June 2009 · Vol. XI, No. 1 GUEST
LETTER
Different shades of Pink at the Brown Pink at the Brown brought together so many prestigious arts organizations that call Houston home, so we invited them to tell us in their own words what Pink at the Brown meant to them. Quotes were graciously provided by the executive or managing directors of the participating organizations. “Inprint was so proud to be involved in the Pink at the Brown project. For 25 years, Inprint, a literary arts nonprofit organization, has been inspiring readers and writers in Houston. Literature enhances our lives, reflects our hopes and fears, and gives us a deeper understanding of the world we live in. Coming together with the other performing arts organizations and using the power of the written word to help raise funds and awareness for breast cancer has been a true privilege for us.” — Inprint
IMPELJR PHOTO: RK
“Da Camera of Houston Artistic Director and pianist Sarah Rothenberg was pleased to play chamber music with colleagues from Houston Symphony for such a worthy cause. It was inspiring to participate in this collaborative effort of the Theater District organizations. Thanks to all involved and keep up the good work!” — Da Camera of Houston
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S
“The Alley Theatre is proud and honored to have been a part of Pink at the Brown’s spectacular evening of theater, dance and music, benefiting Pink Ribbons Project. We are delighted that Alley Company member Elizabeth Bunch shared the stage with participants from the Houston Theatre District’s premier organizations in celebration and support of all whose lives have been touched by breast cancer.” — Alley Theatre “The success of Houston Ballet’s performance of Chopiniana/Les Sylphides required the strength and discipline of pure teamwork. Eighteen dancers’ synchronicity looked effortless and exuded the beauty and traditions of classical ballet as danced for centuries. The success of Pink at the Brown and the Pink Ribbons Project’s staff’s performance was equally as beautiful and creative, and it showed the commitment and discipline of true teamwork as well. The coming together of all these parts made for an eventful evening that many are still talking about. In many over-arching ways, the arts do save lives in Houston. We witness this so often that at times we don’t notice: the words in a song that touch on a memory, the voice of a songbird in perfect key, or the abstract art piece that leaves us curious and hopeful. The artists who gave of their time and talents made this friend and fund-raiser successful and were a lovely reminder that we all continues on page 7
In this issue:
LETTER
When duty meets opportunity “It is the spirit and not the form of law that keeps justice alive.” — EARL WARREN
Recently I fulfilled my civic duty — jury duty, that is. Although I have been summoned a handful of times, I have actually served on only one jury, but still I must admit, I always dread seeing the envelope addressed to me and marked JURY SUMMONS NOTICE in my mailbox. Right away I begin to agonize over the time to be “lost” and longing for the days when I was able to use the “my kid is under 10 years old” exemption. However, in the end, I show up on time, with a bag full of catch-up work and a good book, and oddly enough, each time my commitment is over, I am glad I gave of my time. During this last call to duty, I was pleasantly surprised to find Mayor White was also there to carry out his civic duty. Not only did he show up on time, with his briefcase full of work, too, but he spoke to the room, buzzing with Harris County citizens, reminding us of our civic obligation and thanking us for our service. By the end of continues on page 7
Annual fund alert
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‘Social media’ matters
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Rugby-for-a-Cause
2
Our ‘Journey to Song’ has begun
3
The arts come to life at Pink at the Brown
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‘1 in 8’ Commemorative Bench
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Let’s just talk about it some more
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It’s Pink Lemonade time!
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Fashionistas gather at River Oaks Theatre 3