Homewood Mountain Resort, a long time supporter of the arts and site of the Lake Tahoe Music Festival’s home amphitheater, is rolling out a priceless opportunity to festival members to re-name the “Smooth Cruise” ski run on the resort’s mountain.

This one-of-a-kind prize, which comes with a $15,000 minimum bid will be available for auction every two years, is just one of the many high-end items up for bid at the festival’s annual gala event, set for July 10, exclusively for festival members.

Art Chapman, president of JMA Ventures, notes “Music has been an integral part of the history and lure of the west shore on Lake Tahoe for decades. Homewood is thrilled to play a part in bringing it back to life and giving it a home at the Homewood amphitheater.”

In addition to the “Name Your Own Ski Run” prize, the invite-only event will feature a live and silent auction with a plethora of items up for bid ranging from a one week getaway in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands to all-inclusive nights on the town in Reno, private event offerings including catering and entertainment to various artwork including paintings and sculptures for the home or even a customized canvas painting of your favorite pet.

Held at the Brushwood Estate on Lake Tahoe’s pristine west shore, the 2008 “Good Fortune” gala will be serving up Asian-inspired dining and themed entertainment, bringing together Festival supporters to raise money for the non-profit Festival and its Educational Outreach Program as it embarks on its 26th season, July 17 – Aug. 9.

“Our annual gala pays homage to our donors and serves as the official kick off for our summer season which promises to be top-notch,” said Lisa Krueger, executive director of the Lake Tahoe Music Festival. “The gala event is our way of saying thank you to our members, encouraging new membership, and raising money for the Festival all in one decorated evening under the stars.”

The 2008 season of the Lake Tahoe Music Festival celebrates music from Bach to blues and beyond with eight concerts at four scenic venues in North Lake Tahoe including Tahoe Donner, West End Beach at Donner Lake, Alpine Meadows and its home venue, Homewood Mountain Resort. Noteworthy performances include Grammy Award-winning artists Chris Botti and Dave Mason, singer/songwriter Jim Messina, big-band swingers Big Bad Voodoo Daddy and smooth jazz sax player Euge Groove, just to name a few.

The gala event is for members only and tickets are reserved for donors of $1500 and up. To become a member of the 2008 Lake Tahoe Music Festival or for more information, log on to www.TahoeMusic.org or call 530-583-3101.

Lake Tahoe Music Festival
Founded in 1982 by Edgar Braun, conductor of the San Francisco Chamber Orchestra, the Lake Tahoe Music Festival presents eight concerts at four scenic venues throughout North Lake Tahoe including historic Donner Lake, Alpine Meadows Resort, Tahoe Donner in Truckee and its new home venue, Homewood Mountain Resort. The Lake Tahoe Music Festival is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that presents quality, diverse musical experiences and creates educational and performance opportunities for aspiring young musicians. Funds for the Festival are raised through individual memberships, corporate sponsorships, grants and advertising revenues from its Festival program.