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Corvallis-Uzhgorod SCA •Exchanged > 1300 visits •Projects: youth, disabilities, health, women’s leadership, tourism, orphans, transparency •People in Uzhgorod VOLUNTEER! People Uzhgorod-share a gift •Music fundamental to Ukrainian culture •Cantus Chamber Choir •Liturgical & folk songs of Transcarpathia •European acclaim & professional Planning: 4-yrs & counting…. 2002 Sally McBride, delegate to Uzhgorod 2003 Stas Sokach, Business Mgr, to Corvallis • Business plan & budget $60,000 • Concert schedules & volunteer venues • Proposals to foundations (16) • Web page to advertise/communicate Planning: 1.5 yrs & counting.… 2004 Venues/hosts invited to collaborate • 14 concerts from Seattle WA to Eugene OR • Tickets @ $15 with $3 for local mission/school • Master classes @ schools/universities • Choirs sing finale together • Donor, sponsor, advertising campaign begins fall Anticipation 2005 !!! • Seattle host families giddy; debut concerts WOW!! • Cantus arrives Corvallis: WELCOMED • Choir says “This is Corvallis!” • Corvallis mayor proclaims Sister City Week! • Let the music, friendship, and hospitality flow Volunteers make it happen!! •14 venue hosts, 24 dinner & reception hosts •10 Master Classes; 14 choirs sing with Cantus •120 home stay families; 450 volunteers •145 people contribute $27,000 for pre- arrival $$$ •Ticket sales +/-40% seat capacity (est. 60-65%) •CSCA Board contributes $7000 to break even •Cantus remembers…. •Host families primary memory!!! •Respect between family members •Americans express keen interest in culture, families, and life in Uzhgorod •Compliment: music in curriculum •Cantus volunteers!! •Free-will offering buys choir robes, music, and concert at orphanage •Choir plans future activity with orphans Surprises & Successes •10-yr-old girl exclaims, “They speak my language!” •Mini-concert for Boeing singer recoup surgery •Slavic church from Ukraine prepares borscht •Cantus sings in Oregon Senate and House •Dinner provided at Oregon Coast by church •Cantus and OSU choir directors plan exchange •Exceptional visibility for Sister Cities •Overwhelming enjoyment by attendees •CSCA Board accomplishes vision; many years in the making! Ray D. William, Chair Cultural Exchange Committee Lee Ann Julson, Webdesigner & poster
