The Lensic lost a beloved friend and supporter last week, when Carol Toobin passed away on September 25.

With her husband, Bernie, Carol was a very generous Lensic Leader who was especially passionate about arts education programs. Carol and Bernie helped start The Lensic’s Class Acts and Angel Tickets programs, which give young people opportunities to experience the magic of live performances. She was also a dedicated volunteer, serving as a Lensic Ambassador for more than ten years.

Carol loved the theater, but she never enjoyed the spotlight. So people who knew Carol may not be aware of how much she did for The Lensic, and in turn, for the Santa Fe community. We are posting here an article about Carol and Bernie that appeared in a 2017 issue of our playbill. It was one of the rare times Carol agreed to be recognized for her service and support.

We will miss Carol very much. Our hearts are with Bernie and her family and friends.

Donor Spotlight: Thank You, Carol and Bernie Toobin

Carol Toobin has been wild about the arts since she was a kid in Fort Worth, Texas. “I was in sixth grade when a neighborhood parent took us to see Rigoletto,” she says. “From that time on, I was hooked!”

At The Lensic, where she is a Leader and volunteer Ambassador, Toobin is always looking for ways to share the excitement of live theater. “I hate to see empty seats,” she says. “If we could just fill them with children, maybe one would fall in love with the arts like I did!”

It’s that idea that inspired Carol and her husband, Bernie, to make a significant donation to fund The Lensic’s newest education programs, Class Acts and Angel Tickets. Both are designed to bring young people to The Lensic to experience live performances. Class Acts provides tickets at a nominal fee for teachers and students; Angel Tickets provides free tickets to children working with local social service agencies.

The Toobins also support The Lensic in other ways. Carol has served as co-chair of the Lensic Friends committee, is a member of the Development Committee, and writes personal thank-you notes to donors. She has been an Ambassador—taking tickets and helping people find their seats—since 2009. She also volunteers at the Santa Fe Opera and other arts organizations, and she is a board member at the Santa Fe Jewish Film Festival.

Bernie, who owns the Dairy Queen at Santa Fe Place, has donated ice cream for Lensic special events. He offers coupons and ice cream to The Lensic and other local nonprofits.

“Carol and Bernie are dedicated behind the scenes people who help in whatever ways they can,” says Connie Schaekel, Lensic community relations director. Carol has even baked cookies for events. And she always comes in with a smile.”

Thanks fo the Toobins’ education programs donation, you’ll see more young people at The Lensic in the months to come. You’ll feel Carol’s friendly presence, here, too, if you haven’t already.

“I love The Lensic and being a part of it,” says Carol. She adds with a laugh, “I’d sleep in the theater if I could!”

From the Lensic Spotlight, Fall 2017