More than 200 people gathered at the Del’vant Event Center Thursday for the LaGrange Symphony Guild’s annual “My Favorite Things” fundraising event.

The event raises thousands of dollars each year to support scholarships, instruments and fees for students that are a part of the youth orchestra and string ensemble.

“We have a lot of silent auction items that have been donated, and we also have vendors who are selling items,” said LaGrange Symphony Orchestra Executive Director Raylene Carter. “There are performances by our older youth symphony orchestra, so high school age children.”

Lauranne Buchanan, who is on the board of directors of LSG, said that Thursday’s event was the best turnout they have had in years.

“All of our work is to support the youth symphony because we really believe it is so important that young people have an opportunity to do something different from sports, if they are not sports people,” Buchanan said. “Music is such a wonderful part of what we want young people to enjoy.”

In April of 1991, the LSG was created as a smaller wing of the LSO to give financial and community support toward the youth programs.

Richard Prior, an award-winning conductor and acclaimed composer, surprised the LSG and event attendees to give a few remarks at the event.

“Without the little board, without the work it [LSG] does and without the people, there is no big board,” Prior said. “We always have to look at is we are the family or the ecosystem that makes up the LaGrange Symphony. We open the season next week, and I know you all are coming, with at least five people.”

The LaGrange Symphony Orchestra’s concert season will begin on Sept. 24 with a concert titled “Sounds of Drama.” The season will continue with “Sounds of Dance” on Oct. 29 and a holiday concert on Dec. 10 titled “Sounds of Peace.”

LSO will continue its season in 2020 on March 24 with “Sounds of Storytelling,” and close with “Sounds of Home” on April 28.

The LaGrange Symphony Youth Orchestra will perform two shows, one in November and one again in 2020. To learn more or to purchase tickets, visit Lagrangesymphony.org.