by Caroline Gabsewics
Staff Writer
The Guild of the Jacksonville Symphony provides many opportunities throughout the year for people to volunteer and donate money to the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra. However, one fundraiser that hasn’t been done since the 1980s was brought back this year.
Nearly 20 years ago the Guild published “Sounds Delicious Volume I.” After gathering new recipes over the past several months, “Sounds Delicious Volume II” is now complete.
The Guild began collecting recipes from Guild members, Friends of the Guild and local community members over the summer. The Guild has 1,000 copies of the cookbook that contains over 500 recipes.
“The new cookbook follows the tradition of Sounds Delicious Volume I from the 1980s when musicians and staff found a way to make a financial contribution to the endowment campaign,” said Sherrie Calvert, Guild coordinator.
The cookbooks are $20 apiece and Calvert said anyone who buys 10 will get one free.
The cookbook contains everything from specialty drinks to main courses to desserts.
“There are some very simple recipes and others require more preparation,” she said. “But they are everyone’s favorite dishes and hopefully people will find some new dishes.”
Many of the recipes are from the 300 Guild members and their friends, the Symphony’s musicians, staff members and ushers. But there are also recipes from the Symphony’s Music Director Fabio Mechetti, Mayor John Peyton’s wife Kathyrn Pearson Peyton and Regions Bank North Florida Area Executive Marty Lanahan.
All proceeds from the cookbooks will go directly to the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra.
“We are the major giver to the symphony through our fundraising projects,” said Calvert. “Fundraisers like this are very important for our Orchestra, seeing that we are one of the major revenue suppliers.”
The Guild’s goal this year is to raise $170,000 for the Symphony.
“If we sell all 1,000 cookbooks, that will be a major gift we can give back to the Symphony,” she said.
Another fundraiser that is not done every year is the “Music For Your Eyes” painted violins. But this year 12 violins have been embellished by 12 Jacksonville artists. The violins (which are also on the cover of the cookbook) will be showcased around Jacksonville for the next month and those interested can enter a drawing to win one of them. All proceeds from the “Music For You Eyes” fundraiser go to the Education Committee.
Other Symphony or Guild events coming up include:
• The Nutcracker and Holiday Boutique will be open during “The Nutcracker” performances Dec. 7-9 and the “Holiday Pops Encore” performances Dec. 15 & 16. The boutique features all types of holiday merchandise.
• The Jacksonville Symphony Guild Showhouse and Gardens Gala is April 18, 2008 and the Showhouse runs through May 11, 2008.
• “Picnic at the Pops” will be held May 4, 2008 at Queen’s Harbour Yacht & Country Club. The theme is “New York, New York” and Calvert said tickets are already being sold.
• The Guild’s holiday luncheon is Dec. 3 at Epping Forest Yacht Club. The event starts at 11:30 a.m. and lunch will be served at noon. To make a reservation call Calvert at 358-1479.
The Guild also has several education and community programs including “Instrument Zoo,” “Musical Safari” and Harmony Grant awards.
“We are always looking for new and exciting fundraisers,” said Calvert.
To purchase a cookbook, call the Guild at 358-1479. Cookbooks can be picked up at the Guild’s office, 300 W. Water St., Suite 200, or they can be mailed for an additional charge.