Turtle Creek Chorale announced that the Eugene McDermott Foundation has made a generous donation of $100,000 to the organization through its annual benefit gala, Rhapsody.
The Eugene McDermott Foundation was established by Eugene McDermott (1899-1973), co-founder of Texas Instruments, and his wife Margaret McDermott (1912-2018) to improve the quality of life of Dallas residents. The combination of Eugene’s vision for exceptional educational and medical opportunities and Margaret’s passion for the arts and a verdant Dallas landscape led to their leadership support of many Dallas education and cultural institutions including the University of Texas at Dallas, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Hockaday School, St. Mark’s School of Texas, Dallas Public Library, Dallas Museum of Art, Dallas Symphony Orchestra, The Dallas Opera, Dallas Theater Center, Dallas Zoological Society, AT&T Performing Arts Center and now the Turtle Creek Chorale. Today, Margaret and Eugene’s daughter, Mary McDermott Cook and their granddaughter, Grace Ellen Cook carry on the legacy of The Eugene McDermott Foundation through their service, advocacy and philanthropy across the North Texas community.
“I first saw the Turtle Creek Chorale with my grandmother and have always appreciated the unique cultural place the Chorale and its members continue to hold in Dallas. Their talent and their passion for what they do never fails to impress, and they make Dallas proud,” said Grace Cook, president of the Eugene McDermott Foundation.
The co-chairs for the event benefiting the Turtle Creek Chorale are Grace Cook, Sheilon King, Tara Lewis, and Whitney Strauss. Funds raised at Rhapsody will support the Chorale’s mission to entertain, educate, unite, and inspire through its musical, cultural, and educational programs.
“We are so grateful for this award made by the Eugene McDermott Foundation in honor of the Rhapsody gala,” TCC’s Mike Dilbeck, Senior Director of Advancement for Turtle Creek Chorale Mike Dilbeck said. “This year’s gala promises to be an unforgettable celebration of philanthropy, music, and community, made possible by the extraordinary generosity of our supporters.”
Headlining this year’s Rhapsody gala is Grammy Award winner and punk glamor icon, Cyndi Lauper. Set to take place at the Omni Dallas Hotel on Saturday, June 1, 2024, the evening will offer an opening reception, seated dinner, luxury live auction, after party, and an exclusive private concert by Cyndi Lauper with full band and featuring a selection of her greatest hits.
source: press release
