Funding her opera company required tremendous creativity and perseverance. Unable to gain access to the grants and governmental support white opera companies enjoyed, Mary Cardwell Dawson became an agile and creative fundraiser. She expanded the recitals that had previously earned money for the company to include teas, fashion shows, and galas. At these events she sold reserved seats that she called "Diamond Horseshoe" seats. People who purchased these special tickets would be formally announced upon their arrival and would have a spotlight shone on them during the event.
In the spirit of this celebrity treatment, the Museum is inviting supporters to join our own "Diamond Horseshoe" in the exhibition by making a $1000 donation in support of the exhibition and our programming. All donors names will be placed on the wall as you enter the exhibit.