Mission Statement

 Tampa Friends of The Florida Orchestra is a social group of music-lovers who support The Florida Orchestra through friend-raising, fund-raising, and volunteering.

Our meetings are social events, rather than business meetings, enabling members to get to know each other better.

We usually have a TFO musician who talks about their experiences and who plays several selections on their chosen instrument. Or we may have a staff member explaining the Who, What, When, Where,  Why and especially How  all the moving parts come together to make this the great orchestra that we enjoy.

We also have Pop-Up social events throughout the year, such as our recent Speakeasy event, and a Pop-Up social at the Michael Murphy Art Gallery.

See our Facebook page for all current Friends activities: Tampa Friends of The Florida Orchestra

HISTORY

We are a new organization, and in May, 2023, we finished our first full year of in-person meetings. (Our year runs from August through July.)

Our initial Steering Committee met in February, 2020, and then Covid lockdown came in March, 2020.

In  2021 we had virtual meetings with musicians playing.

In February and March, 2022, we met in person, then in April, 2022 had our first Garden Party fund-raiser, resulting in a $5000.00 gift to the Florida Orchestra.

Officers and Board of Directors

President

Jane Strom

Vice President

Joan Temerson

Vice President

Barb Izzi

Secretary

Barbara Routen

Treasurer

Lois Ancona

Directors

Alan Grofe

Sheryl Hoffman

Sam Saporta

Beth Unnasch

Emeritus Directors

Gayle Bertelstein

Carolyn McGonigel

Gary Satterfield

Eric Willams

Social Committee

Chair

Barb Izzi

Lois Ancona

Jan Berger

Gayle Bertelstein

Irma Caracciolo

Joan Gutierrez

Sheryl Hofmann

Jane Strom

Joan Temerson

Beth Unnasch