The Guild of the Greenville Symphony will dissolve after 68 years of fundraising and volunteer support for the Greenville Symphony Orchestra, guild president Yoshi Kirsch announced May 11.
The guild’s 104 members are simply unable to sustain the guild’s fundraising activities. Kirsch said the organization has struggled to recruit younger volunteers able to commit the time required for fundraising. The guild will officially cease operations May 31.
Through the decades, the nonprofit group has contributed more than $3 million to the orchestra for operations, endowed orchestra chairs, and support for specific programs such as children’s concerts.
“After extensive deliberation and with deep respect for the guild’s longstanding legacy, the board of directors voted unanimously to dissolve the organization,” Kirsch announced at the annual meeting of the guild. “This decision was reached after careful evaluation of the guild’s capacity to sustain its operations, as declining volunteer engagement has made it increasingly difficult to fulfill its mission of supporting the Greenville Symphony.”
The guild is especially well loved for providing meals to Greenville Symphony musicians on Fridays between afternoon and evening rehearsals. Kirsch said members of the guild hope to continue that tradition as volunteers.
“The Guild of the Greenville Symphony has been a meaningful part of our story for nearly seven decades, and we are sincerely grateful for its service,” said Jessica Satava, executive director of the Greenville Symphony. “Guild members have supported our musicians, strengthened the organization, and helped advance the symphony’s mission in many ways. As the guild reaches this significant moment of transition, we respect its decision and appreciate the legacy its members have built. We’re also grateful that many will remain connected to the Symphony as volunteers, advocates and friends.”
The guild’s remaining assets of $8,000 will be used for that purpose, Kirsch said.
“While the guild will conclude its operations in its current form, it intends to preserve the valued tradition of providing Friday rehearsal dinners for the musicians,” Kirsch said. “Continuing this effort will help ensure that membership dues and charitable contributions are honored in a manner consistent with donor intent and the guild’s historic commitment to the symphony.”
