Thank you to our Donors!!!

Grandioso ($2,501 – $5,000)

Glenn Geller

Presto ($1,001 – $2,500)

   Dr. Leila Afshar & Jane Hjellum                                         Sherry & John Sherrell

Alan & John Frith-Smith                                         TRL Systems 

                                 Phil Lawson                                         Sharon Webster     

   Derek Purdy                                              

Vivace ($501 – $1,000)

Rebecca Rieck & Robin Underwood

Allegro ($251 – $500)

        Donald Carlson                                         Mary Sehl

Mary & Milton Schroeder                                         Rhoda Strother

Allegretto ($101 – $250)

                                  Giuseppe Bevilacqua                    Anushka Gokhale                    Jonathan Panarello                              

                                           Lisa Bevilacqua                 Laurie Hasencamp                    Matthew Ragan                                    

                 Mr. & Mrs. Donald Cleveland                        Kelly Jump                            Linda Ramirez                                    

                                        Devonshire SL OpCo LLC          Sean J. “Ursula” Lawrence            Karen Rogers & Tom Wolf                              

        Sharon Donning & Sherry Richardson                    Judith A. Martin                    Ryan & Sarah Topper

                                  Terri England                      Linda Martinez                     Erin Trust                               

 

Andante ($51 – $100)

             Eric Alexander                           David Egan                           Kimberly Pratt

                             The Blackbaud Giving Fund                       Donna Guillaume                    Lena Sekine

                                                                            Beverly Box                      Mandy Kronbeck                    Megan Sidhu

                                                               Isabel Chan                  Barbara Helen Mack                  Cynthia Wada                                              

                   Jenny Froelich Davis                  Janet Orloff                  Mary Kay Hoffman Wagonblast   

           

Adagio ($50 and under)

             Liz AF                             Tom Jacobson                           Nicolle Moyer   

Cathy Baum                           Morgan Joeck                           Daniel Noble

Robert Benitez                           Betsy Joyce                           Adam Patch

Solomon Carrier                           Becky Jump                           Elijah Quesada

Wellum Chang                           Jonah Keel                              Emily Ranker

Jennifer Cleary                           Hunter Kim                           Jamie Rifkin

Patricia Dallam                           Lucas King                             Shayla Riggle

              Eric Demengate                Trudie Di Bene Kirkland                Derick Safarian          

Saba El Yousef                           Rachel Kleinberg                           John Skalicky

James England                           Eve Kornhauser                           Laura Solomon

Richard England                       Elizabeth Kronbeck                       Ryan Tremblatt

Jill & Robert Freundlich                             Kristine Le                             Amy Troiano               

Jean & John Fuller                                 Elana Liff                                 C. Vee                        

           Jack Gregory                                 Julius Logan                                 Cass & Elaine Walrath

Stacy Homan                           Sue Botting Massey                           Zephyr Therapy

Jenny Jacobs                           Michael Morris

(Donations reflect gifts given between January 1, 2024 to May 1, 2025)

 

Welcome Letter from our Board President, Spring 2025 Program

Good evening and welcome! Twenty years ago, when I decided to audition for this chorus, I could never have imagined the profound impact that single decision would have on my life. It has been an immense honor to serve as Board President for the past seven years. West Coast Singers is a truly unique and special organization, and I am incredibly proud to have been a part of it.

Over the recent years, we faced our share of challenges, including keeping WCS together through the pandemic by pivoting to virtual performances, securing crucial funding, celebrating our 40th anniversary, and diligently working to rebuild our membership to its pre-pandemic strength. I believe that if you were to ask any board member, they would agree that these past five years have been filled with dedicated hard work that we can all be incredibly proud of.

But enough about me! I want to assure you that I’m not going anywhere and will still be singing with WCS. I am simply adhering to the term limits outlined in our bylaws. Now, let’s move on to some important matters I want to share with you tonight.

