In a significant recognition of their contributions to the arts scene in Dallas-Fort Worth, Linda Custard and Bess Enloe have been awarded this year’s Linz Award. This honor, considered one of Dallas’ most prestigious civic awards, is presented annually by The Dallas Morning News, alongside the Communities Foundation of Texas and The Dallas Foundation. The award, which dates back to 1924, has been presented consistently for almost a century.
Having co-founded a benefactor program for the Dallas Theater Center in 1979, Custard and Enloe have dedicated themselves to supporting and nurturing the local cultural landscape. Nearly fifty years later, the Dallas Theater Center, which won a Tony Award in 2017, stands as one of the strongest regional theater companies in the United States. Known for its innovative productions, the center recently garnered critical acclaim for its play ‘Shane,’ which reimagines the classic Western narrative with Black and Mexican characters.
Enloe expressed her surprise and joy upon hearing the news of their joint award, stating, “It’s kind of overwhelming. I was stunned, and even more surprised that there were two of us, who have been such good friends and worked together for so long.”
Custard echoed similar sentiments, referring to the award as “just like a wonderful gift, an unexpected gift.”
Custard’s journey in the Dallas theater scene began from a young age. Raised in Dallas, she was a frequent visitor to the local symphony and summer musicals. In December 1959, she attended the premiere of ‘Of Time and the River’ while on holiday from college, marking the opening night for both the Dallas Theater Center and the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Kalita Humphreys Theater. The experience left a lasting impression, particularly a line from the production that resonated with her at the time: “And we were young and 20 and would never die.”
In the late 1970s, Custard and Enloe’s paths crossed when they were both active in The Junior League of Dallas. Their shared commitment to the arts and culture of the community led to their collaboration on a sustainable budget program for the Dallas Theater Center. Custard noted the ongoing need for arts funding, saying, “The arts are always in need of funding. It comes with the territory. So we just wanted to do something that would really have an impact for the Dallas Theater Center and would offer a vehicle to involve people in interesting ways. And we did.”
Together, the two have been instrumental in various cultural events, including leading numerous galas, such as the annual Fortnight culture celebrations organized by Neiman Marcus. They also played pivotal roles in opening events for Southern Methodist University’s Greer Garson Theatre and the Meadows Museum, renowned for its extensive collection of Spanish art.
Enloe, formerly a history teacher in Dallas public schools, has held several leadership positions at various cultural institutions, including the Theater Center and SMU’s Meadows School of the Arts. Her dedication also extended to the establishment of the AT&T Performing Arts Center, where she played a key role in organizing the founding board. She emphasized the intention behind this endeavor: to create a world-class facility that benefits both the performers and the city.
Enloe expressed her passion for culture, stating, “I love good stories. I love good books. I love good music, and that’s the lifeblood of that part of culture. If you like those things and value them, you want to do what you can to support them and keep them around for your children and your grandchildren.”
Custard’s philanthropic efforts have also included significant contributions to the AT&T Center and the Dallas Opera. Notably, she chaired the opening ceremony for the Meadows Museum in 2001, a momentous occasion that was graced by King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia of Spain. R. Gerald Turner, president of SMU, described Custard as the “guardian of the Meadows Museum,” highlighting her deep devotion to its mission.
Last year, the Linz Award was awarded to Dallas businessman and philanthropist Roland Parrish. The joint recognition of Custard and Enloe this year is particularly special and rare, a sentiment that both women appreciated.
Bess Enloe affectionately spoke about Custard, stating, “She’s terrific. She’s one of my dearest friends.”
In response, Linda Custard shared her admiration for Enloe, saying, “I love her dearly, and I admire her so much.”
Together, their partnership and commitment to the arts in Dallas have not only enriched the cultural fabric of the community but have also set a remarkable example of friendship and collaboration in philanthropy.
image source from：https://www.dallasnews.com/arts-entertainment/2025/06/13/linda-p-custard-and-bess-enloe-eminent-dallas-arts-boosters-win-2025-linz-award/
