Encore

At a gala night celebrating the holiday season -- with the movie theme "White Christmas -- and helping raise funds to benefit students at Genesee Community College through scholarships, Jeremy and Sandra Liles were honored as co-chairs of the 31st Encore event in the Stuart Steiner Forum.

Jeremy Liles is owner of Oliver's Candies in Batavia and Sweet Life Country Store in Elba.

The brief program was followed by a performance of the Genesee Symphony Orchestra.

Previously: Encore gala returns for 31st season to spread 'White Christmas' cheer

The Genesee Community College Foundation hosted its 31st season of Encore on Friday in the Stuart Steiner Forum.

The gala, sponsored by Tompkins Financial, helps the foundation raise money to support student scholarships.

This year's co-chairs were Jeremy and Sandra Liles. The theme of the event took its inspiration from the 1954 classic holiday film, "White Christmas." 

Genesee Symphony Orchestra performed a selection of holiday favorites.

Jeremy Liles is a native of Genesee County, the owner of Oliver's Candies and Sweet Life Group, its parent organization, and has managed Oliver's Candies for over 20 years. Jeremy is actively involved in his local community and currently serves on the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and has served on the Batavia Town Planning Board. Sandra is a New Hampshire native who moved to Genesee County in 2005. 

Sandra opened Sweet Life Country Store in Elba and has managed the operation for the past five years. She says she enjoys working with many different local product vendors and artisans to make their wares available to the public at this store, as well as partnering with other local businesses to benefit the community. Jeremy and Sandra reside in Batavia with Tahlia, the youngest of their three children.

These photos capture the cocktail hour and dinner service. The Batavian anticipates further coverage on Monday.

Press Release:

On Friday, Dec. 15 at 5 p.m. Genesee Community College Foundation will welcome all guests to its annual Encore Celebration. This year's event theme, "White Christmas," inspired by the 1954 classic film, will capture the essence of the holiday season and features a special holiday concert program choreographed by the Genesee Symphony Orchestra.

Encore has a distinctive 30-year tradition and all proceeds from the event directly support student scholarships at Genesee Community College. The College is pleased to announce the return of our Presenting Sponsor, Tompkins Financial Corporation, to Encore 2023. 

"Tompkins' banking, insurance, and wealth teams are proud to once again partner with GCC in support of the people and community we serve here in western New York," said David Boyce, President & CEO, of Tompkins Insurance Agencies.

There are several opportunities remaining to sponsor the Encore event. These sponsorships are critically important to the scholarships GCC provides its students and are available at several levels this year:

• Table Sponsor: $1,500
• Conductor's Circle: $1,000
• Golden Baton Society: $600
• Inner Circle: $300
• Individual Platinum Patron Ticket: $100

Help make a difference and make your reservations today at www.gccfoundationinc.org/encore or contact the Foundation Office at (585) 345-6809.

For more information contact Justin Johnston, Vice President, Development and External Affairs at (585) 345-6809, or via email: foundation@genesee.edu.

Press Release:

The Genesee Community College Foundation will be celebrating its 31st season of Encore on Friday, December 15, with an elegant event of holiday music and fine dining. This annual gala fundraiser directly benefits the student scholarship program at Genesee Community College.

This year's co-chairs, Jeremy and Sandra Liles, are looking forward to presenting this year's Encore and celebrating the start of the holiday season. "We selected the theme "White Christmas" inspired by the 1954 classic film, which captures the essence of the holiday season and will feature a special holiday concert program choreographed by the Genesee Symphony Orchestra".

Jeremy Liles is a native of Genesee County, the owner of Oliver's Candies and Sweet Life Group, its parent organization, and has managed Oliver's Candies for over 20 years. Jeremy is actively involved in his local community and currently serves on the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and has served on the Batavia Town Planning Board. Sandra is a New Hampshire native who moved to Genesee County in 2005. 

Sandra opened Sweet Life Country Store in Elba and has managed the operation for the past 5 years. She enjoys working with many different local product vendors and artisans to make their wares available to the public at this store, as well as partnering with other local businesses to benefit the community. Jeremy and Sandra reside in Batavia with Tahlia, the youngest of their three children.

"Both Sandra and I recognize the importance of education and supporting the Foundation Scholarship program at Genesee Community College. We are honored to be co-chairs of Encore 2023."

