Oregon Symphony honors Burgerville employees

In 2008, Burgerville began participating in Work for Art, the innovative workplace giving program that matches the gifts of Oregon employees to the arts. Much to everyone's surprise and delight, Burgerville employees donated over $9,000. Wanting to best that in 2009, Burgerville employees raised nearly $16,000 (an 80% increase over the prior year) for Work for Art. More than 240 employees participated (a 122% increase in Burgerville participants over the prior year).

Recently Kathryn Jackson, Work for Art Manager, shared this inspiring story with Jessika Allen and Leslie Tuomi of the Oregon Symphony while planning the Symphony's own Work for Art campaign. The response was immediate and generous - free Symphony tickets to Burgerville employees as a thank you for their generosity!

Nearly 60 Burgerville employees from 23 locations and 50 of their family and friends attended at no cost the Symphony's "Comfort and Joy" holiday concert. Elaine Calder gave them a special welcome in her opening remarks and the conductor mentioned them in his comments about "comfort and joy". Many of the Burgerville employees had never attended a symphony concert before. It was a full house at the Schnitz and the audience enjoyed a sing-a-long at the end.