Growing up, I frequently attended the annual Orchestra League Symphony Showhouse, and it was inspiring to see the architecture and creativity of the designers over the years. Of particular interest to me was catching a glimpse into some of the greatest homes that Oklahoma City has to offer. Undoubtedly I feel this has helped to form my initial interest to eventual career in real estate.
As a volunteer at last year’s showhouse on Lake Overholser, I enjoyed the experience of meeting so many people and I decided I wanted to offer myself this year to help.
Thousands of volunteers come together for this one event that brings in attendance from all over the state. It’s exciting to see that everyone from schoolchildren to senior citizens come out to support.
Months of work would not have been possible without my design cochairman Karen Smith, who is an accomplished event organizer for international museums and also World Cup Soccer. As a sort of freshman to the Orchestra League, I am grateful to have been teamed up with such an accomplished Co-Chair; we have worked well together and I have learned so much from her great experience in the field.
Karen Smith, my Design Co-Chair on left and Cindy Raby, Show House Co-Chair on right.
From busted pipes and floods, to blizzards, and all the logistics and inner workings of a 15,000+ Sq. Ft. home, it has been an education to say the least!
Events such as the Preview Party, the first viewing of the empty house by the public, to the Gala Black Tie Event held prior to opening day have helped the momentum to build as we prepared to open the doors to the public. The designers this year both new and seasoned have done an outstanding job again this year in the transformation of this jaw-dropping estate.
Table Setting at Black Tie Gala
I can’t wait to tour all my friends and family through the house, enjoy lunch in the Corner Bistro and share some of the memories I’ve made while volunteering for the 2011 Symphony Show House. My membership to the Oklahoma City Orchestra League was the first step in getting involved. I hope you will join me in supporting the Oklahoma City Philharmonic and music education by attending the show house, shopping in the boutique or perhaps buying any of the many furnishings available in the home.
