For more than a decade, members of the Oklahoma City chapter of Sweet Adelines, an international women's organization dedicated to four-part a cappella harmony have called in sick to work on Feb. 14 and warmed up their vocal cords to serenade unsuspecting significant others at their homes and offices with singing valentines.
"I think it is a very special expression of a person's caring for the significant other in their life," said Marilyn Funk, team coordinator for the 90-member OK City Chorus.
Approximately 40 of the group's members " ranging in age from 12-year-old preteens to women in their 70s " are participating in this year's singing valentines campaign.
"And it also is fun. It's different, and we've had numerous people call and order the valentines every year," Funk said. "The recipients must really, truly enjoy the quartets, or their spouses would not continue to order."
SERENADE
This year, 10 quartets will canvass the metro area with Cupid's arrows and a repertoire of classic sweetheart songs.
In addition to a personal serenade of two sweetheart songs, the singing valentine reservation also includes:
" a personalized card from the giver,
" a dozen chocolate roses and
" a digital photo to document the special Valentine's Day gift.
"Most people are just so blown away that someone would think to have something done like this in their honor or as a token of affection," Nortz said. "Some people do get embarrassed, but generally they're very pleased, as well. (We see) lots of tears of joy." "Chris Willard
