The Santa Barbara Symphony launched an end-of-year fundraising campaign in May in support of ongoing operations while the organization advances with new momentum within the current environment.

Led by Board Chair Janet Garufis, the Board of Directors, music and artistic Director Nir Kabaretti, and interim CEO Kathryn R. Martin have been updating the community on the challenges and opportunities facing the organization since COVID-19 required cancellation of the last three performances of the 2019-20 season.

“The response from the community has been moving,” said board chair Janet Garufis. “Every day, we receive donations of support — a $10 donation from a parent of a music education student, a check and hand-written note from a long-time supporter we hadn’t heard from in a while.

“We are so grateful to our long-time supporters and 100% of the board, who are all making supplemental gifts toward the campaign.”

In response, a special group of community leaders have joined together with the Board of Directors and made lead gifts totaling $175,000, to date:

Dan and Meg Burnham, Sarah Chrisman, Brooks and Kate Firestone, Janet Garufis, Patricia Gregory, Daniel and Mandy Hochman, Ann Jackson Family Foundation, Duncan and Suzanne Mellichamp, Sara Miller McCune, Montecito Bank & Trust, Joan Rutkowski, SONOS, Inc., and Anne Towbes.