home page

BSO Named ‘Nonprofit of the Year’ by Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce

November 22, 2025
BSO staff, board members, and musicians gather after winning Nonprofit of the Year at the 2025 Bellingham Regional Chamber Awards Dinner. From left to right: Audrey Negro, Corey Welch, Carol Comeau, Stacee Sledge, Gena Mikkelsen, Isabelle Kepner, Gail Ridenour, Yaniv Attar, Kathy Bell, and Toni Sandler.

The Bellingham Symphony Orchestra (BSO) is honored to announce it was named Nonprofit of the Year by the Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce at the Chamber’s annual awards ceremony held on November 20, 2025 at the Silver Reef Casino.

The BSO was chosen from an outstanding group of finalists that included Vamos Outdoor Project and Cascade Connections.

“We’re deeply grateful for this recognition and were just honored to be among such incredible nominees,” said BSO Executive Director Gail Ridenour. “This award reflects our commitment to artistic excellence — and also our belief in the power of music to strengthen and inspire our community.”

The award highlights the BSO’s ongoing dedication to create meaningful musical experiences, expand educational programs, and foster community engagement across the region.

BSO Music Director Yaniv Attar echoed Ridenour’s sentiments, adding: “This wouldn't be possible without Gail and our amazing staff, our board, and most of all our hundred or so dedicated musicians and chorus members who give everything to create and have live music here in Bellingham for everybody.”

For more information about the Bellingham Symphony Orchestra and upcoming performances, please visit the BSO website at bellinghamsymphony.org.