- The Houston Symphony League’s Fall Luncheon & Fashion Show was a Resounding Success
- League of American Orchestras Awards 2024
- Ellen Kelley 2024 Volunteer of the Year Award
- Mary Fusillo: Ardyce Tostengard Crystal Cello Award Winner 2024
- Such an Elegant Evening…..Houston Symphony’s Old World Tribute to Vienna a Million Dollar Night
The Houston Symphony League’s Fall Luncheon & Fashion Show was a Resounding Success
/in Event/by Tracie Welch-BrentonThe Houston Symphony League held its annual Fall Membership Luncheon & Fashion Show on September 18, 2024, in the newly redecorated ballroom at The Junior League of Houston. The event attracted a vibrant crowd and offered an afternoon filled with elegance, entertainment, and a deep sense of community spirit.
League of American Orchestras Awards 2024
/in Award/by Tracie Welch-BrentonThe Houston Symphony League was honored with two awards at the LAO Conference
CONGRATS TO BETTY TUTOR AND FRAN FAWCETT PETERSON FOR THEIR LAO PROJECT!
Congratulations to League members Betty Tutor and Fran Fawcett Peterson for their Gold Award of Excellence-winning presentation, “Re-Imagining Auctions,” at the League of American Orchestras Conference!
In this presentation, Betty and Fran discussed the success of the Houston Symphony Ball Auction and the auction parties. Their creative and unique approach to the Ball Auction was received with enthusiasm by both the presentation attendees and LAO, who included the following positive comments: Well Produced, Great Q and A, Great Content, Loved Luncheon Process, Can Use Approach on Smaller Scale, Took Away Ideas, Clever. Please join us in congratulating Betty and Fran!
CONGRATS ALSO GO TO DEB HAPP AND LESLIE NOSSAMAN FOR THEIR LAO PROJECT!
Kudos to League members Deb Happ and Leslie Nossaman for their Gold Award of Excellence-winning presentation, “Growing Membership 2022-2023: Focus on What Works” at the League of American Orchestras Conference!
Volunteer organizations from all over the country have reported difficulty with maintaining and growing their membership, and this project provided factual and measurable ways to achieve success. This project was year three of a five-year plan, which was built upon researching HSL membership history and initiating new strategies to target potential members. Attendees appreciated the fact-based strategic plan, which showed how the Houston Symphony League bucked the trend, increased membership by 32% over the previous year, and achieved a 94% renewal rate!
Thanks, Deb and Leslie, for showcasing our Membership Success!
Ellen Kelley 2024 Volunteer of the Year Award
/in Award/by Tracie Welch-BrentonDonna Mello Receives the
Ellen Kelley
2024 Volunteer of the Year Award
The Ellen Kelley Volunteer of the Year Award is given in recognition of outstanding service to the Houston Symphony league and the Houston Symphony. The Award was established in 1984 and named after its first recipient, Ellen Kelley. The honoree has special qualities of purposeful involvement, the ability to inspire others, meets goals with a vision for the present and the future, hard work in the trenches, productivity, ingenuity and ongoing support and leadership are all important qualities of the recipient.
Donna Mello truly exemplifies these qualities and has been named the recipient of the 2024 Ellen Kelley Volunteer of the Year Award. Donna is known for positive energy, creativity, and infectious enthusiasm for working with others. She holds a degree in Hotel & Restaurant Management from the University of Houston and served on the prestigious Gourmet Night Committee for three years. As a member of the Consular Ball Committee of Houston (14 years), she worked to strengthen ties between international consulates and the Houston business community. As Chair of the 1996 Consular Ball honoring Italy & raising $70,000 for scholarships, the World Jaycee President presented Donna with “The International JC of the Day” award.
By chance, a publicist suggested that Donna join the Houston Symphony League. Since 1997, Donna has been an enthusiastic League member chairing Student Concert Ushers for eight years (1998-2008), the Instrument Petting Zoo (2016, 2017, 2018), Family Concerts/Event Volunteers (2019), and the Symphony Store (2002). Donna served as Recording Secretary, Vice-President of Service (2008), and Vice-President of Arrangements (2021, 2022). She chaired or co-chaired League Night Out (2016, 2023), the Spring Membership Event (2021), and the Musician/Staff Breakfast (2023).
Donna was a constant presence at the Puppet Shows, Ima Hogg Competitions and Magical Musical Mornings. She volunteers for Family Concert Craft Nights, Membership Renewal activities, the President’s Luncheon, the newly created Concierge Program, the Symphony Ball Silent Auction and wherever “hands” are needed. Donna’s favorite role is with the Instrument Petting Zoo demonstrating how to hold a violin.
Donna has added beauty to League meetings through floral arrangements created with skills learned in her parents’ flower shop. Her creativity as an award winning 22k gold- granulation jewelry artist can also be found in the internationally juried 2013 book Showcase 500 Art Necklaces. Currently, Donna is an Executive Assistant and Office Manager for Utility Global. She attends both classical and POPS concerts and is grateful for the many friends made while volunteering and the new friendships to come!