Proceeds from Encore support scholarships for students attending Genesee Community College. Sponsorship opportunities are critically important to the event. To become a 2023 Encore sponsor, purchase tickets, or for event information, please visit https://gccfoundationinc.org/encore/ or contact the Foundation Office directly at (585) 345-6809 or foundation@genesee.edu.

It was "A Night in Casablanca" for attendees of the GCC Foundation's annual gala fundraiser, Encore 2022.

Encore co-chairs Robert and Zje Savage prepared a classic throwback to Rick’s Café Americain in World War II era French Morocco featuring gourmet food and dessert stations and live music by the Hanna PK Trio.

Proceeds from Encore support student scholarships at Genesee Community College. 

Top photo: Dr.Ginny Taylor, Chair of the GCC Foundation and Justin Johnston, executive VP of the GCC Foundation, present a plaque of appreciation to
Bob and Zje Savage, co-chairs of this year's event.

Photos Courtesy Genesee Community College.

Bob and Zje Savage, Co-Chairs, Encore "A Night in Casablanca"

The music headliner for the evening was Hanna PK and the Blue Hearts.

Press release:

The Genesee Community College Foundation will be celebrating its 30th season of Encore a little earlier this year on Saturday, Nov., 19. This year's event, held in the William W. Stuart Forum, will feature entertainment by Hanna PK and The Blue Hearts.

The annual Encore Gala raises funds for student scholarships giving the local community the opportunity to support students through the College Foundation, while enjoying a very special evening that kicks off the holiday season. This year, co-chairs Robert and Zje Savage are working with GCC's Foundation to plan something truly exciting for the 2022 Encore Gala under the theme "A Night in Casablanca." "We are looking forward to presenting this year's Encore and have many surprises planned for the evening," said Robert Savage.

Bob Savage is a native of Livingston County, where he has operated The WYSL Stations for the last 35 of his 55 years in media. He returned to build the news-and-talk outlet after a career spanning on-air and management duties at stations in New York City, Philadelphia, Detroit, Pittsburgh, Minneapolis and Knoxville. Western New York native Zje Savage is active in the local arts community in metal sculpture and photography. Zje has been a clothing buyer for the past 20 years. Bob and Zje reside in Brighton with their son, Jaz.

"Both Zje and I recognize the importance of education and supporting the Foundation Scholarship program at Genesee Community College. We are honored to be co-chairs of Encore 2022." This year's event theme "A Night in Casablanca" will embrace the essence of this Academy Award-winning feature film.

Proceeds from Encore support scholarships for students attending Genesee Community College. Sponsorship opportunities are critically important to the event, and are available at the following levels:

• "We'll Always Have Paris" Hors D'oeuvres Station Sponsor - $3,000
• "Last Plane to Lisbon" Dessert Station Sponsor - $3,000
• "Sam's Jazz Trio" Entertainment Sponsor - $2,000
• "Inspector Renault's High Roller" Thank You Gift Sponsor - $2,000
• "Here's Looking at you Kid" Photo Booth Sponsor - $2,000
• "The French Resistance" Lighting Sponsor - $2,000

To become a 2022 Encore sponsor or event information, please visit https://gccfoundationinc.org/encore/ or contact the Foundation Office directly at (585) 345-6809 foundation@genesee.edu.

Press release:

The snow has started to show up, that means, it is time to Put on the Ritz! Tickets are on sale now at www.gccfoundationinc.org/encore for the Genesee Community College Foundation's 2021 Encore celebration! This pop back to the roaring twenties will begin at 6 p.m. on Saturday, December 4, 2021, in the Richard C. Call Arena at GCC in Batavia.

With the help of presenting sponsor, Tompkins Financial Corporation, Encore co-chairs John and Cathy Witkowski have prepared a fun and festive throwback to the roaring twenties full of great food by the Mansard Inn and music by "Nik and the Nice Guys."

"The entire Encore committee is very grateful for the generosity of our sponsors this year," said Jennifer Wakefield director of Development and Alumni Affairs. "Their commitment to this event shows the value they place on student scholarships, and the future of our communities. This year in addition to great folks at Tompkins Financial, we are pleased to be working with Five Star Bank as the Speakeasy Lounge Sponsor, Oliver's Candies as the Cotton Club Confections Dessert Station Sponsor, CPL as the Charleston Dance Floor Sponsor, and ESL Federal Credit Union who is the Doll Face Photo Booth Sponsor."

