Whited Foundation
From Raton, the Whited Foundation has been supporting community and student programs in music and theater since it was established in 1997.
Whited Foundation
Raton
2010 Recipient, Major Contributors to the Arts
From Raton, the Whited Foundation has been supporting community and student programs in music and theater since it was established in 1997. The foundation was created in memory of James and Leila Whited, who for many years owned a music and jewelry store in Raton. Jim Whited was leader of the Raton City Band, and Leila was a pianist. Both graduated from Colorado College, located in Colorado Springs, in the early 1900s. The Whited Foundation’s impact has been broad and deep within the Raton community, says nominator Bill Fegan, who has also received a Governor’s Award for Excellence in the Arts. "The foundation supports scholarships in the arts and has given funding to about 20 different local organizations, including major grants to the Raton Arts and Humanities Council, the Raton Main Street program and Raton Public Schools," said Fegan. Superintendent of Raton Schools David Willden said in his letter of support, "Our community is blessed to have the Whited Foundation, and we are a much more artistically rich community and school system because of their generosity and artistic vision."