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Park Ridge Civic Orchestra Cancels Rest of Season
Due to Decline in Donations and Ticket Sales
PARK RIDGE CIVIC ORCHESTRA CANCELS REST OF SEASON DUE TO DECLINE IN DONATIONS AND TICKET SALES
PARK RIDGE, IL – January 28, 2020 – The Park Ridge Civic Orchestra (PRCO) announced today that it will cancel the third and final concert of its 2019-2020 season due to a significant decline in donations and overall lower ticket sales.
The difficult decision was made by the Orchestra’s board of directors following a budget deficit before holding the third performance.
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“It is with great sadness that we make this announcement to end our 26th season early,” said Kristine Walczak, PRCO Board President. “We recently learned that the Orchestra will not receive significant funding from one of our major donors. Without this contribution, which represents nearly half of our operating budget, the Orchestra simply will not be able to cover the costs to hold the third concert. However, if sufficient funding and donations are received, a third concert could be performed at a later date. If not, we may be forced to shutter the Orchestra for good.”
As with most symphonic organizations, ticket sales cover only a small portion of the cost of the PRCO’s concerts.
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At the start of the Orchestra’s 25th season, the PRCO lost its permanent home at the Pickwick Theater, due to the installation of an iMax screen. Now playing at either Maine South or Maine East High Schools, the Orchestra has seen a decline in ticket sales.
“The Park Ridge Civic Orchestra has been an integral part of the community for a quarter century, playing extraordinary concerts with world-class soloists and performers,” concluded Ms. Walczak. “We need the support of the City of Park Ridge and area residents. Your investment in us will ensure that we can continue to offer programs that support the arts and enrich our community.”
Ticketholders will be offered refunds or the opportunity to donate the ticket price back to the Orchestra. The Park Ridge Civic Orchestra is a tax-exempt (501)(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and gifts are tax-deductible as provided by law. To make a donation please visit the PRCO website at www.parkridgecivicorchestra.or... or contact its Executive Director, Pam Benitez, at 847-692-7726.
Contact: Lauren Locke