'Symphony at Sunset' Will Benefit San Carlos Parks

[Editor's note: The following was submitted by the San Carlos Parks & Recreation Foundation.]

On  Saturday, August 24th,  Burton Park’s tennis courts will play the role  of concert venue as the San Carlos Parks & Recreation Foundation holds its 3rd Annual Symphony at Sunset,  benefitting Burton Park’s city- approved Phase II renovations due to  start construction in September, 2013.

Appearing this year will be the Mistral Chamber Players, a quartet comprised of members of the San Francisco Symphony and the San Francisco Opera Symphony.  Audience members will enjoy complimentary food from renown local chef Miriam Russell-Wadleigh of Piacere restaurant, and taste offerings by Domenico Winery, San Carlos.  Tables or individual seating under the stars makes for a relaxing evening of music for a great cause. 

“The Symphony at Sunset was conceived by the Parks & Recreation Foundation as a kickoff Fundraiser for the Burton Park Phase II Renovation” says Symphony Chairperson John Baer, “ but  it’s become more than  a fundraiser, it’s an evening of festivity  among neighbors  on a warm summer night.”

Burton Park’s Phase II improvements include bocce ball courts, a permanent community stage, and renovations to the park’s existing aging basketball & tennis courts.  The price tag on the project   is upwards of $1.2 million with the city putting up a little over $900,000. The rest has been raised by the Parks & Recreation Foundation. 

Formed in 2007 by a group of San Carlos residents, the Foundation has been a response to the growing need of park improvements around the city at a time of dramatic public funding cutbacks. Using a public/private partnership model, the Parks and Recreation Foundation came together in an effort to secure private monies aimed at facility improvements, program implementation, and other services of the San Carlos Parks & Recreation Department. 

The Foundation raised over $400,000 in private donations for Burton Park’s Phase I renovations, which included the ADA-accessible children’s play area and water feature in 2009. Their contribution to Burton Park Phase II will be just over $250,000. 

“We are almost there”, says Foundation secretary Debbie Denton.

 “This event marks the end of a successful summer capital campaign, and we hope it will allow us to raise the final $20,000 we need to reach our goal.” 

In addition to the concert, cuisine & wine tasting, a fabulous collection of donated wines will be available for sale and auction items will be sold.  

Tickets to the 3rd Annual Symphony at Sunset are $40 per person, $75 for a pair, and tables of four are available to reserve.  

Purchase event tickets, make a  contribution or buy a Burton Park naming opportunity:  http://www.prfsancarlos.org/events/symphony/