Outback to sponsor benefit for orchestra

On Saturday, the Outback Steakhouse, 365 Randall Road, Elgin, will host a benefit luncheon for the Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra at 11:45 a.m.

For $20, plus gratuity, participants will enjoy a three-course meal, including the choice of an 11-ounce sirloin, Chicken on the Barbie, or pasta with veggies. A salad, side dish and dessert, along with a non-alcoholic beverage, is also included. The event is being sponsored by the EYSO Parent Council.

"We are very excited to be working with Outback Steakhouse," said Kathy Matthews, EYSO executive director. "Their generosity and support mean a great deal to us."

After lunch, participants might want to spend the afternoon visiting Elgin's downtown or take in a movie at a nearby theater. The ultimate goal is to have 100 reservations for the event.

"We would be thrilled to have 100 people join us for lunch. This is our first fundraiser of the year. The 2007-08 season is just getting under way and it's going to be an exciting year," Matthews said.

For ticket information and reservations, call Susan Hutter at (630) 845-1068 or visit www.eyso.org.

The Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra, an In-Residence Ensemble in the Arts Center at Elgin Community College, is home to five orchestras with nearly 300 students from more than 50 communities.

Founded in 1976, its mission is to create a community of young musicians, enriching their lives and the lives of their families, schools, communities and beyond, through the study and performance of excellent music.

This program is partially supported by grants from the Palmer Foundation, the Elgin Cultural Arts Commission, the Illinois Arts Council, and the JP Morgan Chase Foundation.