An attitude of gratitude prevailed at the Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra’s Autumn Rhapsody gala.
There was gratitude for the opportunity to gather again with friends, gratitude for business and community support for the symphony during the pandemic, and gratitude that the symphony will return to Oct. 23 to the stage of The Palace Theatre in Greensburg.
The Oct. 15 fundraiser drew about 100 guests to the Westmoreland Country Club in Export.
“It’s nice to be back with all the people we missed and who supported the symphony all throughout covid,” said Bill Friedlander, who co-chaired the event with Linda Assard.
“We want to give a shout-out to the generous donations from all the businesses,” said Jody Keating, who served as auction co-chair with Diane Nickoloff. “They’re going through tough times, too.”
Speaking of the live and silent auctions, the prizes included jewelry, golf and spa packages and two coveted trips — photo safari in South Africa and a stay at the Bahia Principe Grand Coba resort in Riviera Maya, Mexico.
For the auctioneer, event organizers enlisted the services of a man who knows his way around a microphone — Paul Steigerwald, former longtime Pittsburgh Penguins sportscaster and now a communications specialist for the team. Steigerwald was accompanied by Carol Lamanna.
Honorary event chairman was Sean Cassidy, seen with his wife, Eddyth.
Music for the cocktail hour was provided by EBT Jazz, a local trio comprising leader and pianist Eric Barchiesi, bassist Dan Lauritzen and drummer Michael Matteo, who also is WSO principal percussionist and board president. Rachael Tresco joined in on vocals.
WSO Executive Director Endy Reindl greeted guests, including Mike Keating, Jerry and Teri Bowes, Eric Smith, Nancy Jamison, Michael Philopena, Barry and Jo Ellen Numerick, Jill Briercheck, Pat Condo and Jan Taylor-Condo, Julian and Monica Kovacs, Joan Stairs, Tom and Karen Kohut, Rich Lopretto and Phyllis Bertok, Joe and Allana Kontisko, Drew Sloan and Janelle Fields, George and Olive Conte, Dennis and Kathy Rafferty, Tiffany Taylor and Matt Cerimele.
