

Dear Friends,
In December 1971, I began taking violin lessons. I couldn’t have imagined then that more than five decades later, I’d still be playing! For the past 12 years, I’ve had the honor of performing with Lakeview Orchestra, Chicago's premier volunteer orchestra that has become a meaningful part of my life. It has been a pleasure to perform with so many talented musicians, many of whom are now great friends. Our engagment with the audience community has been truly rewarding!
Lakeview Orchestra has grown into something truly special: a nonprofit organization committed to artistic excellence and community connection. As part of our Our Symphony, Our Future! campaign, we’re aiming to raise $25,000 this month to support the orchestra’s continued growth — and I’ve set a personal fundraising goal of $4,000 to help us get there.
Your support will directly fund programs that make a real impact. Every donation, no matter the size, helps us bring inspiring, high-quality performances to the greater Lakeview community — and ensures that classical music remains vibrant and accessible.
If you’re able, I would be deeply grateful for your support. Donations are fully tax-deductible and can be made at:
https://lakevieworchestra.app.neoncrm.com/campaign.jsp?campaign=91&fundraiser=963&
Thank you for supporting something that means so much to me — and to so many others.
Warmly,
Nick Skezas
Violinist, Lakeview Orchestra
Lakeview Orchestra is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization celebrating more than a decade of artistic excellence. This spring, the orchestra has a goal to raise at least $25,000 as part of our Our Symphony, Our Future! campaign, which will allow us to continue bringing classical music to the greater Lakeview community.
Every dollar raised will go directly to helping us achieve our mission and this year’s priorities that include:
- Increasing Accessibility for the Community – This season, we’re offering 250 free student tickets to help young audiences and families experience the magic of live orchestral music without financial barriers.
- Expanding the Guest Conductor Program – We’re welcoming three distinguished guest conductors, each bringing fresh perspectives and elevating our artistic programming. Their expertise will challenge and inspire both our musicians and our audience.
- Enhancing Member Experience – With 88 dedicated musicians, we’re investing in rehearsal space upgrades and new artistic development opportunities to ensure our members continue to refine their talents and deliver exceptional performances.
Donations to Lakeview Orchestra are 100% tax-deductible. Questions? Contact us at info@lakevieworchestra.org.
Supporters | |||
Name | Date | Amount | Comments |
Kevin Murphy | 06/08/2025 | $1,000.00 | Greg French | 06/07/2025 | $75.00 | Keep playing that music...... | Michael Baglio | 06/07/2025 | $100.00 | Congratulations Nick Skezas | Mark Yim | 06/07/2025 | $200.00 | Nick, you’re an inspiration! | Miriam Plotkin | 06/06/2025 | $25.00 | Grace Baran | 06/05/2025 | $100.00 | Dennis Daughtridge | 06/02/2025 | $100.00 | Happy to donate | Eddie Reyes | 06/02/2025 | $75.00 | Good luck Dr. Skezas!! | Jeff Nichols | 06/01/2025 | $100.00 | I see | Tony DiFalco | 06/01/2025 | $25.00 | I loved every concert I’ve attended. Wonderful Orchestra with excellent musicians. Looking forward to many more!! | Tony DiFalco | 06/01/2025 | $25.00 | I’ve loved every concert I’ve attended. Wonderful orchestra with excellent musicians. Looking forward to many more!! | Mike Shizas | 06/01/2025 | $100.00 | Can't wait to see another show soon! | Aimee Owens | 05/30/2025 | $50.00 | Terry Guthrie | 05/30/2025 | $50.00 | Maria Vatougios | 05/30/2025 | $50.00 | Best wishes Nick ❤️ Love your cousins Maria & Stamati | Deborah Tun | 05/30/2025 | $50.00 | David New | 05/30/2025 | $25.00 | Hope to attend a concert or two in the coming season. It would be great to see you! | Teri & Al Kogut | 05/30/2025 | $30.00 | Maybe one day I'll hear you perform. Keep delighting the World, Nick. | Larry Friedman | 05/30/2025 | $50.00 | Good luck, Nick! | Jessica Casteel | 05/30/2025 | $20.00 | Phyllis Ellin | 05/27/2025 | $50.00 | Anonymous Friend | 05/22/2025 | $50.00 | May Pao | 05/12/2025 | $50.00 | Thank you Nick for introducing me to Lakeview Orchestra! | Constance Skezas | 05/11/2025 | $100.00 | Good Luck reaching your goal!! Love you, Connie | Andrew Aulde | 05/11/2025 | $50.00 | Not living in Chicago I have never been to a performance. This has inspired me to check on-line to see if I can find a recording there. | Ross Slotten | 05/10/2025 | $500.00 | From both Ross Slotten and Ted Grady | Bruce Zangwill | 05/10/2025 | $25.00 | Congratulations for your long fruitful association with the orchestra | Anonymous Friend | 05/08/2025 | $250.00 | Vincent Martin | 05/05/2025 | $100.00 | Aranie Pereira | 05/05/2025 | $100.00 | Geo and Anna Dearborn | 05/04/2025 | $25.00 | congratulations to our friend Nick | K&K Kunz | 05/04/2025 | $25.00 | Hope you meet your goal Nic! | Holly Heft-Turner | 05/03/2025 | $25.00 | Fondly remembering Mckeesport Senior High School Orchestra and the annual musicals. I'm currently learning clawhammer banjo, but still have my violin. | Larry Friedman | 05/03/2025 | $75.00 | Good luck fundraising for your Orchestra Nick! Music can truly change lives for the better❤️ | John Kuhlmann | 05/03/2025 | $15.00 | Robert Malatesta | 05/03/2025 | $50.00 | Congratulations nick. | Nickolas Shizas | 05/03/2025 | $100.00 | Nick, keep making beautiful music. 🎶 we love you to no end | Nicole Ziccarelli | 05/03/2025 | $100.00 | For my wonderful Koumbaro! We love you, Nick!!!! Xo | Ron Minnicks | 05/03/2025 | $100.00 | Best wishes to obtaining your goal. | Jeffrey Korzenik | 05/03/2025 | $100.00 |
Total | $4,140.00 |