On February 7th, at the Let the Good Times Roll concert, the Board bestowed the first Friend of the Choir Award to Punch VanGrasstek.  This award was established by the Board to recognize individuals or businesses who champion the choir which is measured by donations given in time and/or money and further the mission of the choir in the community through successful and significant fundraising and promotion of the choir.

Punch served on the board of directors from 1999 – 2006.   During this time she led this fledgling organization in its growth to become a financially strong, solid, viable non-profit organization.  She brought the perspective of a successful business owner to the Board and helped lay the important ground work of establishing its mission, vision and core values during its infancy, which continues to this day.  Almost immediately after joining the Board, Punch donated her expertise as a chemist and her business’s resources (Clean Solutions), to develop a line of liquid bath and shower gel, Singing in the Shower Soap, for the choir that raised critical funds for the organization.  She served as a member of the fundraising committee for seven years, writing grants, soliciting funders and establishing the successful annual wine-tasting event.  Punch continues to be a strong supporter of the choir, attending concerts, donating money, and volunteering her time.  Punch VanGrasstek is a true friend and champion of the choir and it is fitting that she received the first Friend of the Choir Award as her commitment to support the choir in both time and money is unsurpassed in the history of this organization.