Shabby Chic Boutique Raises Funds

REDLANDS>> On Oct, 29, hundreds of people gathered for the 2nd Annual Shabby Chic Boutique hosted by the Redlands Symphony at the Redlands Historical Museum. Residents and community members had the opportunity to purchase items that were donated to the Redlands Symphony. In return, all the money raised at the event will go toward concert programs and music education programs at the Symphony. The community event was a volunteer effort as many volunteers worked to gather the items that were entirely donated from the homes of many. Volunteers worked to make sure items were presentable, priced and arranged throughout the museum. Paul Ideker, President and CEO of The Redlands Symphony, described the event as a Herculean effort to put the sale on. He said many people lined up at the door of the museum before the doors opened at 8 a.m. and by 8:15 a.m., more than 100 people were present. “The variety of things is great,” Ideker said. “Some are trash and some are treasures but we believe every dollar we raise is a good dollar because it goes to the symphony.” Marilyn Solter, Chair of Friends of The Redlands Symphony and member of the Redlands Symphony Board of Directors for 4 years, helped organize the event. Solter said the group has been collecting items all year and was grateful the museum allowed them to store the items in the museum rather than getting a storage unit. “We are very pleased,” Solter said. “We had good success last year so we just decided to try it again and we are thrilled.” On March 23, a purse party event will be held to help raise additional funds for the symphony. Ideker said the event will have hors d'oeuvres, wine, soft drinks, and based off of previous years, about 200 purses for sale. For more information about the Redlands Symphony, call 909.587.5565.