Donor Spotlight: Judy Dove
Judy Dove (second left) with pals Frank Conway, Felicia Finley, Andrea McCardle
By Andy Smith
For almost three years now, we’ve been profiling volunteers on our website, and we thought it might be time to start singling out some of BC/EFA’s long-term donors. We’re beginning this new initiative with Judy Dove, who, along with her husband Tim, has become a favorite not only with our staff, but with the celebrities who make our work possible.
Where Judy Dove goes, fun follows.
This long-time BC/EFA donor has not only given to Broadway Cares financially, she’s pitched in at events and even opened her Wisconsin lake house to staff members and Broadway stars like Spamalot’s Christopher Sieber.
In New York, she’s become a familiar and much-loved figure—a donor who likes to participate. Whether it’s holding a bucket during BC/EFA’s Gypsy of the Year collection period, looking elegant while wearing a giant headdress during our Annual Easter Bonnet Competition, appearing onstage in the wedding scene of Mamma Mia! or risking life and limb dancing with Cameron Mathison during our 2008 ABC Daytime Event, this mother of two and grandmother of eight is in on the action.
BC/EFA’s Associate Director of Development Frank Conway first met Judy in 2001, when she came as part of an auction package titled “Bloomingdale's Broadway Cares New Year's Fantasy Weekend.”
“She had so much fun, she stayed,” he says. “Broadway stars and Broadway Cares staff alike all look forward to her visits because you never know where she's going to wind up.”
Serious Fun
Over the years, Judy’s visited Bette Midler’s dressing room, appeared onstage in Jersey Boys, joined her daughter Angie onstage for Easter Bonnet, walked the red carpet with Sieber at the London premiere of Spamalot, been the winning bidder on eight teddy bears during the annual Broadway Bears auction, and filled a judge’s chair for Gypsy of the Year several times.
And while she admittedly enjoys mixing and mingling with celebrities, her commitment to BC/EFA runs much deeper. In many ways it grew from her involvement in local charities.
During their 42-year marriage, Judy and Tim began with very little and built two highly successful businesses: Action Battery, which sells and installs industrial batteries (frequently backup batteries for hospitals, airlines, etc.), as well as the country’s largest Zamboni (that’s right, the ice resurfacers you see at hockey games) distributorship.
Judy first became acquainted with BC/EFA’s work while serving on the board of The University of Minnesota Pediatric Research Foundation. “I noticed that Broadway Cares gave to the Women’s Initiative in my home town of Stillwater,” she says. “I was impressed that you give to service organizations in just about every state, including mine.”
“It made me realize that Broadway Cares isn’t just about Broadway and how truly broad your support is,” Dove says.
Judy Dove (second left) with pals Frank Conway, Felicia Finley, Andrea McCardle
Sieber Sounds Off
“It's funny to think, that two of my favorite people live 20 miles from where I grew up in Minnesota, and I had to meet them in New York! Judy Dove, and her amazing husband Tim, have become family, not only to me ( I always call her my second mom!), but the Broadway community as well,” says Sieber, currently rehearsing his role as “Lord Farquaad” in Shrek.
“She is one of the few non-actors I know who can go backstage at almost any Broadway theatre and everyone will know who she is! She is also someone who, when she lands in New York, dozens of actors will drop everything to hang out with her and Tim! Judy's personality, essence, and aura are addicting! I can say without a doubt...Judy and Tim are beloved by everyone they meet! I am proud and blessed to call them my friends!”
Sieber sums up Judy’s infectious philosophy. “Judy is so enthusiastic about life, family and friends, and enjoys every second....or as Judy always says ‘Enjoy it while ya got it! It could all be gone tomorrow!’ She is the embodiment of Life Is Short, Eat Dessert First!
And, several times a year, New York City is Judy’s dessert! A doting grandmother, she still makes it clear that (for the most part) New York is off limits. “We tell them, this is like our play ground. I say ‘New York is for adults.”’
The Doves bring that enthusiasm to their philanthropic interests as well. “Tim and I started out with $100. My mother always encouraged me to give back and I’ve taken that to heart,” Judy says. “So every time we get a nice bump up, it’s time to pass it along.”
“With Broadway Cares, I sometimes feel selfish because I’m having so much fun while I’m doing good.”
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