The Temple Symphony Alliance used the summer event to raise $15,000 for the Temple Symphony Orchestra last year.

The alliance’s efforts earned the group first-place honors in the Successful Fund-raising Projects category at the April 12 convention of the Texas Association of Symphony Orchestras. Kathy Kay, alliance president, and member Mary Locke went to Dallas to accept the award.

“It’s exciting to have won in our third year of existence,” Ms. Locke said. “It’s going to get everybody excited for this year’s Taste.”

Ms. Kay agreed.

“It’s nice to have this be the result of the many hours and tireless effort our volunteers put forth to make Taste of the Town happen,” Ms. Kay said. “And we’re going to keep at it. We’re going to make sure we have good music in Temple for a long time.”

The alliance’s work in establishing the Junior Temple Symphony Alliance for high school students and its funding two scholarships for music students at Temple College are additional ways the alliance supports the Temple orchestra.

“Getting the junior alliance started and raising money for the scholarships were counted as part of our Taste of the Town project efforts,” Ms. Locke said. “That helped us win the award too.”

This year’s Taste of the Town is set for Aug. 19 at the Cultural Activities Center in Temple. Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Wilson have been named honorary co-chairs.

“There’s going to be good food and good music. It’ll be the best party in town,” Ms. Kay said.

--Email questions and comments to tlunsford@temple-telegram.com