Congratulations to the Fort Collins Symphony Guild 2008 winners of the Award of Excellence hosted by the League of American Orchestras. This year's presentation was made at the National Performing Arts Conference in Denver on Friday, June 13th.

Ten projects were presented at this year's conference. The Volunteer Council Fund-Raising Gold Awards are given each year for the most creative and successful fund-raising projects. By presenting these awards, the Volunteer Council of the League of American Orchestras recognizes the important role volunteers play in the financial stability of American orchestras.

The Fort Collins Guild was recognized for their innovative fundraising tour of six new downtown Fort Collins lofts and one retail space that showed the synergy between loft living in the heart of the city and the arts.

They demonstrated how the energy and life force that a college town with a vibrant downtown can add to one's quality of life, and the amazing results that can be achieved when a committed group of Guild members and community leaders join forces with a common mission and vision.