Dear Friends,
Yes, we are now officially Ojai Music Festival Friends, a name that recognizes our wish to have our organization open to everyone. I know that I plan to rejoin on the family plan—my husband has helped with the Holiday Home Tour and Market since I joined the Women’s Committee. Now, he will become a full-fledged member.
Our vision statement couldn’t be more clear of who we are. We want everybody to understand what we actively do and where we do it:
Supporting the heart of the Ojai Music Festival
on the stage, in the classroom, and throughout the community
We support the Music Festival with our proceeds from our membership donations, the Holiday Home Tour & Market, and other fundraisers throughout the year in several ways. These proceeds help fund the annual Ojai Music Festival (which is about to celebrate its 80th year), the Festival’s BRAVO Programs, and the various free music events held throughout the year. Our contributions to these vital areas should tell us that we are needed more than ever as Ojai Music Festival Friends!
You voted in a new board position, Historian, one that is crucial toward ensuring that the history of our organization is gathered and preserved in an orderly manner and kept in one place. Our two new co-chairs are Pat Foster and Jackie Francis. We are so pleased to have them join the board and begin the process of “finding” all the missing parts of our long and successful organization.
Another outcome of our focus groups was the rejuvenation of the Events and Education Committee. With the addition of several highly motivated members, we now have a calendar in place that incorporates four exciting events that we know you will want to attend.
I wish to acknowledge the Festival Office staff who so willingly and cheerfully help us in any way needed to make whatever we are doing successful. For instance, our Holiday Home Tour and Market is the beneficiary of professionally developed glossy brochures, social media and mass media advertising, signage, and logistical assistance, and whatever else calls for their knowledge and expertise. Thank you, Gina, Anna, Maddy, Liz, Amber, and Lynn!
Well, Friends—Our upcoming Holiday Home Tour and Market is right around the corner, and we hope you will have signed up to be a docent, as there are still many slots to fill. Every year is a new experience, but we can always count on the camaraderie, fun, and excitement to stay the same. An added bonus for you—if you work just one shift, you receive a free ticket! So, see you November 15th and 16th!