Tickets include dinner, drinks, dancing and all the fun:

• 6 p.m. Cocktail hour with gourmet hors d'oeuvres, themed signature drinks and stylish jazz holiday music by "The DSP Jazz Trio"
• 7 p.m. Gourmet Buffet Stations
• 8 p.m. "Nik and the Nice Guys" take the night away with live music on the house dance floor.

GCC is also offering opportunities to sponsor the Encore event. These sponsorships are critically important to the scholarships GCC provides its students and are available at several levels this year: the High Roller Table - $1,500; the Rolls Royce Gild - $1,000; Studebaker Society - $600 and the Roadster Circle - $300. Each of these levels includes tickets (ten, six, four and two respectively) for the event. Of course, individual Platinum Patron Tickets are also available for $100 per person.

To help make a difference as a sponsor, please complete the online forms at www.gccfoundationinc.org/encore or contact the Foundation Office at (585) 345-6809, or foundation@genesee.edu today.

Press release:

When the Genesee Symphony Orchestra was presented with an opportunity to perform at Encore 2020 for the GCC Foundation, there was a harmonic and resounding "YES!" from members and board members alike. With that commitment, the virtual celebration which raises critical funds for student scholarships, began to take shape.

With the generous sponsorship from Tompkins Financial Advisors, Tompkins Bank of Castile, and Tompkins Insurance Agencies, the Encore 2020 committee, cochaired by Tom and Kim Cox, have built a spectacular event that everyone can enjoy on Saturday, Dec. 12 -- without having to go out in the snowy weather!

The entire event is available completely online and ticket access is on sale now.

As the "Be the Light" program details came into focus, the Genesee Symphony Orchestra (GSO) learned more and more about the time and efforts the staff at Genesee Community College had implemented to ensure the health and safety of the GSO members during rehearsals and filming.

"The members and I were honored to be asked to perform at GCC's Encore 2020," said GSO Music Director and Conductor S. Shade Zajac. "The care and consideration for our health and safety that GCC put into the preparations for this program allowed us to perform as a full orchestra, maintaining safe distances and even to magically perform a selection or two that include special appearances by members of the Genesee Chorale."

At 6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 12, the program will be broadcast for those with ticket access. Amongst the mix of holiday favorites, the GSO has included a special arrangement entitled "Christmas at the Movies" full of popular tunes from movies such as "The Polar Express," "Nightmare Before Christmas" and "A Miracle on 34th Street."

Through the magic of modern technology, the Genesee Chorale will "join" the GSO for two special pieces, a union that hasn't been made in quite some time.

The Conductor's Prediction: 'There Won't Be a Dry Eye'

"I am particularly excited about my personal selections for this performance which embody Encore's Be the Light theme," Zajac said. "The journey from darkness into light that is felt through the last movement of Beethoven's Symphony is so representative of this moment in time when we can be a light for someone's dark journey. It is indeed fitting for the end of 2020 as the 250th anniversary of his birth.

"My second selection, composed by Gustav Mahler, is called 'Resurrection' (Symphony #2). It is a gorgeous movement meaning 'primal light' that features the orchestra and a soprano soloist Brittany Burgess. It is only truly fantastic artists and musicians that can bring feeling to a piece -- and she has done that. There won't be a dry eye. On behalf of the GSO, I'd like to thank GCC for asking us to do this, it has been a gift to make some music as a group."

"Be the Light" is more than musical excellence, more than a performance, this will be a true audio and visual treat -- viewers will enjoy a unique and exclusive perspective to this show as only cameras can provide.

Encore 2020 is a critical component to the scholarship fundraising the GCC Foundation does every year to ensure students in need can continue to achieve their college dreams.

For ticket access, please visit https://gccfoundationinc.org/ or contact the Foundation Office at (585) 345-6809, or foundation@genesee.edu today.

Press release:

There are a lot of plans and celebrations being postponed or even cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic this season. Leaders are encouraging people to stay home and avoid large events and gatherings. However, for nearly 30 years, The Genesee Community College Foundation has welcomed the holiday season by hosting a very special event -- Encore -- and global coronavirus pandemic or not, Encore must go on!

