PRESIDENT'S NOTES

This year has certainly been far different than the one I planned for as I wrote my newsletter message this time last year. It has also been, I think, the most rewarding year to be president of the Symphony League of Beaumont. At our first meeting in early September of 2005 we worried about whether it was appropriate to solicit underwriting when our neighbors to the east were suffering so from the ravages of Hurricane Katrina. Then, only weeks later, our own world changed drastically. To witness the working of this organization and the wisdom and dedication of each individual board member and volunteer in the face of disaster has been an experience to treasure. Years of sound fiscal policy and planning paid off. Our Bylaws have long mandated that we maintain a year's operating funds in reserve. As we met in the early days after the storm to chart a new course, we were blessed to have this firm financial foundation. Our board members took time from dealing with their personal losses and focused on how best to salvage our programs. Our fabulous Ball Chairman, Becky Funchess, adapted her plans and was successful in not only providing our Belles with an elegant presentation but also in making much needed money from the event.

In January, the Deb season that was cut short in September, began again. Deb Chairman, Sonya Coffman, the epitome of grace under pressure, determined that her debs not miss anything just because of a hurricane rescheduled every party and still successfully met her budget. Sonya and Ball Chairman Chelsea Brandimarte produced a ball that was truly the stuff of dreams. The ball gowns were all the more special because of their varied evacuation journeys.

Ways and means chairman Carol Smith helped secure new venues, charmed and cajoled suppliers, set up and took down tables and chairs, hammered nails and changed from jeans to suits to ball gowns and back a few times a weekend.

To help insure that wonderful music will be an important part of life in Southeast Texas in the future, Kara Weid produced a highly successful, well organized String Competition. In spite of the storm, League volunteers saw to it that the orchestra was fed, guest artists were transported, tickets were sold, and the League's business was taken care of. Most important, although our fundraising ball was cancelled, we were still able to fulfill all our commitments to the SOST.

Abner McCall, the legendary President of Baylor University and former Dean of the law school made a very brief but very memorable speech when he charged my law school class to "do the best of things, in the worst of times." I am so proud of and so grateful to all of you for doing just that.

Frances Blair Bethea- President, Symphony League of Beaumont