President’s
Perspective

As Standing Ovation’s 2002 fiscal year closed, we celebrated our accomplishments and set in motion our plans for 2003.

This year brought many challenges and rewards. I thank the people on this board who:
Wrote a vision

Created a brochure
Increased marketing opportunities for the 2002 applicants
Successfully wrote our first successful grant (funds provided by the City of Bellevue)
Created our first partnership with the Bellevue Downtown Association
Recruited new companies and corporations to financially support SO
Created a 30 page strategic marketing plan

Revived our local newspaper coverage
Increased public awareness through public speaking and attendance at local events

Produced a highly successful gala
We’ve begun our 2003 strategic planning by inviting the arts groups we support to give ideas and suggestions on what they would like to see Standing Ovation address and achieve this year. In addition, we are looking forward to building more partnerships; increase marketing opportunities for arts groups at local events; incorporate our strategic marketing plan; and develop our endowments and grants.

Sincerely,
Raelissa Smith

Standing Ovation’s achievements are evaluated through the continued success of our Eastside Arts.

2002 “America Shines”
A Great Succes

In spite of a gloomy year for arts funding, Standing Ovation’s 2002 Gala at the Hyatt Regency Grand Ballroom raised over 40% more than last year’s event, thanks to the generosity of distinguished arts patrons and the enthusiasm and careful management of the Standing Ovation Board and Gala Committee.
Over 200 Eastside arts patrons enjoyed “America Shines,” the April 20th celebration with Premier Benefactor: Kemper Development Company, Underwriters: The Boeing Company and Microsoft, and more than a dozen other corporate and individual sponsors.

Awards abounded during this festive black-tie gala with Charles O.(“Chuck”) Morgan of Kirkland and John and Hazel Matheson of Bellevue receiving the $1000 Standing Ovation 2002 Honorary Awards for outstanding service to Eastside arts. Chuck Morgan, introduced by Peter Horvitz, is a co-founder of the Kirkland Performance Center with more than ten years of involvement to plan, raise funds, build and operate this treasured theater facility. The Matheson’s, introduced by Kemper Freeman, have been active supporters for Eastside arts, beginning as volunteers and patrons for the fledgling Bellevue Philharmonic Orchestra (BPO) 27 years ago. Today, Hazel continues her involvement with the BPO League and John has just completed his third year as BPO President. The Mathesons’ enormous generosity also includes support of Standing Ovation, the Village Theatre and the Bellevue Art Museum.

SO President, Raelissa Smith, introduced by Lin Salisbury , received the $500 President’s Award, and she in turn surprised four SO board members with awards for their outstanding service to the organization. The 2002 monetary awards totaling $2500 were sponsored by King County Councilmember, Jane Hague, and presented by Ms. Hague’s assistant, Jeanne Keenan to be dedicated to the arts organization of the recipient’s choice.

Rudy Harper’s “Yankee Doodle Fantasy” call to dinner left no one disappointed when the Hyatt’s dependably delicious dinner was crowned by an unforgettable double dessert.

Sherry Grindeland, the popular Eastside columnist for the Seattle Times, served as the evening’s Mistress of Ceremonies. The theme, “America Shines,” featured entertainment by the Bellevue Chamber Chorus directed by Dr. Fred Lokken in a medley of American favorites, thrilling SO benefactors, Betty and Kemper Freeman with the couple’s favorite, “Old Man River” by Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein II. During cocktails and dinner, music was generously provided by Jennifer Odle and Thelma and Lionel Kramer. The “Stars of Tomorrow” showcased outstanding award-winning Eastside youth artists, vocalist Julia Schlee, cellist Lennart Jansson, writers Drew Schwitters and Briana Vallene and students from Turning Pointe Dance Center, Heng Da Chinese Dance Academy, Dance Academy of Bellevue and the Clyde Hill Elementary Choir. Beautiful sights and sounds with yellow roses, red roses and all that shines were highlighted all evening under the skillful techniques of Progressive Image directed by Kevin Harkins. Bellevue Mayor, Connie Marshall, and Chuck Morgan braved the limelight in the evening’s finale with Ballet Bellevue’s Kristen Colliander in a soft shoe to Frank Sinatra’s “I Could Have Danced All Night.”

The final highlight on June __th was the board’s allocation of $40,000 in gala proceeds to 25 (?) very grateful arts organizations.

Thanks to all who supported this year’s gala, and Save the Date:
April 19, 2003. Arts on the Eastside depend on YOU!