Matching Challenge
The Mel Rubin Library Fund in appreciation of Lawrence Leighton Smith
This fund to support Sunriver Music Festival's print music expenses fulfills a dream of founding Festival Music Director
(Note at check-out that your donation is for the library fund.)
Checks can be mailed to PO Box 4126, Sunriver, OR, 97707
When Mel's family heard from Sunriver Music Festival Executive Director Meagan Iverson that it was the 10th anniversary of the Mel Rubin Library Fund and that print music expenses are estimated to exceed $8,000 for this season, it inspired them to offer a matching challenge to the community.
Mel's family is offering to match up to $5,000 in gifts from other music lovers, hoping to raise $10,000 to cover this year's budget and to provide a head start on next year's music expenses. As Meagan said, Maestro Brett Mitchell is taking great heed to maintain and continually raise the artistic excellence of the Summer Festival. Those of us who remember Larry know he would want to offer Maestro Brett all his support!
Sunriver Music Festival's founding Music Director Larry Smith dreamed of a lasting way to support significant costs associated with the acquisition of the sheet music and materials needed by our musicians each year. “That costs a heap of money, way more than most people realize,” he told Mel Rubin’s family, “Shipping, copyright costs, it all adds up.”
Mel and Larry enjoyed a friendship spanning nearly 20 years. Mel traveled to Sunriver each year to enjoy the beautiful music, faithfully attending every rehearsal and most concerts. He and Larry became fast friends early on. During a break at one rehearsal, Mel asked how, while conducting, Larry’s right hand knew what his left hand was doing. Larry shrugged, “Beats me!” Mel chuckled, and a great friendship was born.
After Mel passed away and not long before Larry passed, Mel’s family contacted Larry regarding establishing a fund that would be meaningful to him. Contributions to the Mel Rubin Library Fund in appreciation of Lawrence Leighton Smith help memorialize our founding Maestro and sustain Larry’s vision for long-term support of the Festival.
Mel's family would like to express their heartiest gratitude to all who choose to support Sunriver Music Festival through this special fundraiser. Thank you!
(Note at check-out that your donation is for the library fund.)
Checks can be mailed to PO Box 4126, Sunriver, OR, 97707
