Debbie Bell chooses nonprofit arts organization over family business
It wasn’t a difficult decision for Debbie Bell to forego a career in the family real estate business. Her mother, the late Shirley Halter, had always told her to find something she was passionate about, and Bell discovered that selling real estate and being a company administrator at the Caine Co. wasn’t it. Instead, Bell has worked for the South Carolina Children’s Theatre for 25 years – the past 14 years as its executive director.
You had a chance to get involved in the family business. Why didn’t you take that route?
My mom was always encouraging me to find something I felt passionate about; somewhere I could make a difference. Being a company administrator at Caine Co. wasn’t that for me. My dad talked to me along the way about going into the family business, but I never felt pressured. My brother, Brad, has told me at the end of the day, I’m the lucky one because I get up every day and make a difference.
How did you get involved with the SCCT?
I had no idea I had a passion for it until my children auditioned for “Dracula Spectacular” in 1989. I started volunteering and I realized my heart was here. Theater is life-altering for a child. I didn’t want to sell real estate. Once you live around all this creativity, you can’t leave it.
What’s next for the SCCT?
My next goal is to build a home for the Children’s Theatre. We’ve been gifted some land next to our current building by Josephine Cureton (including the two-story gray Victorian house at 133 Augusta which must be demolished according to Cureton’s will and the land trust she established), a very dear friend of mine. The Children’s Theatre has always had loan facilities or rentals. We’ve never had space that was totally appropriate for our programming. There is so much more we’d like to do. We are studying what we can do in the new space. We hope to begin work on the site within the next three years.
What’s the SCCT’s biggest challenge?
Funding and a building. We cannot grow a single drop right now. Many times we’ve got three classes going on at the same time. Funding for paid programming is healthy. Funding for outreach programs is always a challenge, especially as the corporate world cuts back. We’re working to develop an individual giving campaign. I’m continually reminding our staff and board that we’re not an agency. Yes, we’re trying to provide programming for children from all walks of life. But we’ve got to keep the doors open and raise funds in the community to provide programming.
With whom would you like to have a conversation?
My brother, Caine, especially as we enter this phase of our capital campaign. Even though he was my baby brother, I often went to him for advice. I’d love to have another conversation with him, especially now.
What’s your most important belief?
Integrity. Maintaining integrity in everything we do is one of my guiding principles. I believe you have to treat people with respect. We provide a haven for all types of children and adults. That was taught to me by my parents and by my brother, Caine. I think about it every time I have to make a decision.
What has been the biggest surprise in your life?
Grandchildren and how life-altering they are. When you are with them, nothing else matters but those little people. How would you ever know you could love something so much in your life? Grandchildren can turn the worst day into the best day just by smiling at you. They are so transformational, and with the deaths our family has been through, they have truly saved us.
What’s your favorite movie?
“The Sound of Music.” I love the music, I love the way the children seemed so carefree. It’s a beautiful story with beautiful music.
