Page 20 September 2015 By Alessandra Dagirmanjian Ann and Jennifer Siner first opened My Sister’s Closet in Phoenix in 1991 in an attempt to change the way people experience consignment apparel shopping. With a focus on what they coined as the three c’s: cute, current and clean, the sisters eventually expanded their concept of a boutique-like thrift shop into six different locations throughout Arizona – including Phoenix, Scottsdale and Chandler – as well as other locations in California. Their success in transforming apparel resale led them to open My Sister’s Attic and a location for men called Well Suited. “Our thrift store shoppers cross all demographics. It’s kind of a fun buzz for everyone,” said Ann. Adding to their innovative business ventures, Ann and Jennifer recently found success in their nonprofit consignment store, My Sister’s Charities. After opening the store a year ago, the sisters have earned $72,000 and donated it to many of their favorite nonprofit organizations in Arizona. Their focus on providing aid for women suffering in abusive relationships in addition to homeless animals has led them to support local nonprofits such as the Humane Society and Fresh Start. Ann and Jennifer operate My Sister’s Charities as a 501(c)(3) organization. “We wanted to do our own charity because we were sure we could do it on our own,” said Ann. The store is different from other charity thrift stores in that it operates as a recycling center for the unsold goods from their other three stores, but individuals can donate items as well. The sisters work hard to ensure that every piece they sell at My Sister’s Charities falls under the categories of “cute, current and clean,” just as they do in their other stores. “Even though [the merchandise] didn’t sell in our other stores, it’s still designer stuff,” said Jennifer. Despite common thrift store challenges of staffing and maintaining quality, Jennifer and Ann have managed to put together a solid management and volunteer team to run their store and keep it looking nice. Through unit pricing and amazing one-dollar shoe sales, they were able to turn a profit in one year, while also focusing their efforts on specific organizations in need. When the Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center’s cooling system went down, Ann and Jennifer were able to raise an incredible $8,000 in one short month to help. “We have always considered it really important to give back to the community. It’s extra work for us, but it’s really rewarding,” said Ann. My Sister’s Closet charity raises $72K in its first year

Representing students of Arizona universities, community colleges and high schools, as well as other emerging Arizona artists since 1993. 480.946.5076 . artonegalleryinc.com 4130 n marshall way . scottsdale Representing students of Arizona universities, 480.946.5076 . artonegall art ne gallery howl • kristjan kristjansson • ink on paper • 20.5”h x 15”w ARTWALK! THURSDAY NIGHTS SCOTTSDALEGALLERIES.COM Page 21 September 2015 By Amanda Goossen In April, Arcadia resident, Phoenix Symphony Chorus conductor and Scottsdale Christian Academy principal, Tom Bookhout, had the opportunity to perform at New York’s Carnegie Hall. To make the moment even more memorable, his wife of 29 years, Jeanne, also performed, singing alto in the chorus. “Jeanne has been by my side all along the way. She helped me study for my master’s and doctorate,” said Tom. “We are very busy at this point in our life and we love that the chorus is something we can do together.” Jeanne, who is the early education director at Phoenix Christian Preparatory School, agreed. “I love singing for Tom. I’ve sung for many conductors and he is the best.” The Phoenix Symphony Chorus was established in 2001 and serves as a professional-level performing partner for Arizona’s only full-time orchestra. With 140 members of the chorus, they collectively donate more than 12,000 hours of service to music and The Phoenix Symphony each year. According to The Phoenix Symphony, during Tom’s tenure, “The Symphony Chorus has grown over 40 percent and enjoys a reputation for its commanding performances, engaging rehearsals and its camaraderie.” “The chance to perform at Carnegie Hall was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that our group was very excited about,” said Tom. “Being originally from the East Coast, it surprised me how many people had never been to New York. Many used [the trip] as a chance to also see the sites.” Carnegie Hall, the midtown Manhattan music venue, was built after American industrialist and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie met Walter Damrosch, the conductor of the Ontario Society of New York and Damrosch expressed his desire for a new space for his organization. The final cost of the construction, almost completely financed by Carnegie, amounted to $1.1 million. The venue opened on May 5, 1891 with Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky conducting his Marche Solennelle on opening night. Now, 124 years later, with three auditoriums and a total of 3,671 seats, Carnegie Hall presents over 180 performances each year. The Guest Conductor Series is one type of event that occurs at Carnegie each year. Music organizations throughout New York search out conductors to work with a group of invited choruses, rehearse with them and then lead them on the main stage for a special event. Two years ago when a group of Scottsdale Christian Academy students were invited to participate with a guest conductor at Carnegie, Tom traveled with his students. During the trip, he was invited to revisit, this time to conduct. Founder and president of Manhattan Concert Production, Craig Arnold, had attended Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York with Tom and recommended him for the job. Tom led 90 of his Phoenix Symphony Chorus members, along with two other choruses, through three days of rehearsal before the final show. During their solo portion of the show, The Phoenix Symphony Chorus members were honored to perform Psalm of Ascension, a newly commissioned piece by composer Dan Forrest. “The Phoenix Symphony Chorus means so much to us and to all our volunteers,” said Tom. “During our off times I get emails saying how much they miss it or can’t wait to start again. “ “It really is so much fun,” said Jeanne. “And when you get to do these once-in-a-life time events, how can you not love being part of it.” ty ar Phoenix Symphony Chorus performs at Carnegie Hall (Left) Jeanne and Tom Bookhout visit Carnegie Hall just before Tom performs as a Guest Conductor. (RIght) The chorus rehearses before the big show.