The Philly POPS, the largest standalone pops orchestra in the nation, has announced a new fundraiser to maintain the organization’s operation.

The #SavethePOPS fundraiser came about after the orchestra announced in mid-November that it would shut down. Fans and patrons responded to the announcement with alarm—and ticket sales. During the Christmas concert season, the POPS played to sold-out crowds, and many patrons asked how they could help. The orchestra is asking supporters to either donate to the fundraiser or buy tickets to an upcoming performance.

According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, the campaign would help pay off debt and meet financial obligations as well as fund future operations. During the fall season, the POPS struggled to fill seats and discovered that many of its traditional listeners were not returning after the pandemic. The organization, which traditionally has relied almost entirely on ticket sales, is working to revise its business model and raise philanthropic and charitable donations.

“We made a difficult decision in November that I’m happy to say we can now put into review,” said POPS president Frank Giordano. “We are not out of the woods yet. We must raise $2 million by the end of our season in July to cover our obligations and secure our future as a Philadelphia institution. This fundraising effort is ambitious and there are no guarantees, but the holiday season delivered us something we didn’t have before: hope for a path forward.”

“It’s wonderful news that we can look at a plan to keep our programs going. We have a unique role in our city’s concerts of celebration, in the School District [of Philadelphia] with our POPSinSchools programs, and with our Salute Series,” said POPS chief executive Karen Corbin. “Our musicians gave spectacular performances in December. The enthusiastic audiences we saw then should plan to come back quickly to see the program of their choice!”

(Photo credit: Getty Images/cyano66)