ESO raises hunger awareness at Oscars concert
The Elgin Symphony Orchestra will visit some of your favorite movie music memories and help Food For Greater Elgin promote hunger awareness at its "A Night at the Oscars concerts" at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 20, at the Schaumburg Prairie Center for the Arts and at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 22, at the Hemmens Cultural Center in Elgin.
This concert weekend promises to be more than a walk down memory lane with a collection of Oscar winners including selections from the scores of "High Noon," "Oklahoma!," "Titanic" and "Dances with Wolves," among other movie score treasures.
The concerts are jointly sponsored by John B. Sanfilippo & Son Inc. and the Grand Victoria Casino for the benefit of Food For Greater Elgin.
Food For Greater Elgin is a regional Client Choice food pantry that serves low-income residents in Elgin, South Elgin, and East Dundee. Every month it provides nutritious food to 1,250 families, benefiting 6,000 individuals, of whom half are children. Through the innovative Client Choice approach, families are able to shop with grocery carts in a large warehouse, choosing food items rather than receiving pre-bagged groceries.
"Food is the catalyst for change, helping those who face hunger hardship rebuild their lives," said Susan Ericson, FFGE's executive director. "For a $20 donation, attendees will be able to sponsor a family with a week's worth of food that includes shelf-stable, meat, dairy, and produce items." Before and after the concert, patrons will have the opportunity to give tax-deductible donations.
John B. Sanfilippo & Son is headquartered in Elgin and produces a line of products under the Fisher Nuts, Orchard Valley Harvest and Sunshine Country brand names and a variety of private brands. As one of the Founding members of Food For Greater Elgin, JBBS has taken a leading role in supporting and promoting hunger awareness and funding the work of FFGE to reduce hunger in the greater Elgin community.
The Grand Victoria Casino will be hosting the ESO's Mingle with the Musicians following the Saturday night concert, where the audience members are invited to join Music Director Andrew Grams and the musicians for appetizers and good conversation after the concert.
The Elgin Symphony Orchestra has supported and advocated for Food For Greater Elgin through a series of joint promotions. During September, each patron attending an ESO concert received a bracelet identifying that month as "Hunger Awareness Month." The ESO also highlighted hunger awareness through a FFGE shopping cart displayed during concerts and at its office. In addition, the ESO has created awareness of FFGE through a series of concert program inserts and concert videos.
The Elgin Symphony Orchestra offers a fun, relaxing, cultural experience. Patrons can enjoy a drink, time with friends and even shopping in the lobby of the Hemmens Cultural Center. Tickets start at $25 and can be purchased through the ESO Box Office at (847) 888-4000 or by visiting www.elginsymphony.org.