An ensemble of local celebrities is lunching for a cause - the Cobb Symphony Orchestra.

On March 19, the Celebrity Luncheon "Southern Notables" will take place from noon to 3 p.m. at the Marietta Country Club with all proceeds benefiting the CSO, now in its 60th season.

Friends of the CSO, the auxiliary supporting organization for the CSO consisting of men and women who desire to increase audience development and community awareness of the orchestra, is hosting the event.

Luncheon chair Betty Knautz of Marietta said a local celebrity will be seated at each table of 10 patrons. Patrons will be given a brief biography of the celebrity and afforded a chance to "get to know" the celebrity during lunch. After lunch, guests will have the opportunity to mingle with other celebrities.

Friends of the CSO revived the fundraiser after a seven-year break. "(The celebrity luncheon) was very successful in the past," said Knautz, who started volunteering with the CSO in 1991.

Knautz said that the 85-musician virtuoso orchestra breaks the barrier to classical music by providing a variety of musical offerings including the Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestra, the largest youth orchestra program in Southeast with more than 400 students participating. The CSO also offers CSO Jazz, Chorus and private lessons to hundreds at Georgia Center for the Arts at the Murray Arts Center at Mt. Paran Christian School, located at 2250 Stilesboro Road in Kennesaw.

"The Celebrity Luncheon will not only be a fun event but a way to make the community aware of the great things the CSO is doing in our community," Knautz said.

Seating with the celebrity of choice will go to the first requests received, until the table is filled. Dr. Lisa A. Rossbacher, Southern Polytechnic State University president, will be the keynote speaker.

Committee members include Lanie Baxter, Susan Gray, Theresa Ireland, Donna Oliver, Sylvia Peters, Carol Prevost, Paula Pyburn and Sharon Stills. Mary Kay Howard and Bob Sanna are the co-chairs of the Friends of the CSO.

Tickets are $35 per person. For more information, call Knautz at (770) 427-2691 or visit www.cobbsymphony.org.