Plus: • Classics for Kids Launches Endowment at San Diego Foundation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 2006 CONTACT: Stephanie Thompson Public Relations
(619) 840-7353 stephanie@stephaniethompson.com
San Diego — The San Diego regional Chamber of Commerce named the Coronado-based performing arts organization CLASSICS FOR KIDS its “Emerging Business of the Year” in the Micro Business category at its annual luncheon honoring small businesses in May.

The San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and the U.S. Small Business Administration hold an Annual Tribute Luncheon to celebrate National Small Business Week each year. Classics for Kids, with its professional orchestra, is devoted to providing accessible, professional, and educational music performances for children, was recognized for its growth and success, and dedication to providing community solutions to the growing problem of lack of arts education in the public schools.

The Emerging Business of the Year Award is given to a San Diego County-based business that shows a substantiated history as an established business, confirmed by revenue growth and profitability or demonstrated staying power through adversity. Classics For Kids qualifies as a Micro Business, which may be a home-based, street front, or office-based part-time or full-time business with ten or fewer employees.

The two dozen winners in all categories were announced at the 2006 San Diego Small Business Awards Luncheon on May 19, 2006 at the San Diego Marriott Hotel & Marina. The finalists for the Emerging Business
of the Year Micro Award were Capital Real Estate Finance, Cut & Dried Hardwood, and D.A.T. Management, Inc., with Classics For Kids emerging as the winner.
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Classics For Kids Named Emerging Business of the Year – 2

“Small business is the backbone of the region’s economy,” said Bill Holman, vice president of corporate relations for the Chamber. “We feel it is essential to recognize and give credit to those who excel.”

ENDOWMENT LAUNCHED
Marion Sciré, Classics For Kids Executive Director, also announced today that the 13-year-old nonprofit organization has launched an endowment at the San Diego Foundation with a very generous gift from longtime supporter Caryl Lees Witte, in honor of her sister Mimi Lee. The goal of the endowment is to ensure the future success and growth of the organization so it can continue its mission. “Everyone talks about the problem of disappearing arts education for the next generation of
children,” said Sciré. “Classics for Kids’ is solving that problem. We produce affordable top quality educational concerts for students and families all over San Diego County, and we believe in doing so we are helping to build a generation of cultured adults who are creative thinkers, as well as growing future audiences for the arts.”

Under the direction of Artistic Director Dana Mambourg Zimbric, Classics for Kids starts its 13th season in November 2006. Each show is performed at the Joan B. Kroc Theatre in Rolando and the CA Center for the Arts, Escondido.

ABOUT CLASSICS FOR KIDS
Founded in 1994 by Marion Sciré, Classics for Kids is dedicated to educating children about classical music through professional orchestra concerts and programs. The Classics Philharmonic is made up of professional, classical musicians under the leadership of conductor Dana Mambourg Zimbric. Classics for Kids performs original programs for student and family audiences each year, often collaborating with other regional performing arts organizations to present the highest possible quality of performance.

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(619) 840-7353 www.stephaniethompson.com