For months, GCC has been working with its generous and community-focused sponsor, Tompkins Financial, to ensure that the critical scholarship funds generated through the Encore event do not become another loss to the Coronavirus pandemic. Tom and Kim Cox are the cochairs and the outcome is nothing short of extraordinary!

The Genesee Symphony Orchestra & The Genesee Chorale will perform for Encore 2020 ONLINE.

Encore 2020, focused on the opportunity to "Be the Light" will be broadcast online through special ticketed access on Saturday, Dec. 12 at exactly 6 p.m. at https://gccfoundationinc.org/.

"Moving the Encore celebration online has truly taken some holiday magic," said Justin Johnston, vice president of GCC's Development and External Affairs. "Teams from multiple areas of the College and partners in our community have come together and created an evening that will fill everyone's homes with a festive warmth that can only come from knowing you are helping someone in need."

Encore 2020 VIP tickets include an extra special treat that supports local area restaurants through this difficult time as well! Click here to order your ticket access to the performance and select your favorite restaurant to take your Encore celebration on Dec. 12 to the next level!

For sponsorship and other information, visit https://gccfoundationinc.org/ or contact the Foundation Office at (585) 345-6809, or foundation@genesee.edu today.

When Thomas A. and Kim M. Cox found out that Genesee Community College intended to move forward with their annual Encore event on Saturday, Dec. 12, despite the obstacles presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, they were intrigued.

"We've always enjoyed working with GCC, including on Encore in the past and we have been supporters of the GCC Foundation and the scholarships it provides for years," said Tom Cox. "We were excited to take on the challenge when the Foundation asked us to return and cochair Encore 2020."

Last month, Kim and Tom, a current member of the GCC Foundation Board of Directors, kicked off the Encore 2020 efforts and got right to work.

The couple excitedly announced that this year's Encore event is being sponsored by Tompkins Financial Advisors, Tompkins Bank of Castile, and Tompkins Insurance Agencies.

"Tompkins has always been community focused, and now more than ever, it's important for organizations to step up and recognize the impact GCC has on its students and our community," said David S. Boyce, Tompkins Insurance president and CEO. "Thank you to GCC for its role in educating our future leaders."

With the support of Tompkins Financial, the GCC Foundation has been able to secure very special performances by the Genesee Symphony Orchestra as well as a special appearance by members of the Genesee Chorale!

Perhaps the newest feature of this year's Encore event will be the venue -- the entire performance will be available online! Visit here for tickets to access the performance from the comfort of one's own home and an extra special offer that will make the evening even brighter!

Join the virtual celebration on Saturday, Dec. 12, at 6 p.m.

To "Be the Light" and sponsor Encore 2020, please complete the online forms here or contact the Foundation Office at (585) 345-6809, or foundation@genesee.edu today.

The following sponsorships are available:

• Virtual Table Sponsor – $2,000 Sponsorship includes 10 tickets to the event, program recognition, and dinner for 10 (takeout or gift certificate).
• Conductor’s Circle Sponsor – $1,000 – Sponsorship includes six tickets to the event, program recognition and dinner for six (takeout or gift certificate).
• Golden Baton Society Sponsor – $600 – Sponsorship includes four tickets to the event, program recognition and dinner for four (takeout or gift certificate).
• Inner Circle Sponsor – $300 – Sponsorship includes two tickets to the event, program recognition and dinner for two (takeout or gift certificate).
• Platinum Patron Ticket – $100 – Ticket includes one ticket to the event, and dinner for one (takeout or gift certificate).
• Concert Ticket – $50 – Ticket includes admission for one to the event (no dinner).

Area Restaurants Generously Supporting Encore with Dinner Takeout Menus

Alex’s Place – Batavia

Black & Blue – Rochester

Hole In The Wall  – Perry

Yard of Ale – Piffard

Zambistro Restaurant – Medina

Submitted photo and press release:

As the fall season gets underway with brisk temperatures, mark your calendars for Genesee Community College Foundation's 2019 Encore celebration, "An Evening of Elegance" cochaired this year by Mary Blevins (above seated) and Jenna Holota (above right).

