Meet Our Donors

Lillie Lou Rietzke – honoring the memory of her son

Longtime National Symphony Orchestra patron and supporter, Mrs. Lillie Lou Rietzke wanted to create a legacy in the name of her son, Renah Blair Rietzke. In her will, she left a bequest for the National Symphony Orchestra to support a series of annual NSO children's concerts in his memory. During her lifetime, she used to personally bring 2 children from the Metropolitan Police Boys and Girls Club to see the symphony perform each week. Longtime NSO tuba player, David Bragunier recalls "Introducing music to the kids meant so much to her. They not only sat in the box with her, but she would also bring them backstage to meet the artists." Children are still benefiting from her generosity and dedication and will continue to do so for many years to come.