TI Foundation helps enrich cultural life

with $500,000 grant to EisemannCenter

The City of Richardson and Texas Instruments Foundation have announced a grant of $500,000 from the TI Foundation to the CharlesW.EisemannCenter for Performing Arts and Corporate Presentations to help fund the center’s much-needed Phase II capital projects. The donation will boost performance capabilities and enhance patron amenities, further establishing the Eisemann Center as one of the leading performing arts and corporate meeting facilities serving the Dallas/Fort Worth area.

“The EisemannCenter is an impressive facility that enriches cultural life in this community, so we are proud to be a part of this investment,” said Phil Ritter, TI senior vice president and TI Foundation board member. “We believe communities are one of our greatest resources, and the TI Foundation supports a range of civic, educational, and cultural movements—all with the specific purpose of enhancing the quality of community life.

Charles W. “Chuck” Eisemann, chair of the Major Gifts Committee said, “We thank the Texas Instruments Foundation for its generous gift to the Center. TI is known as a great corporate citizen and this is just one more example of the company giving back to the communities in which their employees live and work. This gift will enable the Center to move to the next the level of excellence.”

Consistent with Texas Instruments’ focus on technology, the TI Foundation’s grant will help fund the EisemannCenter’s future arts and technology needs. The City’s capital plans include a custom designed orchestra shell for the theater, additional interior and exterior signage, sound and lighting system upgrades, audiovisual equipment enhancements and facility system upgrades to enhance patron comfort.

The TI Foundation will also name the fountain that is located just outside the doors to the center. The fountain delights visitors while providing a technologically advanced, dramatic, and inspiring setting for patrons entering the EisemannCenter. The spectacular centerpiece has been featured during festivals with special orchestrated shows and has been enjoyed by thousands of children during warm months.

“Having been relocated to Richardson by Texas Instruments, I enjoyed 17 years at TI, and worked as mayor to bring both TI wafer fabs to this city. I am extremely proud of and thankful for this gift from the Texas Instruments Foundation,” said Richardson Council Member and former Mayor Gary Slagel. “TI continues to have a major impact on the character and history of Richardson.”

“The City of Richardson wishes to thank the board of the TI Foundation for demonstrating their support of the City and the EisemannCenter with this generous gift. We applaud their commitment to quality of life and look forward to seeing their employees enjoying all that the EisemannCenter has to offer families in North Texas,” said Mayor Steve Mitchell.

Since opening its doors to arts patrons and corporate clients throughout the North Texas region in September 2002, the Eisemann Center has served over 1 million patrons, hosted more than 2,300 artistic and corporate events, and more than 200 volunteers have contributed over 43,000 hours. The economic development impact of the EisemannCenter is estimated at more than $24 million over the past five years with more than $64 million expected over the next 10 years.

Cutline for photo:

A ceremony was held July 9 to officially announce the naming of the Texas Instruments Foundation Community Fountain. Pictured in front of the fountain are left to right: Charles W. “Chuck” Eisemann, Council Member John Murphy, Mayor Pro Tem Bob Townsend, Mayor Steve Mitchell, Texas Instruments Senior VP and TI Foundation Board Member Phil Ritter, Council Member Gary Slagel, Council Member Rhea Allison, Council Member Dennis Stewart, Council Member Pris Hayes and City Manager Bill Keffler.