Join the entire GCC community for dinner, drinks, dancing and a holiday concert by "Nik and the Nice Guys" on Saturday, Dec. 7, in the Richard C. Call Arena at GCC's Batavia Campus. Tickets are on sale now, click here.

Since its inception, the Encore Gala has provided an opportunity for the local community to raise funds for student scholarships. In 2018, the Foundation awarded over $145,000 in scholarships. As the world and economic factors change, the need for scholarships grows -- and so does Encore!

Blevins has lived and worked in Batavia for 28 years while she raised her sons John and Matthew. In addition to being the branch manager at ESL Federal Credit Union in Batavia, Blevins is the chairman of the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.

"I've always believed in the work GCC does," Blevins said. "I was so honored when Rick Ensman contacted me to chair this event.

"I'm excited to bring together new elements and admired traditions to through music, dining, dancing, networking, and friendship all wrapped up in 'An Evening of Elegance' at Encore 2019. I hope everyone will come out to enjoy it and to support the scholarships that change lives for so many students."

Holota, grew up in Batavia and is now raising her 3-year old daughter, Mckenzie, in her hometown. As the assistant branch manager at ESL, Holota enjoys helping the credit union members through every financial situation they encounter. 

"When Mary asked me to cochair this event with her, I was both proud and honored," Holota said. "I've enjoyed attending the event in the past. Knowing that I will be contributing to a scholarship program for GCC students makes it extra rewarding."

Each year, GCC offers opportunities to sponsor the Encore event. These sponsorships are critically important to the scholarships GCC provides its students and are available at several levels this year: the Holiday Chord Circle -- $1,000; the Golden Guitar Society -- $600; and the Inner Circle -- $300. Each of these levels includes tickets (six, four or two, respectively) for the event.

To become "An Evening of Elegance" sponsor, please complete the online forms here or contact the Foundation Office at (585) 345-6809, or foundation@genesee.edu today.

Press release:

As co-chairs for Genesee Community College Foundation's 2018 Encore celebration, Thomas A. and Kim M. Cox have been busy finalizing details that are sure to deliver a dazzling "Let it GLOW" evening! Join the entire GCC community for the all-new 2018 Encore celebration on Saturday, Dec. 1, in the new Richard C. Call Arena at the Batavia Campus. Put on your dancing shoes! 

Since its inception, the Encore Gala has provided an opportunity for the local community to raise funds for student scholarships. In 2017, the Foundation awarded over $224,000 in scholarships. As the world and economic factors change, the need for scholarships grows -- and so does Encore!

The Let it GLOW 2018 Encore Celebration will be full of surprises! For the first time ever, the Encore celebration will transform the new Richard C. Call Arena into a festive, jovial party place with lights illuminating the space and adding to the atmosphere. Attendees will find convenient parking, and there will be no need to walk around campus-rather everyone can enjoy all the fun in the new facility!

Guests will be welcomed into the Arena for cocktail hour at 6 p.m. featuring several special Let It GLOW themed signature drinks sponsored by the Michael S. Tomaszewski Funeral & Cremation Chapel LLC and the Dibble Family & Event Center on behalf of Michael and Valerie Tomaszewski. Mingle and taste test the delicious beverages while listening to stylish jazz holiday music provided by The DSP Jazz Trio. Following cocktail hour, at 7 p.m. guests will delight in a gourmet dinner prepared by American Dining Creations.

Then, beginning at 8 p.m. put on your dancing shoes and dance the night away on the Arena field house dance floor as your holiday favorites are performed by nationally acclaimed "Nik and the Nice Guys."

There is still time to become a sponsor for this fabulous new Encore celebration and Scholarship fundraiser. Visit here today for details!

Sponsorship opportunities are critically important to the event and are available at: the Holiday Chord Circle -- $1,000; the Golden Guitar Society -- $600; and the Inner Circle -- $300. Each of these includes tickets (six, four or two respectively) for the gala and recognition in the Encore 2018 program and the live Encore 2018 display.

To become a Let it GLOW sponsor, please visit here or contact the Foundation Office at (585) 345-6809, or foundation@genesee.edu today.

Submitted photo and press release: 

The Genesee Community College Foundation will be shaking things up this December with a new venue for the 27th annual Encore Gala. Before the first crocuses and daffodils are up, GCC suggests that all community members "save the date" for the 2018 Encore celebration on Saturday, Dec. 1 in the brand new Richard C. Call Arena at the Batavia Campus. 

