The Gateways Awards

Since its founding in 1993 and subsequent move to Rochester, NY in 1995, Gateways volunteers have been the lifeblood of the Festival. Despite the retirement of founder Armenta Hummings Dumisani in 2009 and the absence of a paid staff, Gateways’ dedicated volunteers ensured that the Festival remained vital and vibrant. They tirelessly raised funds, marketed and publicized events, managed financial accounts, organized travel and lodging for musicians, prepared meals and receptions, arranged chamber music performances in homes and houses of worship, and so much more. Their unwavering belief in Gateways' mission laid the solid foundation for the ongoing success of the Festival. At the start of the 2022 Festival, Gateways recognized the following long-time volunteers for their Distinguished Service:

Jennifer Allen, Rhonda Austin, Carolyne S. Blount, Ricky Frazier, Joanne Gordon,
Martha Hope, Barbara Jones, James H. Norman, Dolores Orman, Heidi Parreño,
Ruth Phinney, Cecille Shorter, Jackie Ulmer, Nancy Warren Oliver, Fr. Robert Werth