Such a huge example to others
If you read this blog consistently then you know that over the years I've raved about the generosity of my good friend Carol Trawick, not only the sponsor of the annual Trawick Prize, easily the region's most coveted and prestigious art prize, and also the sponsor of the Bethesda Painting Awards, but also the guardian angels of the arts in the Bethesda area where she resides.
And last week, Bethesda's Imagination Stage accepted a $2.5 million personal donation from Carol Trawick and her deceased husband, Jim. The gift was announced at Imagination Stage’s 30th Anniversary Gala at on Saturday, October 24. First Lady Michelle Obama was Honorary Chair of this event. According to Bradford Pearson in the Gazette:
For Imagination Stage, elation reigns supreme.Carol Trawick, on behalf of all the artists and actors in the Greater Washington region: thank you!
"We were all overjoyed," said Brett Ashley Crawford, managing director of the theater. "Just in awe."
Imagination Stage has theater and arts programs for children of all ages and abilities. The donation will be spread over 10 years, Crawford said, and will go toward paying down a $4 million debt, incurred when the group moved into its location in 2003.
The gift is the largest the theater company has ever received, according to founder Bonnie Fogel. Previously, the largest amount was $1 million from The Annette M. and Theodore N. Lerner Family Foundation.
"I felt that if we could relieve a little of the burden of worry about debt, the extra money could be applied to programs for the children," Carol Trawick said. "Just think how much more energy can go towards working with those kids."
In honor of the contribution, Imagination Stage's building on Auburn Avenue will be named after the Trawicks.
