October 2025 Donor Spotlight

Carol Galaty and Kenneth Shuck

In these precarious times for arts and education non-profits, we want to highlight some members of our community who keep our organization running through their generous donations. For the first installment, we’re featuring Carol Galaty and Kenneth Shuck. These longtime friends of DAE made the greatest number of donations last season – they gave eleven separate times! 

How did you first get involved with Dumbarton Arts & Education?
Carol: Decades ago - back in the last century! - a friend invited me and my late husband to a concert, and we liked it so much that we kept going back. Then we started bringing friends with us, and it became an annual tradition. It had all sorts of different music – quartets, singing, jazz. It gave us a little bit of everything, and we love the building and the history of the building.

What inspired your support for the Inspired Child program?
Ken: Reading has been such an important part of my life, and if I can give that interest to younger kids by receiving the backpacks, I want to do it. I grew up in inner-city Baltimore, and reading, and then later being able to write, has influenced my success in my career and everything else.

What keeps you connected to Dumbarton Arts & Education?
Carol: We love the concerts - the intimacy of the space makes you feel like you’re right on stage with the musicians.

Ken: I like seeing tangible results. And it makes me feel good that kids like me will have new books. And even the backpacks, because I grew up where I didn't have a whole lot. And for many kids, a nice shiny backpack is something more than they have.

What do you hope your giving makes possible?
Ken: When I was a kid, reading kept me occupied and away from bad things that were happening in the neighborhood. Once kids are introduced to [books and reading], they’ll realize they enjoy it and want to keep doing it more. Reading is a key part of a good education.

Carol: And it broadens horizons, not just for the children but for parents and teachers too. When kids are excited to learn, everyone sees them differently.

Why do you encourage others to give?
Carol: For us, it’s a small donation with a big impact—for the person, the community, and the world.

Ken: It’s so easy. We come to the concert, we buy a few bags, and we know it’s making a difference. I walk in the door, walk up to the desk, and donate four backpacks, because that's a nice even number. I really enjoy it, and it makes me feel good that kids like me will have new books.

Thank you, Carol and Ken!