Bob Dowma enDowment
May the Overtone Ring On
Bob Dowma embodied the very best of barbershop harmony. A Land O’Lakes District Champion and 1975 International Champion with Happiness Emporium, Bob was also a renowned arranger, chorus singer, mentor, volunteer treasurer, accountant, and tireless encourager of others. Those who sang with Bob knew one of his greatest joys: the moment a barbershop chord locked and an overtone began to ring. No one sang that extra note, yet everyone could hear it – and Bob’s face would light up with an unforgettable smile.
The Bob Dowma enDowment was created to help that overtone continue for generations to come.
A Lasting Investment in Barbershop Harmony
The Land O’Lakes District and the Association of District Champions established the Bob Dowma enDowment to promote, expand, and preserve barbershop harmony in perpetuity, with a particular emphasis on quartet singing and the artistic and educational opportunities that help our art form thrive.
As the Fund grows, annual distributions may support opportunites such as:
- Formation and development of barbershop quartets
- Quartet coaching, education, and musical development
- Artistic leadership, including chorus directors and musical educators
- Creation, teaching, and performance of barbershop arrangements
- Educational programs and training opportunities
- Participation in activities that strengthen barbershop harmony
Bob cared deeply about excellent quartet singing, but his encouragement extended far beyond quartets. He celebrated great arranging, inspired directors and artistic leaders, supported choruses, and encouraged singers at every level.
This Fund is intended to reflect that same generous spirit for the LOL District.
Why an Endowment?
Since the 1990s, the Land O’Lakes Association of District Champions has supported scholarships and educational opportunities through annual fundraising and generous philanthropic gifts.
We hope those efforts will continue.
The enDowment adds something different: a permanent financial foundation.
Our initial goal is to establish a minimum $50,000 endowed fund. Rather than spending the original gifts, the principal will be professionally invested through the Barbershop Harmony Society’s endowment program. Annual distributions can then provide continuing support for barbershop education and artistic development. In simple terms:
Your gift today can help Bob continue supporting LOL future and existing barbershoppers year after year.
Stewardship Together
The Bob Dowma enDowment brings together three mission-aligned organizations:
Land O’Lakes Association of District Champions
Provides the vision, champions Bob’s legacy, encourages philanthropic support, and helps identify meaningful scholarship opportunities.
Land O’Lakes District
Provides the District mission and nonprofit framework within which the LOLADC serves barbershoppers throughout the region.
Barbershop Harmony Society
Provides professional endowment management, investment oversight, accounting, donor administration, and long-term fiduciary stewardship.
This partnership allows local volunteers to focus on Bob’s legacy and the people the Fund serves while relying on the established infrastructure of the Barbershop Harmony Society to manage the LOL permanent endowment.
Every Gift Helps the Overtone Ring On
Whether Bob was your quartet champion, arranger, treasurer, chorus mate, coach, mentor, friend – or simply someone whose music inspired you – we invite you to help carry his legacy forward.
Gifts of every size matter. Your gift rings on in perpetuity.
Together we can build a permanent resource that encourages future quartet, singers, directors, arrangers, and artistic leaders to experience the harmony Bob loved so deeply.
Make a Gift
The easiest way is to scan this QR Code or click the button below, which will bring you directly to the LOL enDowment on the BHS website.
Or Contact the Philanthropy Team at BHS
Or Give at the Fall Convention
Or write a check, indicating the LOL Dowma enDowment in the memo space, sending to: Barbershop Harmony Society 110 7th Ave North Nashville, TN 37203
