Through fundraising efforts, more than $200,000 is raised in support of education each season. In 1952, eleven charter members formed the Knoxville Symphony Guild to further the financial support of the Orchestra. Guild activities included social functions such as coffees, luncheons, and silver teas; cultural events, including music appreciation courses; the operation of educational concerts, atte
nded yearly by thousands of students from the area; and the giving of musical scholarships for deserving young students. Because of the commitment of Guild members and the support of the community, fundraising projects enabled the Women's Guild to contribute substantially to the maintenance fund of the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra and Youth Orchestra, the latter of which the Guild founded in 1974, with the guidance of Dr. and Mrs. In 1980, the Women's Guild of the Knoxville Symphony Society changed its name to "Knoxville Symphony League." In 1984, money raised during the World's Fair Show House was placed in an endowment fund for the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra. In 2007, this fund reached $1,000,000. The interest from this fund is available to the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra to use for operating expenses while the principal remains untouched. Various types of fundraising events have been successfully undertaken through the years: balls, benefit dinner parties, auctions, fashion shows, show houses, and a community events calendar. Membership in the Knoxville Symphony League is open to ANY PERSON INTERESTED IN SUPPORTING THE KNOXVILLE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA by promoting season ticket sales and by raising funds to assist the Knoxville Symphony Society in its goal to maintain a balanced budget for the Orchestra. The entire membership is encouraged to participate in these important activities.
