CMS Virtual “Brunch in a Bag” Silent Auction & Watch Party Event – April 25, 2021

Community Music School Presents “Brunch in a Bag” Virtual Fundraiser

Allentown, PA (April 1, 2021) – Because of the COVID pandemic, Community Music School Lehigh Valley & Berks (CMS) is planning to take its annual fundraiser virtual for a second year in a row. CMS Executive Director, Jeff Reed says that everyone is invited to join the CMS Virtual “Brunch in a Bag” Silent Auction & Watch Party on Sunday, April 25, 2021, from 12:30 -2:00 PM, on the non-profit’s YouTube channel. The watch party is free and will feature new musical performances by CMS faculty and students, a virtual tour of the school, and a retrospective of the organization as it prepares to celebrate 40 years of quality music education in Allentown. Musical selections include classical and contemporary pieces, such as L’Ete (Spring) by C. Chaminade, Gra for solo clarinet by E. Carter, and Sonata for Clarinet & Piano by C. Saint-Saëns, as well as several original compositions. CMS faculty members slated to perform are Carole Houghton, piano, Carolyn Gaul, violin, Clifford Tracy, saxophone, Dr. Tzu-Hwa Ho, piano, Dr. David Saturen, piano, Elaine Martin, flute, Joe Wagner, guitar, Jonathan Leeds, clarinet, Julia Walsh, soprano, Linda Kistler, violin, Nick Conti, trombone, and Sunny Murthy, violin.

Because the School could not present its 2020 Brunch in person, CMS will also be honoring its former Board President, Larry Johnson, at this year’s event. The organization had planned to honor Johnson for his many years of service at the 2020 Brunch. Johnson retired in June 2020 after serving on the CMS board for 15 years and for 9 years as its President. Under Johnson’s leadership, CMS underwent several major transformations, including hiring a new School Director in 2015, moving operations from Miller Symphony Hall to 1544 Hamilton Street in 2018, spearheading the successful capital “Campaign for CMS” in 2018-2020, and pivoting to remote operations and online-only music lessons and recitals during the COVID-19 pandemic, beginning in March 2020.

Prior to the watch party, patrons can choose to order a gourmet “Brunch in a Bag” meal (by April 11), prepared by Karen Hunter Catering. The Brunch in a Bag includes favorites such as roasted vegetable frittata and brioche French toast with berry compote. Vegetarian, gluten-free, and children’s meals are also available. Each meal will be securely boxed in an insulated bag with reheating instructions, an event program, and a special gift. Wine is also available for purchase. Patrons can choose to pick up their meal at CMS on the morning of April 25, or volunteers will deliver the meals to local homes.

A week-long online Silent Auction kicks off the event on Friday, April 16 at 12:00 PM. Bidding closes on Sunday, April 25, at 3:00 PM, so guests will have time to finalize their bids after the watch party ends. The auction includes a variety of items donated by local businesses and individuals, including works by local artisans, local restaurant gift cards, and themed baskets to fit any budget. Highlights of the auction include a KitchenAid Mixer, a fine cigar basket, and a wicker picnic basket with wine.

The CMS Spring Brunch has been held at Lehigh Country Club in late April for over 20 years and regularly draws over 200 guests for an afternoon of fine dining, silent auction, and music by CMS faculty and students. The funds raised from this event are crucial to help sustain programming and opportunities for students at CMS, allowing all students access to the life-long benefits of quality music education, regardless of their background, age, ability, or financial circumstances. At the start of the COVID pandemic, on March 16, 2020, CMS was able to immediately pivot to online private music lessons. In addition, CMS had to quickly transform and present its 2020 Silent Auction as an online fundraiser and cancel the planned in-person Brunch. During the pandemic, student need for financial aid has increased over 20% as numerous families faced sudden unemployment or reduced hours due to COVID-19. The School has also faced reduced revenue from not being able to hold group classes and ensembles since March 2020.

CMS thanks the following headlining sponsors of the 2021Virtual Brunch: Larry & Deb Johnson, Norris McLaughlin PC, BB&T, now Truist, Allen Organ Company, St. Luke’s University Health Network, Univest Financial, West Park Civic Association, Linda Kay Gardner, David & Dail Richie, Peter & Carmen Flosdorf, Kathleen Matthews, Tom & Shari Noctor, and James & Mary Warfel.

The brunch committee is chaired by Linda Kay Gardner and includes Laura Burcaw, Cathy Coyne, Carmen Flosdorf, Lisa Hopstock Kulp, Jodie Hourt, Regina Luciano, Kat O’Connor, Jeff Reed, Ellen Roberts, and Mary Warfel.

For more information on the event, to purchase a “Brunch in a Bag” meal, browse the auction, make a donation, or RSVP for the watch party, visit https://cmslv.org/cms-brunch-2021/ or contact Lisa Kulp, Assistant Director, at lisa@cmslv.org or 610-435-7725.