Over 60 Russian Division donors enjoyed an incredible performance of "Of Thee I Sing," followed by a dessert reception at the Symphony’s Wattis Room. Many members of the cast, the chorus, and the orchestra joined them at the reception.

A number of people spoke from the heart about the importance of supporting the Federation. Perhaps most moving were the remarks by one of the Symphony violinists, a 1974 emigre, who talked about the importance of giving back and her 20 years of active volunteering for Federations throughout the country.

Several Jewish Symphony performers were overheard talking about how they remember fighting for the release of Soviet Jewry, and what a pleasure it is to see things come full circle.