Philanthropy
“WHERE YOUR HEART IS” A talk with Sweet Adelines Donor Dottie Dedrick
D
ottie Dedrick stands out onstage, whether in competition, at a community performance, or even in a virtual performance like the one Pacific Sound Chorus put on for their Christmas 2020 show. Even just speaking about music, Dottie exudes sheer joy. That joy is what inspires her to give generously of her time, talents, and resources to musical organizations that are important to her. One of them is Sweet Adelines International. Dottie is a long-time donor and recently informed Susan Smith, Chief Philanthropy and Administrative Officer, that she had included Sweet Adelines in her will, ensuring that the Sweet Adelines experience continues for future generations. After a stint teaching in Japan, Dottie returned to the United States. She joined Greater Tacoma Chorus in 1969 and became a lifelong lead! She served as president for Greater Tacoma before joining Pacific Sound Chorus as a charter member under director Carole (Kirkpatrick) Persinger. “There were around 24 of us at our first regional competition,” she recalls. “We came in second, but there I was in the front row with Sue Beck on one side and Lynell Diamond on the other, in between two icons! It wasn’t long before I moved up on the risers as the chorus grew larger.” Dottie continues to sing with Pacific Sound and in the past served as their team manager. She spent nine years on the Regional Management Team for Region #13 as well. A retired elementary school principal, she is active in Kiwanis International (a service organization that supports children) and Second City Chamber Series, an organization that presents classical chamber music concerts in Tacoma, Washington (USA). What inspires her to give so much of herself to her community and to Sweet Adelines International? Music and friendships. “Music has always fed my soul,” she says. “Whether I'm singing or listening, it's a very important part of my life. Fortunately, my
husband is a good listener!” She is also inspired by the people who are brought together by music. “Clay Hine wrote, ‘It's the music that brings us together, but it's the friendships that make us stay,’ and that is so true,” says Dottie. “I look at the friends I have made throughout the Sweet Adelines world and feel blessed and love to reconnect at international events. I was lucky enough to attend the Tokyo Chorus celebration in 2020 just before COVID hit, and it’s really true: Music brings people together.” And there is something special about barbershop music. “When the chords lock and you get that ring, you can feel it in your body,” says Dottie. “It has brought me so much joy, I want that to continue for future generations. It needs to be available for all interested folk. In addition, we need to support people who can help us be even better singers and musicians. I look at how the quality of what we do has changed in the 50-plus years since I became a member, and it's just amazing.” Dottie hopes others will contribute as they are able. “It’s all about what brings you joy and how you can share that both now and for the future,” she says. “Take a look at what you have to share, then put it where your heart is.” Her heart is with music, and her generosity means more people can feel the joy that has kept her singing.
To find out more about donating to Sweet Adelines International, contact Chief Philanthropy and Administrative Officer, Susan Smith at philanthropy@sweetadelines.com or visit www.sweetadelines.com/give.
April 2022 |
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