Dallas Summer Musicals holds community outreach luncheon

by Sharon Adams

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Luncheon celebrates record earnings of more than $342,000, which will help bring the best of Broadway to Dallas.

More than 100 community leaders joined Dallas Summer Musicals (DSM) Executive Board members, supporters and friends at a Community Outreach luncheon recently at the Music Hall at Fair Park.

“Thank you for joining us here today to celebrate DSM’s community partnerships,” said Stan Gardner, Chairman, Dallas Summer Musicals (DSM) presented by Comerica Bank. “Today’s purpose is to celebrate DSM’s commitment to the North Texas community. Through education programs for youth and outreach initiatives like the annual Tri-Chamber event at the African American Museum, DSM touches the lives of many who might never have the opportunity to experience the magic of musical theatre.”

Following Mr. Gardner, Gary Griffith, Chairman, DSM Community Outreach Committee, spoke about DSM’s five outreach programs: Kids Club, Discover Theatre, Stage Right, Seats for Kids and the DSM School of Musical Theatre and stated, “All five of these programs are important to the development of youth in our society, touching the lives of over 10,000 children this year.”

Tom Leppert, Mayor of the City of Dallas took the podium and gave a message of support for Dallas Summer Musicals' importance in the community and the crucial role DSM plays in the support of Dallas schools and youth stating, "These programs are an investment in our shared community."

As one of the nation’s leading non-profit theatre arts organizations, DSM understands the importance of their role in the community. Studies show that youth and community involvement with the arts improves self-esteem, raises test scores, contributes to a more literate, creative and qualified work force, positively affects the social and business climates within communities and improves overall quality of life. DSM is dedicated to doing their part by providing quality community outreach and education initiatives.

DSM Community Outreach Fast Facts:

The luncheon also celebrated the success of the 2008 Curtain Call Gala, presented by Comerica Bank, which raised more than $342,000 to benefit DSM’s mission to bring the best of Broadway to Dallas and to support these quality educational and community outreach programs. Karl Chiao, DSM Board member and Underwriting chair joined Wendy Walker, DSM Board member and Gala Co-chair in thanking everyone for making this year’s event a record-breaking triumph – more than doubling revenues raised at the 2007 event.

Dallas community leaders who attended the luncheon to celebrate DSM’s outreach initiatives and community partners included: