Garden party draws symphony supporters

DOWNEY - On a perfect late-summer afternoon, the lovely garden at the home of John and Della Keipp in Downey filled with laughter and friends happy to see one another. White umbrellas shaded tables centered with fresh flower rings; a brass quintet sent out jaunty music; guests prowled trays of beautiful hors d'oeuvres; champagne flowed.The occasion on Sept. 19 was the Third Annual Garden Party given by the Downey Symphony Board to generate funds for the orchestra's next concert season, and it definitely was a success. Bill Hare, expanding on his usual role as Board treasurer, auctioned off an assortment of enticements ranging from catered dinners and concert tickets to a round of golf and a Las Vegas vacation package. Conductor Sharon Lavery strolled the grounds, chatting with guests. And toward the end, everyone piled into a thoroughly decadent array of desserts - red velvet cupcakes, irresistible tarts, and a chocolate sheet cake topped with a photograph of our orchestra - in frosting. A good time had by all, and for a very good cause. The Downey Symphony is now in its 53rd season, and the first concert will be Saturday, Oct. 23, with a program of Brahms, Delius and Stravinsky. To learn more, do visit our website at www.downeysymphony.org or phone us at (562) 403-2944.

********** Published: September 30, 2010 - Volume 9 - Issue 24