In Wednesday’s (3/23) Island Packet (Hilton Head, South Carolina), Tom Barton reports, “The Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra is asking donors to step up their support to stem a financial loss for the fifth year in a row. Edward Parrish, chairman of the orchestra’s board of directors, sent a letter to supporters earlier this month stating help was needed to avoid an estimated $50,000 shortfall in its $1.35 million budget. ‘The orchestra is an important asset to our quality of life on Hilton Head. Insuring that the orchestra has a sound financial base is critical,’ Parrish wrote. Performance income, including ticket sales, dropped 10 percent—about $30,000 to $40,000—from last season. Business contributions also fell because of the economy and because of a greater charitable focus by the community on the Heritage golf tournament, which lacks a title sponsor, Parrish wrote. Individual contributions have held steady, said Mary Briggs, orchestra executive director. … Subscription and ticket sales account for about one-third of the orchestra’s income. The remainder comes from individuals, companies and federal, state, local and foundation grants, according to tax filings.”
Posted March 24, 2011
