.

David Ackroyd, RPO Board Member, Chair of its Education and Outreach Committee and Co-Chair of this year’s Showhouse is delighted with the outcome. “The success of the Symphony Showhouse reflects the mission of the RPO to reach out in so many ways to the Greater Rochester community,” says Ackroyd, who also is the Chair of the Rochester Philharmonic Youth Orchestra Board of Directors. “The monies raised reflect the confidence of the Showhouse underwriters, designers, volunteers, visitors, and the Rochester community in our Orchestra and in the world-class musicians that call Rochester home.”

The site of this year’s Showhouse was the Deland House in Fairport, known locally as the Green Lantern Inn. Thirty-five area designers and artists recreated every room in the house from top to bottom. From June 2 through 25, an all-volunteer staff facilitated house tours, special events, concessions, and a gift boutique. According to the vote by Showhouse attendees, the five most popular rooms were the nursery, kitchen, loft, music room, and the Deland dining room.

The RPO wishes thanks its major Showhouse underwriters which include Preferred Care, Dr. Jacques and Mrs. Dawn Lipson, Ketmar Development Corporation, AAA of Western & Central New York, First Niagara Financial Group, Jay Advertising, and the Democrat and Chronicle.

Celebrating its 83rd season in 2005-06, the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra’s mission is to perform and present a broad range of quality music; attract, entertain and educate audiences with superior musical performances; maintain and build the Orchestra’s national reputation; and enhance the reputation of the Rochester community as a place in which to live, work, play, visit and learn.