(January 16, 2012 – West Palm Beach, FL) - Bob Lappin & The Palm Beach Pops is the recipient of a $100,000 challenge grant that will be matched dollar for dollar, to help the orchestra with its fundraising goals. The anonymous donor has not only challenged the orchestra to raise $200,000, but also to secure additional matching funds above and beyond the original amount. The minimum donation level has been established at $1,000, and all donations over the minimum will be matched dollar for dollar.
This timely and generous grant comes when most cultural arts organizations around the country are facing significant challenges of their own with fundraising and asset performance. Due to low interest rates and the capricious nature of the stock market, arts organizations are experiencing significant deficits as a result of underproductive assets and hesitant donors and sponsors.
The Palm Beach Pops is no exception. While South Florida's Premier Pops Orchestra is financially stable, it has seen a decline in sponsorships, general donations and corporate support. "We are so very grateful for this opportunity to raise much needed funds,” said Executive Director David Quilleon. “We've lost half of our funding for our children's programs and have seen a decrease in the historical totals of our appeals.” Quilleon added, “The Palm Beach Pops appeals to music lovers of all ages and we ask all of our patrons, current and past supporters and South Florida arts supporters to help support our mission to ensure that The Great American Songbook is preserved for generations to come.”
The orchestra plans to use the funding to attract guest artists and fund its nationally recognized Music & You In-School Youth Education Program, which has taught the fundamentals of music to nearly 90,000 underserved schoolchildren in Palm Beach County at no cost to the schools or taxpayers. While Bob Lappin & The Palm Beach Pops stand on their own with regard to providing the highest quality programming and musicianship, guest artist fees have become a significant expense and increased funding is required to ensure the artists that complement the orchestra are of the highest caliber.
Interested donors are invited to contact Vallye Adams, Director of Development for The Palm Beach Pops at 561-899-2082. Supporters may also make an online donation at www.palmbeachpops.org/donate, or mail their contributions to:
The Palm Beach Pops Matching Challenge Grant
The Palm Beach Pops
500 Australian Avenue South #100
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
About Bob Lappin and The Palm Beach Pops
Founded in 1991 by Music Director and Conductor, Bob Lappin, The Palm Beach Pops quickly distinguished itself as a world-class pops orchestra with a debut concert in 1992. In collaboration with the best musicians and guest artists on the international music scene, The Palm Beach Pops performs over 36 subscription concerts a year in South Florida at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts in West Palm Beach, the Carole and Barry Kaye Performing Arts Auditorium at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Eissey Campus Theatre at Palm Beach Community College in Palm Beach Gardens, as well as other national venues. The Palm Beach Pops’ comprehensive education and community outreach program has engaged over 85,000 students since its inception in 1998. Their dedication to the preservation of the American Songbook continues to allow the orchestra to garner national and international acclaim as a premier pops orchestra.
Bob Lappin and the Palm Beach Pops is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization. For information about the Palm Beach Pops Music & You In-School Youth Education Program, Tickets for Children & Families Program, volunteer opportunities and tax-deductible donations, call 561-832-POPS or go to www.palmbeachpops.org.
