September 19, 2009

Dear Messrs Letnick, Stewart and Thomson,

Please accept my apologies for not being present at the meeting this Saturday but I have personal commitments in Vancouver..

I am a resident of Kelowna for the past 40 years, a consumer and a volunteer for the Arts who has watched this town grow from a cultural wasteland to a place full of opportunities for those craving the experience of a concert, ballet, musical or other spectacle which stretches the imagination and feeds the soul. This did not happen by accident and it was only due to the determination and persistence of a few individuals who decided they could bring 'big city' entertainment to Kelowna that we are reaping the rewards of their work today. I am one of those grateful consumers.

I have volunteered with the Symphony, The Philharmonic Festival Society, and Community Concerts. I was a finalist this year for the Honour in the Arts Award from the City of Kelowna. I also served as a member of the City of Kelowna Arts Foundation for 6 years and was president for one year. During that time I had plenty of opportunity to become familiar with all the arts organizations and it never ceased to amaze me how much they did with so little funding.

I could not have sustained my enthusiasm without the incredible support of my arts colleagues, the PAK group consisting of Ballet Kelowna, Chamber Music Kelowna, and The Okanagan Symphony, but most of all the public who I seek to serve and whose thirst for a cultural experience is never-ending.

I strongly believe the soul of a community is reflected in its arts and culture and I hope I can count on you to share that vision. Community Concerts is only one small part of dozens of groups that are trying to make a difference. For over 40 years Community Concerts has filled the community theatre 5 times each year, has contributed $25,000.00 to the City of Kelowna in rent over the past 5 years and employed hundreds of artists, but most of all we celebrate the fact that 878 people can count on us to provide them with reliable professional entertainment year after year. These tickets are so highly sought after we are currently running a long waiting list.

We would like you to be our guest at one of the concerts this year and see for yourself the joy that such entertainment brings to a group of Kelowna citizens. I have enclosed some information about our concerts and invite you to contact me to indicate which one you and your guest would like to attend and I will make the necessary arrangements.

Best regards,

Yvonne A. Topf, President