March 13: Rome Symphony plans 'March Madness' fund-raiser

Media release: The Rome Symphony Orchestra is introducing its annual fund-raising series of Symphony Suppers in March with a Guys' Night Out at the City Club above Old Havana Cigar Company. The festivities kick off on Tuesday, March 13 at 6 p.m. Tickets are available for $20 each, and are limited to the first field of 68 men.

Attendees will watch the first game of the tournament. Included in the ticket price are draft beers, heavy hors d'oeuvres by Greg Blanton and optional participation in an 8-ball or dart tournament. Prizes will be awarded to the winners of the tournaments and to the man who predicts most closely the total points scored during the game.

In addition to the food and beverages provided in the ticket price, participants will be able to buy bottled beer, wines and cigars from Old Havana Cigar Company at special prices. Atlanta Hawks tickets and Atlanta Braves tickets will be raffled for $5 each. All attendees must be 21 or older.

Like many non-profit and arts organizations, the symphony has been hard hit by the current recession. Barbara Beninato, president of the RSO, explained. "The Rome Symphony is such an important part of Rome - past and present. We've been fortunate that extremely creative volunteers have stepped up this year to offer unusual experiences and fabulous food for our Symphony Suppers series. And even though "Guys' Night Out" happens before we release our official booklet outlining the Symphony Suppers, we hope it will pique the community's interest in seeing what other interesting events are available to attend in support of the Symphony. All of our fund-raising activities will be especially important this year as we strive to insure our financial stability. We are committed to the continued success of the Rome Symphony Orchestra. Romans have always been very generous, especially in support of a good cause."

Tickets for the March Madness event will be on sale at World Hi-Fi, Rome Visitor's Center, Living & Giving, Riverside Gourmet, Kroger and Old Havana Cigar Company or online at www.romesymphony.org.