Elgin Symphony, PADS partner for annual brunch
Call it a breakfast for champions.
This Saturday, for the first time ever, a string quartet of Elgin Symphony Orchestra musicians will play at the annual PADS fundraiser brunch.
"I went over to (PADS) and I saw what a terrific job they were doing and I thought ... that our patrons at the symphony, if they knew more about this, would really support this," Dale Lonis, CEO of the symphony said.
This is the second year PADS of Elgin will host its Spring Brunch which, for the $25 advance ticket fee - $30 at the door, provides patrons with a breakfast buffet and a chance to help raise money for the shelter.
The menu is expected to include egg casserole, homemade biscuits and even a chocolate fountain. The catering for the event is being donated by a number of sponsors.
According to Brittany Mitchell, special projects coordinator for the organization, PADS is one of four emergency shelters in the surrounding area open from May to October and the only one to remain open all year round. As a result of its year-round status PADS has experienced a greater influx of people seeking their services.
"The money we raise from the brunch will go to support our operating fund and help keep the shelter open," Mitchell said. "We're open year-round now and costs are increasing."
This brunch will mark the first time that PADS and the ESO have joined forces in this way.
Lonis expressed the ESO's excitement over the venture.
"We think it's an absolute win-win situation where we can raise awareness of the good work that PADS does in the community," Lonis said. "People who enjoy the symphony can come in and enjoy the musicians but they still have another purpose for being there."
Lonis also noted that another sponsor has stepped in to cover the costs of the quartet's performance so that PADS doesn't have to.
For the past two months the ESO has also had PADS donation tables present at its performances to help raise money and awareness for the organization.
The brunch goes from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will be held at the First Congregational Church of Elgin, located at 256 E. Chicago St. in Elgin. Tickets can be purchased for $25 through 5 p.m. today by calling the ESO box office at (847) 888-4000. On the day of the event, tickets are $30 at the door.
If you go
What: PADS of Elgin's second annual spring brunch, featuring a performance by an Elgin Symphony Orchestra string quartet
When: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 30
Where: First Congregational Church of Elgin, 256 E. Chicago St.
How much: Tickets can be purchased for $30 at the door or for $25 if purchased by 5 p.m. today; call the ESO box office at (847) 888-4000.
Info: www.elginsymphony.org