Giving
Overture to the Future: The Campaign for Jones Hall
The Foundation for Jones Hall is raising $60 million to implement the new master plan through a capital campaign with the theme Overture to the Future. It is the Foundation’s first campaign in more than 30 years, and we are warmed by the reception we have received, with more than $56 million raised to date.
Since 1966, only the name of Jesse Jones appeared in Jones Hall. But in this campaign we have identified many opportunities to recognize our most generous donors, and all those who give $100,000 and more will be recognized on a beautiful wall located near the main entrance.
Our Donors
We are so grateful to our donors to date:
$5 MILLION AND UP
The Brown Foundation
The City of Houston and Houston First Corporation
Nancy and Charles Davidson
Houston Endowment
Sarofim Foundation
Margaret Alkek Williams
$1 MILLION AND UP
Janice H. Barrow
The Robert and Jane Cizik Family
Janet F. Clark
ConocoPhillips
The Cullen Foundation
The Cullen Trust for the Performing Arts
The Elkins Foundation
Barbara and Pat McCelvey
The Shirley and David Toomim Family
The Wortham Foundation, Inc.
$100,000 TO $999,999
Fondren Foundation
Melanie Gray and Mark Wawro
Mr. and Mrs. J. Stephen Marks
MD Anderson Foundation
Beverly and James Postl
Vivian L. Smith Foundation
Phoebe and Bobby Tudor
UNDER $100,000
Ms. Patrice Melinda Barron
Bellows Construction
Mr. and Mrs. Edward Blackburne- Blackburne Family
Mr. Russell Boone
Dr. James and Mrs. Judy Bozeman
Mrs. Dale Brannon
Mr. and Mrs. Philip Bullington
Ms. Barbara J. Burger
Ms. Nancy Chafe
Mr. Leonard N. Chan
Ms. Sallie Morian and Mr. Michael Clark
The Peter R. Coneway Family
Ms. Sandra F. Cravey
Forney Construction
The D’Cruz Family
Richard and Ann Dreith
Mr. Bradley Eaves-+ TEI Planning & Design
Ema C. Ferguson, M.D.
Mr. Jeffrey B. Firestone
Ms. Glenda K. Flores + Flores Family
Mr. Larry Frattalone + Drake Interiors
Dr. and Mrs. Robert H. Fusillo
Ms. Genevieve Hancock + D|G Studios
Mr. and Mrs. Jason P. Keyser
Ms. Carey Kirkpatrick
Ms. Emily Kuo and Mr. Michael Chu
Dr. Sippi and Mr. Ajay Khurana
Mr. Kevin M. and Ms. Brittany Sakowitz Kushner
Mr. and Mrs. Taylor Landry
Ms. Amy L. LeBlanc
Rita and Paul Morico
Mr. Neal Murray
Ms. Annette Nguyen + Nguyen Family
Judy and Scott Nyquist
Mr. Marty O’Connor + The Lee Quigley Co.
Mr. Schuyler C. Pulford
Ms. Cristen Reat
Mr. and Mrs. Ed Rinehart
Ms. Kathryn Ritcheske
Mr. Robert K. Rogerson
Mr. Edwin S. Rumsey
Mrs. Kimberly J. Sterling
Ms. Emily E. Stickle
Mr. Xin Tan
Mr. Terry Thomas
Betty and Jesse Tutor
Ms. Hallie Vanderhider
Mr. Jay Watkins – The Watkins Family
Fredric and Betsy Cook Weber
Ms. Kathy R. Wolfe
Mr. Jared Wood + Studio Red Architects
We are turning to the philanthropic community for the first time in 30 years to undertake this special project that will help Jones Hall endure for decades to come. For information about how you can give, please contact Kimberly Sterling: ksterling@sterlingforgood.net or 281.513.2569.
Our Campaign
Take Your Seat in the Renewed Jones Hall!
As we enter the very last stretch of our 5-year renovation, we are opening the doors of our campaign wide to invite everyone in to participate in this once-a-generation project.
In 2023, we replaced every seat in our performance hall to keep our performance hall up to date and comfortable for all our guests. And while we have received generous gifts from many foundations, corporations, and families, we are inviting the public to get involved to “Take a Seat” in supporting our mission of bringing—and keeping—Jones Hall to the highest 21st century standard.
If you donate, you’ll have your name—or the name of your family, friend, or group—engraved on a beautiful custom plaque that will be permanently affixed to the chair. It’s the perfect way to express your support of the performing arts in Houston, and will be an enduring reminder that your support is helping bring hundreds of performances to the stage every year.
Your contribution is 100% tax deductible, and you can choose the location of your seat whether you like the orchestra, the mezzanine, or the balcony.
| Seating Section | Donation |
|---|---|
| Orchestra A | $10,000 |
| Orchestra B | $10,000 |
| Orchestra C | $10,000 |
| Grand Tier & Boxes | $5,000 – $10,000 |
| Mezzanine | $1,000 – $2,500 |
| Balcony | $500 |
For payments other than by credit card – please contact plawson@foundationforjoneshall.org
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I receive when I make a gift to the Foundation for Jones Hall’s “Take a Seat” Campaign?
Each tax-deductible seat donation is commemorated with a personalized, engraved plaque on the seat(s) you choose when donating. If you make a gift in someone’s honor, we will notify them by sending them a special card, sharing the details, and recognizing you as the donor.
What does my gift support?
Your donation helps fund the first renovation of Jones Hall in more than 30 years.
What will be on my plaque?
Each plaque has space for a max of 27 characters per line (including spaces) and 2 lines of text. You can personalize it with your name or the name of a relative, friend, or organization. Naming must be within the character limit and is subject to the approval of the Foundation for Jones Hall (we ask that you avoid language that others might find controversial, offensive, or hurtful).
Where will the plaque be placed? How long will the plaque be in place?
Each plaque will be centered on the back of the seat. Plaques will be placed and maintained for the seat’s usable life, which is estimated at 25 years or more.
May I choose the seat?
Yes. When you click on “Click here to take your seat” link above, you will be able to select your seat. Seats are offered on a first-come, first-served basis, so we suggest you act quickly if you care about a particular seat or section of the Hall.
Will the seat I name become my seat for the events I attend in Jones Hall?
No. The “Take a Seat” campaign is a naming opportunity only and does not include tickets or seat assignments for performances or events. However, your seat may be available for reservation for a season or specific performance.
How long will it take for the plaque to be installed?
Plaques are installed several times each year starting in January 2025.
Will I be notified when my plaque is installed?
Yes. You will receive an email informing you that your plaque has been installed.
Is purchasing a seat plaque tax deductible?
Yes, Foundation for Jones Hall is a 501[c]3 nonprofit organization, and donations to the Foundation for Jones Hall “Take a Seat” campaign are tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law. You will receive both an electronic and a hard copy acknowledgment.
Please reach out to the contacts below with questions or if you need assistance:
plawson@foundationforjoneshall.org
jdrum@performingartshouston.org
Alex.Salas@houstonsymphony.org
Thank you for supporting the renovation of Jones Hall!