Yorktown Merchants Get Creative to Fund Symphony, Reward Supporters

By Amber Lester Monday, August 23, 2010

 

For more than a decade, thousands of people have enjoyed music under the stars at the annual Virginia Symphony concert in Yorktown. But in recent years, the thousands of dollars required to stage the event have become harder to find.

For that reason, several Yorktown businesses are joining forces with the Celebrate Yorktown Committee to raise money for the event with a raffle. The annual Virginia Symphony Concert Under the Stars is presented for free annually at the Yorktown Victory Monument. It costs roughly $26,000 to present the event, which is usually paid for through grants, support from York County and donations. Since the economic downturn began, however, the funding has dwindled, according to raffle organizer Leslie Viccellio.

“In the past few years, it’s just been harder,” she said. “I think it’s typical of the economy. I think a lot of organizations that depend on public support are struggling.”

The raffle will feature several high-end prizes donated by Yorktown businesses. The prizes include a diamond necklace worth $1,200 from Viccellio Goldsmith; a one-night getaway at the Moss Cottage; artwork from the Nancy Thomas gallery; dinner for six at the Carrot Tree; Yorktown Wine Festival tickets and more.

“We realized you have to be more creative about how you support the arts when there are so many places asking for donations,” Viccellio said. “We thought if we could get businesses to donate higher-end prizes to raise awareness of their businesses and raise money for the concert, it’s a win-win.”

Every penny from the raffle will go toward the costs for the event, which include paying the Symphony, renting a tent with good acoustics, renting port-a-potties and setting up road blocks.

Raffle tickets can be purchased for $5 each or five for $20 at The Gallery at York Hall on Main Street or at Viccellio Goldsmith at Riverwalk Landing until Sept. 1. Winners will be announced at the concert on Sept. 4, but are not required to be present.