Enjoy A Star Lit Celebration at Encore 2013

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Encore Chairs Linda and Brian Daviau

BATAVIA, NY (10/16/2013)(readMedia)-- Festive décor, exceptional food, esteemed guests and the entrancing melodies of the prestigious Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra will once again combine for a joyful fundraising evening at Genesee Community College. A Star Lit Celebration is planned at Encore on Tuesday, December 10, 2013.

This annual holiday celebration supports scholarships for GCC students. The event begins with a gala reception in the William W. Stuart Forum, followed by the renowned Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra performing seasonal favorites under the baton of distinguished conductor Paul Ferington in the Stuart Steiner Theatre. The delightful evening concludes with an exquisite dessert nightcap to be held this year in the Wolcott J. Humphrey III Student Union. "We want the community to see one of the newest additions here at the College that has been made possible by their continued support of the Foundation," said Linda Daviau, who with her husband Brian is chairing this year's event.

The Daviaus bring a love of GCC and education to their roles. Linda taught for 36 years at Elba Central School. "Having been a teacher, I am wholeheartedly in support of education. Chairing Encore to raise money to provide scholarships to attend GCC is an opportunity for us to help provide an education that will open doors for many students," she said.

Her husband, who earned a Bachelor's Degree from The College at Brockport, returned to school at GCC to study accounting. "I enjoyed my studies at GCC very much," said Mr. Daviau. "My degree from GCC gave me career opportunities I would not have had." He is an accountant with Markin Tubing in Wyoming. He has made a demonstrated commitment to the College, serving on the board of the Genesee Community College Foundation as treasurer and currently, vice president.

The Daviaus have enjoyed attending Encore in years past. "Many look forward to this concert performed by the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra as the kick-off to their holiday season. BPO Conductor Paul Ferington has a wonderful way of making this holiday concert a delight." said Mrs. Daviau. "It's always a fun evening."

Mr. Ferington has been on the conducting staff of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra for nearly 30 years. During this time, he has conducted the BPO in more than 400 concerts. A guest conductor and recital accompanist nationally and internationally, Ferington has received the Beaux Arts Award for Contributions to the Arts from the Niagara Council of the Arts, the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching and the OperaBuffs of Western New York Educator of the Year Award. In addition to conducting, he is on the music faculty at Buffalo State College and serves as conductor/music director for the new college-community Buffalo State Philharmonic Orchestra.

Proceeds from Encore support the GCC Foundation Scholarship Fund. Five Star Bank has again generously signed on to be the event's Benefactor Sponsor. Sponsorship support is available at the following levels:

• Conductor's Circle - $1,000 entitles donor to six tickets for the event, including a prelude reception with BPO Conductor

• Golden Baton Society - $600 and four tickets, including prelude reception

• Inner Circle - $300 and two tickets

• Patron - $100 per ticket

Reservations for Encore: A Star Lit Celebration are requested by November 25, 2013. Questions can be directed to the GCC Foundation at (585) 345-6809 or via email foundation@genesee.edu.

For more information contact Marketing Communications Associate Director Donna Rae Sutherland at (585) 343-0055 ext. 6616, or email dsutherland@genesee.edu.

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Editor's Note: Photo of Encore Chairs Linda and Brian Daviau: http://marketing.genesee.edu/images/LindaandBrianDaviau.jpg