From September through November, Effingham Community Orchestra musicians and volunteers were out in the community promoting their ninth annual Holiday Concert and Homemade Cookie Sale and selling tickets for their annual fundraising raffle. The item being raffled was a new Fender acoustic guitar pack including the guitar and accessories. Tyler Beale had the winning ticket, which was drawn at the end of the Dec. 6 holiday concert.

Effingham Community Orchestra is a non-profit, 501(c)3, tax-deductible organization dependent entirely upon donations and fundraisers.

“Drawing the winning ticket at the Holiday Concert adds another fun and festive element to the day,” orchestra director Andrea Huff said. “Everyone was excited to see who would win. The fundraising raffle is a very important source of income for our orchestra. It helps provide necessary funds to begin the coming year. We greatly appreciate all those who supported us with the purchase of tickets.”

2016 Orchestra rehearsals have begun, and additional musicians are being accepted. Information can be found by visiting the web site www.effinghamcommunityorchestra.org. All interested musicians are encouraged to contact the director by calling 912-826-5300 ext. 110 or emailing orchestradirector@effinghamcommunityorchestra.org.