TORCH: Musical Flame of Giving Provides Donations to Local Nonprofits

March 31, 2026

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What began as driveway concerts born of pandemic necessity has evolved into a sustainable philanthropic model that pays professional musicians, members of AFM Local 125 (Norfolk, VA), while supporting the Hampton Roads community.

Like musicians around the world during the pandemic, Virginia Symphony Orchestra (VSO) musicians found themselves out of work and deprived of both the monetary and spiritual sustenance of performing.

“Some of us organized chamber concerts in our driveways and other outdoor public spaces,” says TORCH Founder Tom Reel. “Those who were able provided money and gift cards to colleagues in need.”

Capturing that sense of purpose, Thanking Our Resident Community Heroes (TORCH) emerged from the grassroots efforts of musicians supporting each other. “When times were better, instead of giving money to each other, we could leverage those dollars and hire musicians for an annual benefit concert, not for ourselves but for a worthy community asset outside of the performing arts,” he says.

Reel, a retired VSO double bassist, is the primary benefactor for launching TORCH and was able to donate money to hire the orchestra for the services and make the idea a reality.

He approached Virginia Arts Festival (VAF) to see if they would like to partner on the project. “We knew that having an idea was one thing, but executing it would be more challenging,” says Reel. VAF helped by lending logistic and marketing expertise. Now, an annual TORCH concert is part of the festival’s season.

Working within the nonprofit festival also meant affiliation with what was already a trusted arts organization and TORCH did not need to set up its own nonprofit from scratch. VAF maintains a separate account dedicated to TORCH that is able to accept donations.

VSO has been helpful, providing most of the musicians, a music library, and a librarian. Though they’ve seen nearly 100% participation from VSO musicians, TORCH events are optional and the performers are paid over and above their regular salary.

The goals of TORCH are three-fold. In addition to raising money for a community asset through a benefit concert, TORCH puts extra money in the pockets of Local 125 musicians and enhances the reputation of the local and its musicians as valued parts of the Hampton Roads community.

“We like the idea of turning the arts business model on its head once a year and giving back to a deserving organization—a gift from the artists!” says Reel. He and the local work with Virginia Arts Festival Executive Director and VSO Principal Percussionist Rob Cross to identify and select “community heroes” to support.

The first TORCH concert, held in December 2023, supported ForKids, a nonprofit dedicated to breaking the cycle of homelessness and poverty for families and children. During 2025, Lynnhaven River Now, a nonprofit dedicated to restoring and protecting Virginia Beach waterways was the beneficiary. For 2026 they’ve selected The Muse Writer Center in Norfolk. The nonprofit provides writing classes, workshops and community events for all ages.

When asked what advice he would have for another local wanting to launch a similar program, Reel was quick to respond that he’s no expert but, “I wouldn’t overthink it. The recipe calls for funding, willing artists, and a logistical structure for mounting and marketing a concert.”

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