The annual Encore Gala raises funds for student scholarships giving the local community the opportunity to support students through the College Foundation, while enjoying a very special evening that kicks off the holiday season.

This year, co-chairs Thomas A. and Kim M. Cox, pictured above, are working with the GCC Foundation to plan something truly exciting for the 2018 Encore Gala under the theme, "Let it GLOW."

"We are honored to chair the 2018 Encore Gala and are excited to be having this event in the new Richard C. Call Arena," Kim Cox said with an enthusiastic smile. "In addition to the new venue, we have many surprises planned for the evening."

Tom, a retired superintendent of Gananda Central School District and Kim, retired superintendent of Le Roy Central School District, both recognize the importance of education and supporting the Foundation's scholarship program at GCC. Their career-long passion for education made them a perfect couple to chair the 2018 Encore Gala. Tom and Kim currently reside in Conesus.

"From the first committee meeting, it was clear that the 2018 Encore celebration would be a unique celebration," Richard Ensman, executive director of GCC Foundation said. "Tom and Kim have some great ideas, but the real motivation behind Encore comes from the scholarship opportunities it funds for GCC students." 

For more information about Encore please contact the Foundation Office at (585) 345-6809, or via email to foundation@genesee.edu.

GCC Foundation Encore 2017 co-chairs Jim and Patty Pacino.

Submitted photos and press release:

The Genesee Community College Foundation is excited to share the line-up for its 2017 Encore gala: Icicles and Pearls on Tuesday, Dec. 12. All are invited to support the College Foundation by reserving tickets and enjoying this beautiful and delicious evening!

Proceeds from Encore support the GCC Foundation Scholarship Fund, which awarded over $127,000 in scholarships last year helping to keep talented students in our communities and helping students overcome financial hardships. Under the leadership of co-chairs, Jim and Patti Pacino, an amazing gala is underway to ensure the scholarship fund continues to support our deserving students.

The reception will feature the exhibit, "Waterworks: Water Tables & Other Aquatic Accoutrements" by artist, Jennifer Hecker, on display at the Roz Steiner Art Gallery. Guests are invited to meet the artist and view these powerful water sculptures.

A formal dinner reception featuring seasonal favorites and culinary masterpieces by American Dining Creations will begin at 6 p.m. in the William W. Stuart Forum. During dinner, guests will enjoy a contemporary jazz ensemble by the Derek Reiss Group. A cash bar with beverage service will be provided by the Michael S. Tomaszewski Funeral & Cremation Chapel LLC and the Dibble Family & Event Center on behalf of Michael and Valerie Tomaszewski.

After dinner, at 7:45 p.m., guests will be escorted to the Stuart Steiner Theatre for a special Holiday Pops Concert performed by the two-time Grammy Award winning, Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra led by resident conductor, Stefan Sanders.

Since 2014, Sanders has led more than 200 performances with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra. He is also the newly appointed music director of the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra and the Round Rock Symphony in Central Texas.

This year, he will serve as the principal conductor for the 2018 Hot Springs Music Festival in Arkansas. Recent guest conducting appearances have taken him from Poland to Ecuador, as well as around the United States to Virginia, Naples, Syracuse, San Antonio, Austin and Corpus Christi. He studied at the University of Texas at Austin and was a fellow at the American Academy of Conducting at Aspen. He is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and the Juilliard School. This will be Sanders' final season with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra. 

The BPO's performance at Encore will feature principal oboist Henry Ward. A Philadelphia area native, Ward previously served two seasons as acting associate principal oboe for the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. Ward's solo debut was in 2012 when he performed Mozart's Oboe Concerto in C Major with the Carnegie Mellon Chamber Orchestra.

The spectacular Encore evening concludes with an exquisite dessert reception at 9:30 p.m. held in the Wolcott J. Humphrey III Student Union.

"This year's Encore gala is sure to be a special evening for all. From the 'Waterworks' exhibit in the art gallery, to the delicious meal and the moving musical performances, Encore is truly an evening to celebrate all that the GCC Foundation brings to our communities," says Encore Chairperson Patti Pacino. "My husband, Jim, and I are thrilled and honored to be a part of it this year."

