Susan Naylor has made a transformative pledge of $2.5 million to the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, aimed at enhancing and perpetuating its Charlie’s Seats program. This initiative, which initially began in 2018 for under-resourced students in Bexar County, provides free event tickets to student groups and nonprofit organizations. Christopher Novosad, Vice President of Brand Engagement at the Tobin Center, highlighted that Naylor’s generous contribution will not only extend the program indefinitely but also consolidate it with other accessibility initiatives under a new umbrella program.
The expanded Charlie’s Seats program will now encompass Tobin Heroes, Tobin Teachers, Tobin First Tix, and Arts for All, benefiting first responders, military personnel, educators, SNAP recipients, and other community members interested in attending Tobin Center events. A new addition, Friends of Charlie, launching in July, will specifically cater to student groups, furthering the program’s impact on arts accessibility.
Named in memory of her son Charlie Naylor Moulton, who had a deep passion for the arts, Naylor expressed her desire for the program to serve as a lasting legacy of his love for live music and cultural experiences. Since its inception, Charlie’s Seats has already provided thousands of tickets to students from organizations such as the Children’s Shelter, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and local high schools, facilitating their access to Tobin Center performances. Additionally, the program extends benefits to parents, guardians, and nonprofit staff accompanying qualifying children to these events.
Reflecting on the program’s success, Novosad noted that over 2,400 tickets have been distributed to students through Charlie’s Seats alone, with thousands more allocated through related initiatives benefiting diverse community groups over the past two years.