The Philadelphia Orchestra Volunteer Committees
The Volunteer Committees for The Philadelphia Orchestra are comprised of dynamic Orchestra enthusiasts who are dedicated ambassadors, supporting the Orchestra in such areas as education, fundraising, community outreach, and special events.
Our special events blend fundraising and friend-raising and include the Opening Night Celebration, intimate musical performances, Lecture Luncheons, holiday shopping musical luncheons, and the notable Kitchen Tour.
Other volunteer opportunities include serving as a docent for the Orchestra’s Jane H. Kesson School Concert Program, mingling with Orchestra musicians at rehearsal breaks, and attending our annual Musician’s Luncheon.
Upcoming Events
The New Jersey Committee’s Holiday Luncheon
December 3, 2024
We hope you’ll join us for the New Jersey Committee’s Holiday Luncheon with shopping and a performance by the Haddonfield madrigals on Tuesday, December 3. Tickets are $85 a person. Please email Samantha Noll for additional information.
Past Events
The Natalie Kim Memorial Philadelphia Orchestra Golf Classic
The Natalie Kim Memorial Philadelphia Orchestra Golf Classic
October 1, 2024
All proceeds benefited The Philadelphia Orchestra including the award-winning education and community initiatives that engage over 50,000 students, families, and community members.
The day included golf with a caddie, lunch, gourmet awards dinner, and exciting contests including the chance to win a new Mercedes from Mercedes Benz of West Chester, plus team prizes, player gift packages, and more. Event day activities featured a putting contest to win a VIP Trip for Two at an Eagles Away Game, a $1 Million Shot for each team, and a unique Drone Golf Ball Drop.
Volunteer Mission Statement
The members of the Volunteer Committees collaborate with the Board, musicians, and staff of The Philadelphia Orchestra to fundraise, educate, and promote symphonic music in our concert hall, schools, and in diverse venues in our communities.
The organizational structure includes five committees:
- Central
- Main Line
- New Jersey
- Rittenhouse Square
- Starlight Circle*
For more information about our Volunteer Committees contact Samantha Noll in the Volunteer Relations Office at 215.893.1956 or send an email.
History of the Volunteer Committees
History of the Volunteer Committees
The Volunteer Committees for The Philadelphia Orchestra were formed in 1904, four years after the Orchestra’s first concerts. The Women’s Committee, as it was originally called, was the first permanent organization of its kind in the United States and has since come to serve as a model for similar groups around the world.
The mission of the Volunteer Committees has greatly expanded since its initial goals of 1904. Volunteers now support the Orchestra in such areas as audience development, education, fundraising, community relations, and special events.
Through all their endeavors, thousands of members of the Volunteer Committees have given countless hours of time and talent in service to The Philadelphia Orchestra and the people of the greater Delaware Valley metropolitan region. The Orchestra would not be what it is today without the dedication, time, and talents of the Volunteer Committees.
Volunteer Leadership for the 2024–25 Season
Volunteer Leadership for the 2024–25 Season
Executive Committee Officers
Richelle Rabenou, President
Sara Cerato, Immediate Past President
Deborah Ledley, Vice President
Kate Brady Rauscher, Treasurer
Sheila Cox, Secretary
Governing Board Chairs
Central: Jennier Porges
Main Line: Josephine Rees
New Jersey: Diane Larzelere
Rittenhouse Square: Marlena Kleit and Fran Schwartz
Starlight Circle: Anna Minkovich
Standing Committee Chairs
Annual Giving: Nancy Galloway
Education: Deborah Ledley
Special Functions: Jennifer Porges
Marketing: Kelsey Larzelere
Volunteer Archives: Elizabeth A. Crowel
With gratitude and thanks to our past presidents
Mrs. Alexander J. Dallas Dixon, 1904–12
Miss Frances A. Wister, 1912–56
Mrs. James Hatfield, 1956–78
Mrs. T. Wistar Brown, 1978–82
Mrs. John S. Newbold, 1982–85
Mrs. Herbert W. Hazen, 1985–88
Mrs. David L. Pennington, 1988–91
Mrs. Robert P. Frankel, 1991–94
Mrs. Richard B. Gould, 1994–97
Mrs. Robert N. Garrison, 1997–2000
Mrs. Robert L. Stevens, 2000–03
Ms. Despina F. Page, 2003–06
Mrs. Elizabeth Mahoney, 2006–09
Mrs. Sally S. Bullard, 2009–12
Mrs. Stephanie Brandow, 2012–14
Mrs. Caroline Buck Rogers, 2014–16
Mrs. Lisa Yakulis, 2016–18
Mrs. Nancy Galloway, 2018–20
Mrs. Dianne Rotwitt, 2020–22
Ms. Sara A. Cerato, 2022–24