Wednesday, September 26, 2018

The Fundraiser

Railway station, possibly Gare d'Orsay, Paris, France. Elevation. Rendering
Victor Laloux [Public domain],Gare D'Orsay, Paris France. Elevation Rendering via Wikimedia Commons

     ... brings to mind a picture of Street artist with a cup/bowl to collect donations. Let’s modify that picture... Change the garment to a button down shirt, Bollo tie, a three-piece suit or suit-“ette” in an office setting, and “Voila!”, our initial description and definition morph from merely “Begging”, into “Fundraising”.

      Along with bolstering the new definition and term, Ordinances are in place restricting
where and when donations are to be sought, accepted and received. Then, there is the friendly “YOU-KNOW- WHO” that must constantly be kept abreast of ALL funding activities.

     Gone are the moments within the labyrinth of Gare St. Lazare, when the contents of a cup
(or instrument case) would garner the simple pleasure of a fresh Baguette ("Bien blanche"), a round of Camembert cheese, along with some fresh fruit from a nearby Marché Ouvert (Open Market)...


     Today one must elicit the aid of a Fundraising Organization to help with the arduous task of
 supporting the Arts.

      An expert in this daunting task was Dr. Herschel KRELOFF*, Music Director for the Civic Orchestra of Tucson. Our paths originally crossed as students at Arizona State. After many years had passed, we were reunited to talk Music!  He would often describe to me in detail his various fundraising activities, which underscored his love of Music, and commitment to his Orchestra; including presenting Young people in performance.


    For nearly 40 years, Dr. KRELOFF kept his volunteer Orchestra afloat through funding, and fundraising activities; utilizing his lifetime of teaching, coaching as well as composing, until his breath withdrew this past April 2018.



For all who endeavor to continue in the old ways of ‘the Cup/Instrument Case/Bowl/Hat’, or decide to change to today’s current definitions...

 No matter the garment worn, keep supporting the Performing Arts!












*Herschel, a lifelong Colleague, will always remain my Best Friend Forever and is greatly missed.


“Rest in Peace, Herschel” (1931 - 2018). ♫