Community Support

Organizations that support the Cheyenne Symphony Orchestra demonstrate a desire to enhance the communities in which they operate.

We sincerely thank these businesses and foundations for their support and commitment to a thriving symphony orchestra during the 2023-2024 season.

Corporate, Foundation, Underwriters &

In-Kind Gifts

EXTRAORDINARY EXTENDED GIFTS

The Cheyenne Symphony Orchestra would like to extend its deepest gratitude for the generous support of the Donald Bondurant and Elizabeth Tolerton Estates.

Donald Bondurant Estate

Donald Bondurant (1927-2019) was an esteemed English and Drama teacher at East High School in Cheyenne from 1955-1990. Born in Fort Lyon, Colorado he later relocated and spent most of his life as a resident of Cheyenne, Wyoming. Bondurant’s love for the performing arts was evident through his gracious support of the Cheyenne Symphony Orchestra and his passion for theatre through his contributions to the Cheyenne Little Theatre, performing in productions such as The Solid Gold Cadillac in 1957. He performed with The Little Theatre of the Rockies in productions such as My Three Angels, Tiger at the Gates, The Lady’s Not For Burning, and The Country Girl as well as the Albuquerque Community Theatre appearing in the production Mr. Roberts. Bondurant also served in the U.S. Coast Guard Reserves. In honor of Donald Bondurant’s immense impact on the Cheyenne community, the Donald Bondurant Drama Scholarship Fund was created, care of East High School. His legacy will spread through Cheyenne and beyond as many of his students continue to participate in community theatre, and as they pursue their dreams in college.

Elizabeth Tolerton Estate

Elizabeth Tolerton (1922-2013) was a highly respected dance teacher in Cheyenne for almost 55 years. Mrs. Tolerton began her dance career as a child in Germany; she met and married her husband Jess Tolerton during the US occupation of Germany following World War II. She began teaching dance lessons in Laramie while Mr. Tolerton attended law school at the University of Wyoming. In 1952, the Tolertons moved to Cheyenne, with Elizabeth opening the Tolerton School of Ballet and Jess soon becoming a Municipal Judge. Over the course of more than five decades, the Tolertons were supporters of all facets of performing arts in Cheyenne. The Tolertons believed in giving back to their community by donating freely of their time, talent, and treasure. In addition to running her dance school, Mrs. Tolerton choreographed for numerous local productions including the Cheyenne Little Theater, the Cheyenne Melodrama, Laramie County Community College, and state beauty pageants. She was the chaperone for many years for the Miss Wyoming pageant, accompanying Miss Wyoming around the country and to Atlantic City. Elizabeth taught cotillion classes in cities from Billings, Montana to Colorado Springs, but the Tolertons never took any of their success for granted. They worked continuously to ensure that those living in Cheyenne would have exposure to the greater world of the arts. As members of the Cheyenne Patrons of the Dance, they worked to bring the finest professional dance performances to Cheyenne and arranged master classes for local students. They were generous in their support of the Cheyenne Little Theater and the Cheyenne Symphony long before the Symphony attained professional status.