Anita Zucker To Receive First Summey Barkley Rucker Medallion For Mentoring Young Artists
March 27, 2011
CHARLESTON, SC – March 27, 2011 – Anita Zucker, Charleston philanthropist and InterTech Group CEO, was named inaugural recipient of the Summey Barkley Rucker Medallion, a major new arts award for mentoring young artists presented by South of Broadway Theatre Company (SOBTC).
Bud Ferillo, Immediate Past Chairman of the South Carolina Arts Commission, chaired the award selection committee. “Anita has championed the cause of aiding the next generation of young artists consistent with the core purpose of this award. She is the perfect choice for this recognition,” Ferillo said.
The medallion is named for North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey, Charleston Regional Alliance for the Arts Founding Chair Nella G. Barkley and Hootie & the Blowfish Lead Singer Darius Rucker. The award will be presented to Zucker at the Summey Barkley Rucker Medallion Gala May 9 at the Fire Museum in North Charleston. “I welcome this special honor as a tribute to the work of parents and schools in nurturing the talents of young people and as a mother of three children with four grandchildren,” said Zucker.
The Zucker Family Endowment/InterTech Group is one of the sponsors of SOBTC’s arts residency program for aspiring lowcountry artists ages 14-19 called “Summer In The City” (SITC). Since 2005, area musicians, actors, dancers and theatre technicians who audition successfully for the program, travel to New York City for monthlong workshops and masterclasses with world class mentors while residing at The Juilliard School. Some 14 area students will make this year’s New York trip June 5 – July 2.
MassMutual Financial Group – The South Carolina Agency donated the medallion to serve SOBTC’s annual presentation needs far into the future. “This particular effort to shape today’s youth into civic-minded, successful future artists, be they so inclined, is an investment deserving of community support,” said Matt Morgenstern, a MassMutual financial advisor and member of the award selection committee.
Zucker serves on The Coastal Community Foundation Board and is a past President. She also serves as a trustee (the first woman) of the Saul Alexander Foundation and The Jewish Endowment Fund. She is a past President of the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce and its Education Foundation. Zucker is a past board chair and campaign chair of the Trident United Way. She is the immediate past chair of the Medical University of South Carolina Foundation. Zucker is a past chairperson with ten years of service on the Advisory Board of the Charleston Area HUB for Math, Science, and Technology which was located at The College of Charleston. She has served on the boards of the Addlestone Hebrew Academy, Porter Gaud School and Ashley Hall School. Zucker is also past president of the Charleston Jewish Federation. Zucker continues to serve on the statewide Education and Economic Development Coordinating Council by appointment of Governor Mark Sanford in 2005. She was appointed to the Trident Technical College Area Commission by the legislative delegation in October 2007, where she continues to serve.
Based in North Charleston, SOBTC is a not-for-profit arts organization producing professional opera, musicals, comedy and drama productions plus classes in the theatre arts since 2004. For more information contact: Mary Gould, director, at 814-4451 or www.southofbroadway.com