Once again this year, Five Star Bank led the support for Encore as the Benefactor Sponsor. However, sponsorship opportunities are still available at the following levels: 

Conductor's Circle -- $1,000 entitles donor to six tickets to the gala and Prelude Reception

Golden Baton Society -- $600 entitles donor to four tickets to the gala and Prelude Reception

Inner Circle -- $300 entitles donor to two tickets to the gala and Prelude Reception

Patron -- to attend the gala, supporters can purchase tickets for $100 each

To become a 2017 Encore sponsor, please contact the Foundation Office at (585) 345-6809.

Questions regarding the Encore event can be directed to the GCC Foundation at (585) 345-6809 or via email foundation@genesee.edu

Below is principal oboist Henry Ward. Bottom photo is Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra Resident Conductor Stefan Sanders.

Press release:

The Genesee Community College Foundation invites the community to enjoy the holiday season at Encore with the theme: "Nature's Bounty: Roots to Bloom."

The annual gala on Tuesday, Dec. 15, features seasonal music from the two-time Grammy Award winning Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, led by Associate Conductor Stefan Sanders. Encore raises funds for GCC student scholarships and will be chaired this year by Robert ('74) and Lori Bennett of Le Roy. Robert currently serves on the GCC Foundation Board of Directors.

Reservations for Encore: Nature's Bounty: Roots to Bloom are requested by Nov. 30. Questions can be directed to the GCC Foundation at (585) 345-6809 or via e-mail foundation@genesee.edu.

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 at 5 p.m. with BPO Associate Conductor Stefan Sanders;

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

•    Inner Circle - $300 and two tickets, including prelude reception;

•    Patron - $100 per ticket.

The event begins with a prelude sponsor reception at 5 p.m. in the lobby of the Stuart Steiner Theatre. Guests will have the opportunity to meet Conductor Sanders, who is making his first appearance at Genesee Community College's Encore Gala, and also artist, curator and collector Gerald Mead.

Guests can explore Mead's exhibition on display in the Roz Steiner Art Gallery which is entitled, "Of Niagara: Works from The Gerald Mead Collection." The exhibit features the work of 62 artists from Niagara County covering all media including an early 20th Century watercolor by Raphael Beck, designer of the seal for the 1901 Pan-American Exposition, and a 2014 digital photograph by Joe Ziolkowski, current instructor of Photography at GCC.

At 6 p.m., guests will move into the William W. Stuart Forum for a dinner reception with sensational food selections and a cash bar. After dinner, the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra takes the Stuart Steiner Theatre stage for a holiday pops concert lead by Conductor Sanders beginning at 8 p.m. The evening concludes with an exquisite dessert nightcap at 9:30 to be held in the Wolcott J. Humphrey III Student Union.

Sanders is an imaginative musician, devoted educator and ardent champion of many types of music. He holds the Montante Family Endowed Associate Conductor Chair with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, where he leads performances on the Classical and Popular series, as well as Education and Family concerts. In addition, Sanders is the new music director for the Greater Buffalo Youth Orchestra.

He has collaborated with an array of distinguished guest artists and orchestras including engagements with the Orquesta Sinfónica de Guayaquil (Ecuador), Virginia Symphony, Symphoria (Syracuse), Naples (Fla.) Philharmonic, and four Texas companies -- San Antonio Symphony, Austin Symphony Orchestra, Austin Lyric Opera, Corpus Christi Opera, as well as the Round Top International Festival Institute. Sanders makes his European debut with the Filharmonia Warminsko-Mazurska in Olsztyn, Poland, this season.

Prior to his conducting career, Sanders was an internationally renowned trombonist, performing as a soloist in North America, Asia and Europe, and was a member of the BPO's trombone section for seven seasons. He was invited by Sir Elton John to play in the orchestra for his Radio City Music Hall concerts in 2004, which was recorded for the Bravo Television Network.

He began his formal conducting studies at the University of Texas at Austin, studying as a fellow at the American Academy of Conducting at Aspen under the tutelage of maestros Robert Spano, Larry Rachleff and Hugh Wolff. He is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and the Juilliard School.

WBTA's Debbie and Dan Fischer chaired this year's major fundraiser for the GCC Foundation, Encore 2012, the annual appearance by the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra at the college. Besides the symphony, the event featured a dinner and art show and was attended by more than 300 people.