Benton helps to orchestrate Lake Forest Symphony’s fundraising efforts
By TRICIA SWEET Lake Forest columnist January 24, 2012 12:36PM
Grayslake-01/20/12, Fri./James Lumber Center at CLC Adam Levin, now living in Boston during pre-lecture Friday night before concert at the James Lumber Center at CLC. | Joe Shuman~Sun-Times Media
Lake Forest Symphony Guild
Funds raised benefit the Lake Forest Symphony
For more information go to www.lakeforestsymphony.org or contact Betty Benton
at 847-234-5279
Article Extras
Updated: February 27, 2012 8:43AM
From the enthusiasm in her voice, Betty Benton’s passion for music is obvious.
She teaches piano to youngsters and holds recitals at her home. Her husband, former Lake Forest High School teacher Jim Benton, is known to lend his singing voice to the occasions.
But Benton lends her musical expertise to a worthy organization as well.
“We raise money and support the symphony in any way we can,” said Benton, a Lake Bluff resident who is co-president of the Lake Forest Symphony Guild along with Laura Henderson.
“It’s a lot of work, but it is fun work benefiting Lake County’s only professional orchestra,” she said.
The Guild is active throughout the year, especially right before its five concert weekends, when teas are held at private homes on Wednesdays. Guild members and guests are treated to a concert preview and a short orchestral program.
Adam Levin — who grew up in Lake Bluff — played guitar Jan. 18, giving guests a taste of his upcoming performance Jan. 20 and 21 at the James Lumber Performing Arts Center in Grayslake.
Members of the guild also help at youth concerts held before some concert weekends. The hope is to expose children to the excitement of a live symphony orchestra.
Guild members also keep the orchestra members happy with food, providing refreshments at rehearsals. Pre-concert dinners also are held before Saturday night concerts at various restaurants.
“We want people to come and get to know one another,” said Benton, “and then they will be more likely to keep coming back to concerts.”
The Guild’s biggest annual fundraiser, the Mad Hatter Luncheon and Fashion Show, is April 26 at the Exmoor Country Club.
This popular event helped the group earn the Guild of the Year title by the Illinois Council of Orchestras in 2011 — an award that, safe to say, was music to Benton’s ears.
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