Welcome to the Gateway Gals web page!

While you are here visiting, we'd like to tell you a little bit about ourselves...

Who are the Gateway Gals?

Over the years, the profits from our fundraisers have been used to provide necessary items for the chorus: from costumes, to the trailer, to our new van.

The Gateway Gals are a supportive group of friends, spouses, and relatives of the men in the Southern Gateway Chorus.  We provide monetary support through our fund-raising activities (nuts and blooms!), and we provide emotional support and encouragement with our "cheerleading" activities while the men in the chorus perform and compete.  We help take care of the details, so the guys can focus on the singing!

When do the Gateway Gals get together?

Regular meetings of the Gateway Gals are held during even numbered months, on the second Tuesday of the month, during regular chorus practice times, Tuesdays at 7:30 at Harmony Lodge in Winton Place.  In these meetings, there is time to get to know each other, participate in fun activities and plan events which enhance the life of the Southern Gateway Chorus family.  We have light snacks and beverages at these meetings for the Gals, and sometimes during the year, we will provide a meal for the men.  Socializing together is always fun, with singing and much laughter!

Board Meetings for the Gateway Gals are held on odd numbered months, during regular rehearsal time.  Members of the Board meet to plan events, and work on special projects throughout the year.

Why should I come to the Lodge?

Well, the best reasons to come is to see friends, get the hugs and smiles, and be a part of an amazing family!  You learn, over time, that "singing barbershop" is more akin to "living barbershop", and the entire experience is better when you know the people you're living with!  Another reason to come is Stenger's chili, but that's another topic!  And then, there is always the opportunity to go upstairs and listen to rehearsals, and see just how hard these men work on the art, and the craft, of singing 4-part barbershop harmony.

What about those fundraisers?

Each of the last two years we sold over 6000 pounds of nuts. The retail value this year was almost $40K.

We have two MAJOR fundraisers each year to help support the chorus, and by major, we mean just that!  Over the years, the profits from the fundraisers have been used to provide necessary items for the chorus, from costumes to the trailer, to our new van.

Thousands of pounds of nuts are sold during our annual fall fund-raiser, in time for holiday baking.  These are the best nuts ever, and our repeat customers keep requesting more and more and more! In 2005, over six thousand pounds of nuts will find their way to our valued supporters.

The Spring flower sale is equally impressive, with hanging baskets and potted plants filling the rehearsal hall and being dispersed to our loyal customers just in time for Mother's Day.  Osterhues Greenhouses supply our plants and also offer a "friends of Gateway" donation to the chorus for all purchases at the greenhouse. Again, with such a good quality, we have repeat customers, and a growing base of new customers each year.

What else do the Gateway Gals do to support the chorus?

What could possibly be more fun than cheering our guys on to success?  The Chorus puts on several performances each year, and volunteers are always needed to sell tickets, crafts, CD's or split-the-pot tickets, as well as usher our audience to their seats.  We also provide back-stage support through performances with costuming and props.  Many hands make the tasks light and keep it pleasant!  At Chorus competitions, we are the cheerleaders, providing voice and applause and positive energy to keep our guys in a winning frame of mind. Throughout the year, our Sunshine Committee sends our love through cards and calls to those who are ill, have suffered a loss, or who just need some support and encouragement.

Sounds like lots of fun, how do I join?

It's easy! Just come to a rehearsal on the second Tuesday of the month (or any Tuesday for that matter) at 7:30.  There are no dues, and anyone who is a supporter of the Chorus can come join us.  Many of the Gals have green nametags on, which identify us as a Gateway Gal.  Be brave and approach one of us, if we don't approach you first!  We're glad to have you as a Gateway Gal!

Who's Who in Gateway Gals!