Local "Stars" Take to the Dance Floor

The Redlands Symphony will stage its 29th Annual Gala on Saturday, June 7, 2014 in Orton Center on the campus of the University of Redlands. Cocktails, light bites and a silent auction begin at 5:30 PM. Black tie is optional. Tickets for the event are $125 per person or $150 per person for premium seating immediately adjacent to the dance floor. Once again this year, six local “stars” will take to the dance floor showcasing their skills. This year’s dancers include Dr. Bob Bourne, MD; Kyle Champion; Al Hernandez; Jackie Meyer; Perri Mundy and Margie Orland. Family and friends of the dancers can show their support by voting for the dancer of their choice. Each vote costs $1, and all of the proceeds from dancer votes support the Symphony’s music education programs and season of concerts. Votes can be cast online at www.redlandssymphony.com/gala, using ballot envelopes that are passed out by the dancers and by calling the Symphony office at (909) 748-8018. “We are very fortunate to have a dedicated and talented group of local ‘stars’ who have volunteered to be dancers this year,” says Mary Carruthers, the Gala Chair. “We also are gathering a tent full of wonderful hotels, wines, dinners, jewelry and special surprises for the silent auction. Our live auction will feature over-the-top private dinners in some of the area’s most beautiful homes, wonderful trips to far-off destinations and some unexpected items that we think will capture the imagination of this year’s Gala attendees.” THIS YEAR’S DANCING STARS Dr. Bob Bourne, MD, is hopeful that he’ll make a little money to support the Redlands Symphony and have some fun as one of this year’s dancing stars at the Redlands Symphony Gala. “I want to look my best on the dance floor the night of the Gala,” says Dr. Bourne, “and hopefully I’ll be able to raise some money for the Symphony to boot.” Dr. Bourne and his wife, Denise, have lived in Redlands for over 35 years. They have four children and two grandchildren, with a third grandchild arriving just before the Gala. Bob has been a family doctor for 39 years and a member of the Beaver Medical Group for 24 years. He is the Medical Director at Asistencia Villa and on the medical staff at Redlands Community Hospital. He has played a leadership role as an office and board member in various professional medical groups throughout California. Bob loves to hear the Symphony perform, swim, sing in the Trinity Episcopal Church Choir, walk the family dog and try to achieve a decent handicap as a golfer at the Redlands Country Club. While Kyle Champion’s face may be familiar to symphony patrons, you probably aren’t used to seeing him without a cello between his knees. Kyle has been a member of the Redlands Symphony Orchestra since 1988 and has served as principal cellist since 1995. But now, Kyle is trading in his cello for a pair of dancing shoes as one of the local “celebrities” in this year’s Dancing with the Stars showcase. “My wife and I have always liked to dance,” says Kyle about his new role as a dancer, “And the Gala will give me a chance to get back to something I really enjoy and raise money for our wonderful orchestra; something I am very passionate about.” Kyle has also been principal cellist with the Riverside County Philharmonic and the Chamber Orchestra of Oklahoma City. He is a member of the Long Beach Symphony and regularly performs with numerous area orchestras, including Pacific Symphony, Los Angeles Opera and the San Bernardino Symphony. He rounds out his performance schedule in recording studios and by playing chamber music recitals with the cello quartet Quatracelli. Kyle is an Artist Teacher of Cello at the University of Redlands and has served on the faculties of La Sierra University, Cal Poly Pomona, Oklahoma City University and Oklahoma Baptist University. He was appointed Director of the University of Redlands String Project in Fall 2011. Besides performing and teaching music, Kyle unwinds by reading about trains and military and American West history, and he loves to travel with his wife, Elizabeth. The Champions have two sons and a newborn grandson. Al Hernandez is the co-owner of Citrograph Printing Company in Redlands. He and his husband, Ryan Bailey, have lived in Forest Falls, California, for the past 12 years. “I believe the Redlands Symphony is an integral part of Redlands, and I am happy to support it in any way that I can,” says Al as he prepares to put on his dancing shoes as one of