Obituary for Gini Benderly,

It is with great sadness that we have to inform you that our beloved friend Virginia (Gini) Benderly (nee Brown) died at her home in Patagonia early Saturday morning March 14, 2009. She would have been 90 years old on May 12. Gini has left a legacy of kindness to all who knew her and even those who did not. She was a great humanitarian, patron of the arts, a woman of wisdom, gentleness and vision.

Born in Kansas and raised in Columbus, Georgia, the daughter of a physician father and a musician mother, Gini naturally inherited their love of science and the arts. She married Shaw Benderly in 1948 and together, until his death in 2002, they forged a life filled with purpose. From Columbus to Buffalo, New York, to Jekyll Island, Georgia,,then to Carefree, Arizona and ultimately settling in Patagonia, they were dedicated supporters and patrons of many worthwhile causes. Gini served on the Boards of: Free the Children, the Global Youth Action Network, the Santa Cruz Humane Society and most recently was a founding member and the principal benefactor for the Santa Cruz Foundation for the Performing Arts.

Gini was an avid photographer, poet, writer, artist, composer, musician, and superb story teller. She wrote and directed screen plays, musicals and authored several books. A Reiki Master who loved to travel, design jewelry, show her beloved collies in the Westminster Kennel Show, Gini also raised wolves and cooked haute cuisine meals for family and friends (at one time for over a hundred people) Gini was comfortable in any setting and always made her guests feel welcomed. Because of her strong belief that one should leave the world a better place for having lived in it, the community of Patagonia and Santa Cruz County will always retain the gracious presence of this remarkable woman.

Area Performances

Latest Poll
Which area would you most likely support a recital hall.

Answer	0%		100%		Number of Response(s)	Response Ratio
Sonoita/Elgin					7	8%
Patagonia					39	45%
Kino Springs					19	22%
Nogales					11	13%
Rio Rico					10	12%
TOTALS					86	100%

Accolades/Kudos

“Everyone loved the concert. Your work is such a glory for our area!”
-Mother Miriam

“I have missed quality live music for so long that I continue to be overwhelmed by the variety and quality of all the concerts.  Many, many thanks.”
-John Walsh

“Keep up the great work! I am very please with the blending of venue and music.  Thank you for your efforts and all your work.”
-Caroline Walsh

“I so enjoyed the events.  You bring a much needed addition of culture to the area.  Music heals so much.”
-Susan Lange

“Phil and I think it's wonderful what you are doing in bringing such high caliber performances to our area and hope you are successful in all you do!”
-Sherry Luna

“Thanks for a fine job”
-Sandy Wolf

“The concert was a BIG success and very much enjoyed by everyone! I appreciated the way we are all getting to know each other better. You are doing a wonderful service for Santa Cruz County.”
-Fran Cook

“Truly, I appreciate your efforts and attention to detail in creating a perfect recital hall! You have made an extraordinary contribution to our life. Gracias a la vida!”
-Anne Gibson

“Wonderful program”
-Tom & Nancy Calhoun

“As good as it gets”
-Bernice Pomeroy

“Great music”
-Jeannie Fleming

“Excellent concert”
-Susan Lange

“Excellent cultural event. You do such a great job in bringing culture to this area. Thank you.”
-Horst & Hedy Kniesel

“Very enjoyable”
-El Hinkle

“Special place, special music, perfect evening”
-Linda & Cliff Hirsch

“Lovely to hear such a concert & so close to home” -Barbara Bell

“Wonderful music in such a perfect setting”
-Jan Johnson

“Mil gracias, marvelloso!”
-Analizabeth

“Absolutely wonderful”
-Ros Villa