When the Brinker International Forum debuted recently, the audience included students who might not otherwise have been able to attend.
With a grant recommended from their donor-advised fund at Communities Foundation of Texas, Toni and Norman Brinker made it possible for students from Brinker Elementary School of Plano to enjoy educational events such as a National Geographic Live! presentation by naturalists and filmmakers Beverly and Dereck Joubert.
"Norman and I recommended a grant to purchase subscriptions for students to attend, " said Toni Brinker. "This is a great way to expose them to the arts as well as provide rewards and incentives for students to perform well in school."
The Brinker International Forum features performances, conversations, lectures and symposia with performing and visual artists as well as scientists, explorers, adventurers and filmmakers. The series launched in September at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center and next fall will move to the Dallas Center for the Performing Arts Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House.
Inspired by the Brinkers’ gesture, the Center has created the SEED (Student Educational Enrichment in Dallas)
Norman Brinker, seated, with Carl Reiner, left, and Martin Short during the inaugural event of the Brinker International Forum Program to allow high school students to attend the Brinker International Forum. Donors may purchase tax-deductible subscriptions at a 10 percent discount for students at the Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts and the School for the Talented and Gifted at Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Center.