this year’s local Dancing with the Stars “celebrities.” Al is President/Founder of the Citrograph Foundation, a member of Redlands Sunrise Rotary and a board member of Valley Preparatory School. Al was named as the recipient of the 2014 University of Redlands Town & Gown Award of Distinction. He enjoys wine tasting and is a big fan of all things Disney and Disneyland. “I’m looking forward to the dance lessons,” Al explains. “I want to give the audience the best performance possible and meet the standards set by my instructor. I look forward to the challenge.” “I’m going to make the rest of my life be the best of my life. No regrets.” That’s Jackie Meyer’s mantra. To help fulfill that promise to herself, Jackie has joined this year’s group of local “celebrities” in the Dancing with the Stars showcase at the 2014 Redlands Symphony Gala. “I’ve been surrounded with music all my life,” says Jackie, “My husband, John, and my dad, Hank Barto, are both musicians. What better way to honor them and the music community than to support the Redlands Symphony and help keep music alive in our community?” Jackie has lived in Yucaipa for 20 years and spent the previous 17 years as a resident of Redlands. She has two sons and two granddaughters. Jackie is passionate about the beach, the Beatles and dancing. She also enjoys gardening, wine tasting and staycations. Jackie works in human resources for the Redlands Unified School District. She’s also a busy community volunteer and has worked with the Sunrise Rotary Club of Redlands, the Associates of the Redlands Bowl, Hospitality Ensemble of the Redlands Bowl, Redlands Conservancy, Assistance League – PWR founder, Redlands Bicycle Classic and the Redlands 4th of July Committee. she was PTA President at McKinley Elementary School and Cope Jr. High School, the Redlands Chamber of Commerce Fireman’s Muster and Chili Cookoff and the Boys and Girls Club Chocolate Fantasy Committee. Perrie Mundy has been a Redlands resident for over 40 years. She is a self-employed real estate broker who loves the outdoors, her two dogs and has a passion for horses. These days, Perrie is also demonstrating her passion for her community by volunteering as one of this year’s dancing “stars” at the 2014 Redlands Symphony Gala. “This community has been very good to me,” says Perrie. “I enjoy giving back whenever possible, and supporting the Redlands Symphony by dancing at the Gala is a good way to show my appreciation for all they do.” Perrie has a physical condition called “drop foot” and has been doing Pilates to keep her strong and build flexibility. She’s looking forward to the physical challenge she thinks dancing at the Gala will provide. In addition to being a busy professional woman, Perrie is involved in the Assistance League, Redlands Bowl and the Redlands Conservancy. After moving from place to place in the Air Force for 21 years, Margie Orland is happy to say she’s been a resident of Redlands for the last 30 years. Margie feels equally lucky to have her two sons, their wives and her four grandchildren also living locally. “I feel lucky to have all of my family close by,” Margie says. “It’s been a great joy to be a part of my grandchildren’s lives as they have grown up.” In addition to gardening, biking, bowling, fishing, campaign, theater, reading (inspirational books are a favorite), travel and dancing, Margie has been very involved in her temple, Congregation Emanu El, for the past 30 years. In 2007 she was honored by Congregation Emanu El with the Rabbi Norman F. Feldheym Award, presented to individuals who have excelled at service to the community and the temple, among other things. Margie was also active in the Bowl Associates, served as past president of “Start Out Smart –Read”, the Redlands Jewish Community Club, the Inland Empire United Jewish Federation and Jewish Family Services of Riverside. “I believe it’s important for all of us to give back to our community,” Margie says about her reason for joining Dancing with the Stars. “The Redlands Symphony is a wonderful organization, and their programs for children create special opportunities for young people to learn about music. I look forward to dancing and raising money for this worthy cause.” Margie is dedicating her dance at Dancing with the Stars to her parents “…who instilled in (her) a love for music and dance.” Tickets can be reserved by calling the Symphony office at (909) 748-8018. More information about the Gala is available at www.redlandssymphony.com/gala.