Mary Fusillo: Ardyce Tostengard Crystal Cello Award Winner 2024
/in Award/by William CavanaughAs Co-Vice Presidents of the Houston Symphony League Education Committee, Rita Aron and I, in concert with Allison Conlan, Director of Community Engagement, are honored to present this year’s Ardyce Tostengard Crystal Cell Award to Mary Fusillo.
Mary is a Houston native and is committed to the city and its vibrant arts community. She has been a member of the Houston Symphony League for over 25 years and is an ardent volunteer and advocate for the Symphony’s education programs.
Mary has long served as a volunteer for the Student and Family Concerts. Despite the rigors of being a business owner, mother of twins, and wife, Mary has always made time to volunteer. As this year’s League President, Mary strongly advocated for the Student and Family Concerts. In every eCounterpoint newsletter and at every Board meeting, Mary never failed to mention the importance of the Symphony’s education offerings and encourage League members to sign up and volunteer with her. She even put in a good word about the Student Concerts when she appeared on KIAH Channel 39 in February.
Allison had this to say –
Upon reflecting on the past several years of working with Mary at our Education events, I’ve come to appreciate her presence in profound ways.
First, Mary possesses an innate ability to discern and address the needs of any situation. I have found myself quietly relieved when she is around, knowing that she will spring into action with a solution before I have the chance to articulate the problem. Mary’s focus is always centered on ensuring the best possible experience for students, a trait I deeply appreciate.
Second, Mary’s infectious energy ensures that any event she attends is bound to be a memorable one. Her sense of humor and warmth have a remarkable way of fostering an atmosphere of camaraderie and joy. Witnessing volunteers share laughter and forge meaningful connections is truly a testament to her ability to uplift and inspire those around her.
Last, with the countless responsibilities she holds in her role as the Houston Symphony League’s President, her unwavering commitment and consistent presence at our Education events underscores the importance of our collective efforts to serve our community. I’m truly grateful for Mary’s dedication to upholding the highest standards of quality and compassion, reminding us of the profound significance of the work we can achieve together.
Mary’s presence is not just felt; it’s cherished, celebrated, and deeply appreciated by the Houston Symphony family. Congratulations, Mary!
Such an Elegant Evening…..Houston Symphony’s Old World Tribute to Vienna a Million Dollar Night
/in News/by William CavanaughThe Houston social calendar officially kicked off the New Year and New Season with the most elegant evening celebrating the 2024 Houston Symphony Ball, themed Vienna Fête Impériale. Over 400 guests in their finest white tie and over-the-top elegant fashions filled the ballroom of the Post Oak Hotel, raising over $1 million to benefit the Houston Symphony’s Education and Community Engagement Program. The ballroom thanks to the talents of Richard Flowers of the Events Company converted the room through its decor to a perfect blend of Vienna and American culture. Crystal chandeliers, candelabras and tables covered in exquisite linens were the perfect setting for the most elegant and beautiful display of florals arrangements in varying sizes and shades of pink very much in keeping with the theme of old world Europe.
To learn more, read the entire article on MyRedGlasses
2023 Ellen Kelley Volunteer of the Year – Karinne McCullough
/in Award/by William CavanaughThe Ellen Kelley Volunteer of the Year Award is given in recognition of outstanding service to the Houston Symphony League. Our Houston Symphony League directory is dedicated to this year’s winner, Karinne McCullough.
As a POPS concert subscriber since 1990, Karinne came to know the League in Spring 2014 through a B# Brunch program featuring Principal POPS conductor Michael Krajewski. At the Fall Membership Lunch, she signed up to try almost every volunteer opportunity at least once and life as a volunteer with the League began.
Karinne’s participation spans Education – Student Concert Usher, Family Concerts, Junior Patrons, Instrument Petting Zoo, Crafts, Ima Hogg Competition Judges’ Hospitality Liaison and Liaison for Winner’s Community Residency (both pioneer roles); Fundraising for violins for Lewis Elementary students, Magical Musical Morning; Symphony Community Outreach as liaison for Community Embedded Musicians, escorting CEMs to bedside visits with oncology patients at Texas Children’s Hospital and importantly, simply providing a “pair of hands” behind the scene.
Leadership roles include Recording Secretary (2021-23); Annual Fund Chair (2022); By-Laws Committee (2022); Vice President of Education; Strategic Planning Committee (3 years); Nominating Committee (3 years), and Co-chair of Mailing Committee (3 years). She is a member of the Symphony’s Education Committee. Karinne was the recipient of the 2019 Ardyce Tostengard Crystal Cello Award. She and husband Bill are members of the Houston Symphony Legacy Society.
Professionally, Karinne taught pre-school and elementary children with language-learning disabilities. She was a consultant for publishers of classroom material. Karinne holds a JD from South Texas College of Law. In private practice, she focused on insurance defense and appeals before joining the First Court of Appeals as a staff attorney. She served as the Court Administrator until appointed Clerk of the Court, retiring from the Court after 13 years of public service. Other volunteer organizations include the Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary and the Barbara Bush Ladies for Literacy Guild.
Karinne and Bill attend South Main Baptist Church where she sings in the Sanctuary Choir. She also serves on the Board of Directors at 2016 Main Condominiums where they live with their two cats, Jack and Red.