A BRIEF HISTORY
Since inception, the Artist Series of Sarasota has relied on volunteers to assist in its concerts and activities. Until 2006 Board member Betsy Hinrichs arranged and managed volunteers, drawn largely from our loyal audience and donor base. With growth comes change, and in September 2006 a gathering of volunteers further defined and organized volunteers into committees with committee chairs. Plans were laid to introduce a more formalized structure to the growing number of volunteers, and regular meetings of volunteers were established. In March 2008 the organization achieved legal structure with the establishing of its own registered name, submission of required governmental filings that codified its ability to accept charitable donations, and the formation of a managing Board and officers.
Artist Series Friends developed a membership application and established a nominal annual membership fee. As of August 2012 the organization had nearly 150 paid members, many of whom are divided into nearly a dozen functional committees – the membership continues to grow.
A calendar of meetings and events has been set for the 2011-12 season. In addition to the many other support services volunteers provide to the Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota, the Friends came together for their 2nd and 3rd fundraiser galas – “Keys to a Grand A-Fare” on January 19, 2011 and “Salute to Strings: An Enchanted Evening” on February 28, 2012 at Michael’s on East.
Proceeds from these fundraisers directly support the annual Scholarship Competition awards which have totaled over $45,000. We are proud to support young Florida-resident musicians.
Officers of FRIENDS are:
Jane Riggin, President
Joyce Naegele, 1st Vice President
Yvonne Sultan, 2nd Vice President
Donald Dorsey, Treasurer
Helen Beljean, Recording Secretary
Don Britt, Corresponding Secretary
Jean Kinnamon, Membership Secretary
John Halstead, Member-at-Large
Julia Dadekian, Member-at-Large
Pat Anderson, Past President
For more information about ARTIST SERIES FRIENDS volunteer organization please email friends@artistseries.net
