[vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][fwp-anim-text animated=”true” animation=”enter right move 10px over 1s after”]For 17-year old Maribel, it was a dream come true to attend a Pacific Symphony concert. Maribel grew up playing music, and as a member of the advanced orchestra at her school, she played the violin for almost 10 years, which provided her with an immense sense of purpose and motivation as she worked to graduate on time with the rest of her classmates.
Maribel’s “Big Sister” mentor Lori Zappas attended her student concerts, and was always there in the audience to cheer Maribel on and encourage her dreams. Because music played such an important role in their friendship, it was particularly meaningful for the pair to attend a Pacific Symphony concert together. Most importantly, it opened Maribel’s eyes to the kind of future she could have if she stayed in school and followed her passion for violin.[/fwp-anim-text][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner el_class=”” width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”4146″ alignment=”center” border_color=”grey” img_link_large=”” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”medium”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner el_class=”” width=”2/3″][fwp-anim-text animated=”true” animation=”enter right move 10px over 1s after”]“We had such a memorable time together—the seats were amazing. We were in the balcony at the rail, just to the side of the orchestra,” says Lori, who mentored Maribel from 2010 until she graduated in 2016. “Maribel was very excited about the whole evening. It was truly a night to remember!”
[/fwp-anim-text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][fwp-anim-text animated=”true” animation=”enter right move 10px over 1s after”]“A majority of children served by Big Brothers Big Sisters are growing up in low-income, single-parent homes, with few chances for them to enjoy live musical experiences,” says Mary Hawkes, director of community engagement for Pacific Symphony. “Through Pacific Symphony’s Heartstrings program, dozens of matches at Big Brothers Big Sisters are able to attend concerts at the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall at no charge, giving many of these youth an opportunity to expand their cultural horizons for the very first time.”
“Pacific Symphony’s Heartstrings program has offered tremendous exposure to arts and cultural opportunities for the children we serve,” says Melissa Beck, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County. “Music is a key part of youth development, and for many of our Littles, this was the first time they have ever been able to attend a performance. We are thrilled to be partnered with Pacific Symphony in this impactful program.”
[/fwp-anim-text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1484329345642{background-color: #a2a2a2 !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_empty_space height=”32px”][fwp-anim-text animated=”true” animation=”enter right move 10px over 1s after”]Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County and the Inland Empire believes that with the support of a caring mentor, every child has the ability to achieve his or her full potential. The nonprofit makes one-to-one matches between volunteers and children (“Littles”) facing adversity through a mentoring program that improves the odds of youth performing better in school and avoiding violence and illegal activity. More than 3,000 children are served annually and achieve great outcomes: 99 percent graduate high school on time, 89 percent enroll in college and 100 percent of Littles say their mentor was their biggest influence in pursuing a higher education.
Heartstrings is a major community-wide program providing free access to concerts, hands-on enrichment activities and transportation for a range of underserved local residents in partnership with Orange County agencies. Pacific Symphony is committed to sharing the joy and power of music with all Orange County residents, regardless of their age, background, socioeconomic conditions or other circumstances.
For more information about Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County and the Inland Empire, look for its table in the lobby from Jan. 12-14, or visit www.ocbigs.org.[/fwp-anim-text][vc_empty_space height=”32px”][/vc_column][/vc_row]
