Please join SOA for the second year of participating with orchestras throughout the nation in the effort to fight hunger.  In collaboration with Golden Harvest Food Bank, SOA asks our Pops! audience to bring food donations to each Pops! at the Bell concert this season (October 25, December 14, February 14, March 7).  All food is distributed by Golden Harvest Food Bank throughout the CSRA to those in need.  Collection barrels will be located in the front lobby at the Bell Auditorium at each concert.  Last season, SOA collected over 900 pounds of food to provide over 765 meals for those in need.  SOA’s goal, with the help and generosity of our patrons, is to surpass that target this season.

The national Orchestras Feeding America project, initiated in 2009 by the League of American Orchestras, was inspired by the true story of Nathaniel Ayers, a gifted Juilliard-trained cellist who became homeless as the result of a mental illness.  Los Angeles Times columnist Steve Lopez, who noticed Mr. Ayers, was drawn to his talent, intelligence, and passion for Beethoven.  This relationship led to the creation of the film, The Soloist, about Mr. Ayers.  This film and the Orchestras Feeding America project are testaments to the power of music.