As B.A. Carroll so eloquently stated, tonight’s performance holds a special significance, and we are thrilled to share it with you. It is our sincere hope that it inspires you to discover your inner spark and to stand against injustice in all its forms. Living in greater Los Angeles, it’s easy to sometimes feel a false sense of security, where acceptance seems widespread and harassment less prevalent. However, as we have all acutely felt since last November’s election, the landscape is shifting. Under the current administration, the LGBTQ+ community is facing increasing attacks, with active efforts to push us back into the closet. As these challenges mount, it is crucial to remember that we are not alone. We are loved, we are worthy, and we are undoubtedly stronger together.

To date in 2025, over 103 anti-trans bills have been enacted across the U.S., and a staggering 910 have been or will be considered. These bills target fundamental aspects of life, including healthcare, education, legal recognition, and even the right to exist publicly. These actions underscore the vital importance of organizations like WCS—an inclusive haven that unites LGBTQ+ and Ally singers in harmony. As the third oldest gay & lesbian chorus in the nation, we have a rich history of dedication and service to the greater Los Angeles LGBTQ+ community. Our members find a supportive, non-judgmental environment built on friendship and acceptance. We firmly believe in the power of our performances to open hearts and change minds.

We humbly ask you to consider supporting the West Coast Singers by making a tax-deductible donation this evening. As a non-profit arts organization, we rely on the generosity of individuals whose hearts we have touched through our music and our presence in the community. Donations can be made conveniently at any time via Venmo (venmo@wcsla), PayPal (paypal.me/wcslgbtq), our website (westcoastsingers.org), or even by credit card or check using the envelope provided in this program. If you choose to use the enclosed envelope, please feel free to place it in the donation box located in the lobby or mail it to us at your convenience. We would be delighted to include your name in our next program as a token of our gratitude.

In addition to direct donations, as you arrived, you may have noticed the beautiful collection of art available for silent auction in the lobby as you arrived. Please take a moment to browse the pieces and consider placing a bid!

In closing, we sincerely hope you enjoyed the VIP Reception and the wonderful soul food. Thank you for granting us the opportunity to share this poignant and inspiring Pauli Murray Cantata with you this evening. We encourage you to stay afterward for a brief post-reception. And finally, please join me in extending our warmest congratulations to Sanie Andres, who will be stepping into the role of President of the Board of Directors starting on June 1st. We wish you all a wonderful summer ahead!

In Love and Pride,

Jane Hjellum

President, Board of Directors

We Need You!!!

West Coast Singers is a thriving community chorus with over 40-year history of dedication and service to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered and queer community. Our musical growth has been phenomenal, and we are very proud of our accomplishments. We are however, a community chorus–not a professional chorus. We are a not-for-profit service organization, and we survive by the support of people whose hearts we have touched with our music and our presence in the community.

As a community chorus, we seek to embrace the wide diversity of experience from all walks of life in Los Angeles. Members of West Coast Singers are gay and straight, young and old, and from various cultures, countries and histories who have joined together because of a shared love of singing and choral music. In the process, we demonstrate a positive example of diverse elements working together in harmony. In addition, we seek to educate and facilitate mutual respect between the gay and lesbian community and the community at large. We also strive to be an active and giving member of our community…performing for many social and charitable organizations.

There are many ways to support West Coast Singers as we continue along our journey. First and foremost . . . if you enjoy our music, please attend our concerts and spread the word. This is of course the most rewarding way for us to experience your support.

You may also wish to offer financial support to West Coast Singers. We welcome donations to the West Coast Singers of any amount. Please click here to donate online, or contact us at (800) 439-4WCS (4927) and someone will contact you shortly.

With a donation of $1,000 or more, you may become a “Patron” of West Coast Singers. Call (800) 439-4927 for more information. Patron status allows you special choir benefits, and we will with great pleasure list you or your organization as a proud sponsor of West Coast Singers.

If you work for a corporation that provides matching funds for charitable donations, please include West Coast Singers as a worthy recipient (we are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization).

We also have a wish list for many items and services that can either be utilized directly by the chorus or offered at the various fundraising and charity events that we hold throughout the year. Many of these items are also tax deductible.

In any event, please know that what really matters most to us is that we can continue to sing for you! We are grateful for your support, and we hope you continue to enjoy the music of West Coast Singers.