Posted on: Wednesday, September 22, 2004

23rd HONOLULU SYMPHONY FUN RUN
Honolulu Symphony cancels its fun run

Advertiser Staff

The Honolulu Symphony has canceled its annual fun run for this year.

The number of competing fund-raising runs and the decline in participation were cited in the decision, according to Julia Moran, development specialist for the symphony.

The 23rd Honolulu Symphony Fun Run was scheduled for Oct. 10. The annual event in Kahala, which included 1.5- and 4-mile routes, was a staple on the local racing calendar. The run was unique in that participants were greeted by performances along the route by symphony members and other musicians and singers.

Moran said the decision to cancel the run was made by key members of the fun run committee and Honolulu Symphony president Stephen Bloom.

"The interest (in the fun run) has definitely declined," Moran said. "We used to raise about $100,000, but that's not what it is any more."

When the Symphony Guild started the fun run, it was one of a few.

"However, over the years, the idea of a fund-raising run spread throughout the community and several other organizations currently hold annual runs," Moran said.

Moran said the symphony has started brainstorming for new fund-raising ideas for next year.

"It's a disappointment, but opens up doors for new fresh ideas," Moran said. "It's not to say we'll never do (the fun run) again, but we're taking a bit of a hiatus."