TOUGH ROAD LEADS TO A BRIGHTER FUTURE
-Bob Rutledge, President Board of Directors

At our 10th Anniversary Spring Concert last May, after awe-inspiring performances by all of the OFC ensembles, we excused them to the reception while I spoke for a few minutes to their families and friends in the audience. I explained the daunting fiscal challenge OFC was facing as a result of the economic climate. At that point, none of us on the board and staff fully understood how difficult the road ahead would be. But I asked families and friends who were able to step up and make a generous contribution to the choirs to help us survive. The response was incredible!
Just under $10,000 in new contributions was given by OFC families, and an additional $30,000 in gifts from both regular and first time supporters was raised leading up to the conclusion of PICCFEST on June 27.

As Peter explained, what followed was literally the rebirth of the Choirs with a redesigned, smarter and leaner business model. Although this is a transition year with our move to St. Mary's and the Midtown Arts Center, all of the instructional, social and performance features of the Choirs are as rich and exciting as ever. In fact, with enrollment at an all time high for fall term, our growth is continuing in the path we began to project last season. The music staff tells me that the choristers are exceeding the artistic achievement of any previous year. At the same time, we have made administrative decisions that cut costs and create a different looking concert format from recent years. In addition to cost saving measures, we will no longer move forward with good ideas simply on the program merits. Funding for new and expanded programming must be in place first. Two exciting developments are now being implemented. First, we are establishing a Parent Action Council, inviting parents to take on some of the functions previously handled by paid staff, freeing music staff to give more focus to their artistic roles. The council will be led by a parent serving on the OFC Board of Directors. Initially, the Parent Action Council will address tour planning and an Annual Giving Campaign. With a well established template for touring in place from the 26 tours in the first ten years, we look forward to delegating this process to a team of experienced chaperones and enthusiastic tour advocates. This will include expanding tour fundraising options for those families who desire it. The annual Giving Campaign will be OFC families encouraging past and present OFC families to support our work. While we will employ fiscal restraint to balance the budget, tuition alone is not adequate to sustain a fully functioning program. Therefore, establishing a strong donor base that includes OFC families is essential. Second, we are establishing the OFC Scholarship Fund. We have always guaranteed that no child will be denied participation due to financial circumstances, but up to this point, a scholarship has simply meant funds not collected. Presently, the need for Scholarship funds is greater than ever before. Yes — our enrollment is up. And so is the percentage of those seeking scholarship assistance.

Please consider a year-end gift to sponsor one or more choristers a season. Thank you very much, andHappy Holidays!