Dorothy, an only child of the Weinels, spent her life in local banking, rising up to Vice-President. She had only been married for 10 years when her husband died. She had a fondness to the arts & theater but music was always important to her. She herself was a soloist & choir director at St. Paul’s Church in Columbia for years. On June 2, 1983, at age 75, Dorothy died. In her Will she bequeathed $200,000 to form a non-profit foundation “to encourage, promote & provide literary, art, theatrical, musical programs & events of a cultural nature within or without the City of Columbia, IL”.

A variety of events appealing from young to old include St. Louis Symphony, St. Louis Brass, TrueMen of Truman State University, Kyo-Shin-An Arts, Metro Singers Christmas, Dean Christopher, UMSL Arianna String Quartert, Red Lehr & the Rivermen, etc. The concept of the Foundation is quite unique-no admission is charged & we do not pass around any hats! Many people who attend who knew Dorothy, say “she would have loved this program!” “What a fine thing for Dorothy to have done for our community.” We hope you can attend many free entertaining performances sponsored by the Dorothy Weinel Eppinger Foundation.