Donor Stories

Art performances inspire Blitt to support Kauffman Center

Several years ago artist Rita Blitt turned on some music in her studio and started to paint with two hands. It was freeing, she says. “It felt like I was dancing.” Plus, if you take a broad look at the influence that gesture and motion have had on her work, it’s not hard to figure out why a painter and sculptor like Rita Blitt became a donor to the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts early in the capital campaign.  Read On

Donors honor grandson with their gift

When Esther and Don Giffin stepped forward with their generous gift to the Kauffman Center they found themselves with the chance to name some aspect of the new facility. But they didn’t have to look far, or think too long, about a fitting tribute.  Read On

Mark and Susan Susz secure naming rights

It may have been the time Susan Susz’s parents took her and her three siblings to Starlight to see “Sound of Music.” Or it perhaps it was her mother’s penchant for singing opera around the house—and at friends’ weddings. Or it might have been the piano lessons she took as a child. Whatever the influence, Susan Susz has become an enthusiastic arts supporter. And that commitment led Susan and her husband Mark to become donors to the Kauffman Center.  Read On

Visual artist and husband give back to the arts with generous donation to Kauffman Center

As a textile artist, Susan Lordi Marker is used to the “aha” of discovery and she loves the various surprises that occur during the artistic process. However, seven years ago, the idea that she might make a living sculpting three-dimensional figures would have been a very surprising one. Susan and her husband Dennis are open about saying that they never dreamed that the sculptures she eventually created would lead to a very successful giftware line called Willow Tree®—and that it would pave the way for them to make a gift to the Kauffman Center.  Read On