Rhapsody raises $400K+ for Turtle Creek Chorale

Grammy Award-winning musician, songwriter and producer David Foster and singer, television and Broadway starKatharine McPhee headlined the fifth annual Rhapsody gala benefiting Turtle Creek Chorale at the Statler Hotel last weekend, which drew some 250 guests and raised more than $400,000.

This year’s event marks the 45th year for Turtle Creek Chorale and the chorale’s fifth Rhapsody gala.

The evening featured an opening reception, a seated dinner, a luxury live auction and the performance by Foster and McPhee. Dr. Whitney Strauss was chair of this year’s event, and funds raised will be used to support “the Chorale’s mission to entertain, educate, unite, and inspire through its musical, cultural and educational programs,” according to a press release.

One of the highlights of the evening came during the luxury live auction

when bidding heated up over Chef Ken Rathbun’s dinner for 10 in his home, then Rathburn offered to host a second dinner as well.

Strauss said, “For more than four decades, Turtle Creek Chorale has built a remarkable legacy of entertaining, educating, uniting and inspiring our community through the power of music. Rhapsody is not only our signature fundraising event; it’s a celebration of the voices and stories that make this organization so extraordinary.

“I am deeply grateful for the generosity of our supporters and the unwavering dedication of our singers, staff, and volunteers. Together, we are ensuring that the Chorale’s music continues to uplift lives and strengthen our community for generations to come,” Strauss added.

Photos courtesy of Turtle Creek Chorale, via Frida Cossio with Culver Public Relations)

— Tammye Nash