The recently-formed Remembering Miss Dixie Committee, created as a component of the late Dixie Hall’s wishes, has announced grants to five organizations this month. In addition to her notoriety as a songwriter – and wife and partner to Tom T. Hall – Miss Dixie is remembered for her philanthropy, something she wanted to continue after her passing.
Chosen this month to receive grants from funds set aside in Miss Dixie’s will are:
- Youth Scholarships to the Steve Kaufman Guitar and Mandolin Workshops
- Youth Bluegrass Boot Camp at the Bill Monroe Music Park
- Kentucky Center for Traditional Music at Morehead State University
- Bluegrass, Old Time and Country Music Studies Program at East Tennessee State University
- Gideon Bibles International
The Halls have been long time supporters of educational efforts for young musicians in bluegrass, so ongoing support in Miss Dixie’s name for these university and festival-based programs is no surprise. The donation to Gideon of 100 hotel Bibles is in honor of her close friend and fellow songwriter, Billy Smith, who serves as a regional director for The Gideons.
In noting these grants, Annette Kelley, treasurer of the Remembering Miss Dixie Committee, says…
“Miss Dixie was known in the bluegrass music community for her kind heart and generous spirit. We are so pleased to be able to honor her wishes and just continue to extend a helping hand to young people pursuing their Bluegrass dreams, in Miss Dixie’s memory.”
The Committee will neither solicit nor accept any monies for these efforts. They are fully-funded by a provision in Miss Dixie’s will.
