SHELBY — A new fund has been established in memory of Elizabeth Crall Mawhinney, and it will be known as the “Betty Crall Performing Arts & Culture Fund of The Shelby Foundation.”
Mrs. Audrey Dotson has very fond memories of her cousin, Betty. The two cousins were more like sisters and spent much of their young lives in each other’s company. After Betty graduated from Shelby High School in 1958, she began traveling to pursue a career as a ballet dancer.
Early on in her career, Betty danced professionally at the Chicago Ballet and in New York productions. Her extensive experience in dance and theatre led her to a career in higher education where she taught dance and choreography at Butler University, Indiana, and then, Wayne State University, Detroit.
She also volunteered her skills and knowledge to various groups associated with dance and theatre throughout the Detroit metropolitan area.
Mrs. Dotson shared that Betty loved the arts, but, more importantly, she loved to share that love with others. Her cousin would be very pleased to know a fund was established to bring performing arts to her hometown.
The fund will be used to bring a variety of performing arts to different venues in and around Shelby, and it will provide an annual scholarship to a graduating Shelby senior who plans to study dance, music, or theatre in college.
Friends and family can donate to the Betty Crall Performing Arts & Culture Fund online at www.theshelbyfoundation.org or by calling 419-342-3686.
Family member establishes fund at The Shelby Foundation in loving memory of her cousin
