Bellevue Youth Symphony Orchestra is one of 12 Puget Sound-area groups that will receive a grant from funds raised at the sellout “Ten Grands” concert held April 3 at Benaroya Hall. The event, a program of the Snowman Foundation, plus other fund-raising efforts in the past fiscal year have generated nearly $39,000 for direct support of local music programs.

Steve Dewalt of Bellevue and the Seattle representative on the Snowman Foundation board, said last year’s award recipients have touched thousands of children through programs, performances and other activities.

“Thanks to the generosity of sponsors, supporters, volunteers and audience members, and despite the economic downturn, we raised about 41 percent more this fiscal year – only our second year of presenting Ten Grands in Seattle,” he said.

The Snowman Foundation, established in Portland, Ore. in 1999, was created in part in response to budget cuts affecting K-12 and community-based music programs.