The Columbus Indiana Philharmonic’s Eighth Annual Bourbonfest grossed an estimated $40,000 for youth music education with an attendance of 475 people at The Commons in downtown Columbus Saturday.
The fundraiser is one in which attendees taste samples served by the top local and national bourbon distributors.
The event attracted 500 people last year and raised a gross of $38,000 with more than 30 vendors, according to organizers.
Philharmonic Executive Director Donnie Robinette said that perhaps the biggest challenge was the event unfolding on the same weekend as another nonprofit fundraiser, which affected Bourbonfest’s number of volunteers. He added that a strong group of about 40 volunteers, including some who worked double shifts, probably will be expanded to 60 or 80 people next year when the fundraiser is held at its more customary time of Feb. 22.
Robinette passed thanks to event chair Allison Clare for her work.
He also was pleased to hear that the event draws attendees from well beyond Bartholomew County.
“One group comes up every year from Alabama and has not missed a Bourbonfest,” Robinette said. ” Another group was from the North Carolina/Tennessee line and it was their first Bourbonfest.
“Both groups were praising the event, from the great selection of vendors, bourbon tasting contest, VIP food, and the “genuine happiness of the staff, volunteers and vendors present. “
The event also has been a unique way amid the growing bourbon craze for the professional orchestra to catch the attention of young ticket buyers who may never have attended a local orchestral concert. That element is significant since orchestras nationwide have been working harder to attract younger attendees in general. And a number of younger Bourbonfest attendees have said that they later attended a Philharmonic concert, and consider the fundraiser to be a good entry point for those new to live orchestra concerts.
The gathering includes an auction that includes what organizers call The Battle of the Banks. Several local banks have filled baskets with special bourbons for bidders.
First Financial Bank’s basket attracted the largest bid.
The event’s auction that included sports memorabilia and more sold out of all its items and raised $7,000 for the cause.
The Philharmonic’s youth education ranges from its strings camps to its globetrotting Columbus Indiana Children’s Choir. The Philharmonic’s youth education outreach has won the praise of everyone from metro orchestra leaders to Grammy award winning performers through the years.
