Signal Mountain resident Norma Witherspoon will be honored by the MACC Board and MACC Foundation Board as their 2011 String Camp Philanthropist, the first to receive this recognition to be awarded annually at future camps.
"Norma Witherspoon has been very involved with the Board and Foundation Board, and made a donation herself for last year's camp," said MACC Foundation Board President Buffie Harper. "We felt like this would be a very nice way to pay tribute to what she's done and at the same time be able to help [MACC Director] Barb Storm with the string camp."
As the dates for the second year of the MACC's Youth String Camp grew closer, it became apparent the camp would require additional funding for its operation as well as assistance in scholarship money. So the MACC Foundation Board approached the family of Norma Witherspoon, a longtime supporter of the arts and especially children's education in the arts, to make a donation honoring their mother.
Signal Mountain resident Laura Witherspoon is among Norma Witherspoon's six children contributing to the donation made this year in her honor.
"She's been involved with the MACC since it was opened," Laura Witherspoon said of her mother. "She was involved with the first camp [the MACC] did last summer, and was so impressed with the quality of the music, she thought it was one of the best things the MACC had ever done."
Even a few of Witherspoon's older grandchildren chose to recognize their grandmother by making a contribution, said MACC Foundation Director of Development Patrick Emanuel.
"Norma was on the MACC Board for six years and was incrementally involved and passionate about the MACC and seeing it succeed," said Emanuel. "The gift goes to help the string camp become more successful and at the same time recognize a member of the community for supporting arts on the mountain."
He said the donation made by the Witherspoon family will be used for scholarhips for string camp students unable to afford the fee as well as for the camp's operation.
Norma Witherspoon will be honored during a special reception for camp participants, parents, staff and guest composer and conductor during the week of the string camp.
Emanuel said the String Camp Philanthropist honor will continue to be awarded annually to deserving recipients devoted to supporting the MACC or arts education on the mountain.
To recognize a loved one for their support or passion for the arts by making a donation to the MACC, contact Buffie Harper at 886-7332.