Symphony in the Park seeks financial support
By Ashley Shah
The Scripps Ranch Symphony in the Park organization has been bringing music to the community for more than 40 years.
The group is a not for profit organization that hosts four concerts during the summer months, a holiday concert each December, and donates money to the local music programs in Scripps Ranch.
“The mission of our organization has always been to bring our community together through music. We have such a special community here in Scripps Ranch, and these concerts are a tradition,” board member Steve Fiorina said.
However, since the COVID-19 pandemic fallout in 2020, the organization has been facing some financial struggles.
“Businesses and families are not donating as much anymore since the pandemic, but the price of everything has increased and continues to increase,” Symphony in the Park President Rachel Votel said.
The organization does not charge an admission fee to attend the concerts, but the concerts do cost money to produce.
“For the summer concert series in total, the bands cost around $17,000, the sound system is about $12,000, park operations – which include porta potties, permits, dumpsters, etc. – cost around $6,000, printing and advertising is around $600. Additionally, at our September concert, we donate money back to every school’s private and public music program,” Votel said. “Our holiday concert costs about one-third of what our summer concerts cost.”
Each summer concert draws more than 1,000 members of the community in attendance.
“To experience one of our concerts is so unique. I know there are a lot of other cities that have started hosting these summer concerts, but the community aspect of ours is like no other,” Fiorina said. “I know people that have moved away, but specifically time their visits back to San Diego around our concerts so that they can attend.”
Donations to the organization are tax-deductible, as the organization is a 501(c)(3) registered nonprofit group.
“We have different tiers for donations. To be a concert host or sponsor, the donation would be $2,500. We do not change the donation amount for sponsors because we do not want to lose them,” Votel said. “However, you can donate as little as $25 to be at the ‘friends and family’ donation level.”
Donations to the organization can be made through the website at symphonyinthepark.com under the donation tab, or by mail to 10755 Scripps Poway Parkway, #189, San Diego, CA 92131.
“We are in a tough spot, but not in a crisis,” Fiorina said. “We deeply appreciate the businesses and members of the community that choose to donate.”