Ravinia 2026 Issue 6

As they grew, Tom worked with his father in the electronics industry, while Maxine taught piano lessons, took courses at local college, and volunteered for multiple organizations in the area. “They were both hard-working in their own rights, and both community- oriented,” son Bill Hunter recalls of his parents, “and gave their time, energy, and resources to organizations they loved.” Part of that community involved Ravinia. Both Tom and Bill fondly recall nights under the stars on their picnic blanket and later, in the pavilion, as their mom exposed them to the sounds of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra— Beethoven and Rachmaninoff programs being some of her favorites. Maxine became particularly involved at the organization, serving on the Women’s Board, working in the Festival Shop, and bringing Thomas on some of the Women’s Board cruises. Maxine even “had a nightly test kitchen in our home for recipes in the first Ravinia cookbook,” shares Tom of Noteworthy , still sold at the Festival Shop today. Bill remembers the Winter Soup [on page 51] as a family go-to. Both parents, says Bill, “envisioned Ravinia as a family place.” Gathering friends and family to have fun “was a regular part of daily life,” adds Tom, and much of that fun happened on the grounds. Maxine was often joined at the park by her siblings, brother Harold Mor- rison and sister Lois Morrison Steans, who also grew their own meaningful connections and contributions to Ravin- ia through the years. “In our family foundation meetings, my parents designated Ravinia as a very special place,” says Bill. “They had 60 years of memories and musical perfor- mances to reflect on, which formed a bond with the beautiful surroundings, the inspiring music, and the smiling fac- es that encompassed each experience at the festival. This has been passed down to their children and grandchildren, and we hope for many generations to come.” When asked how their parents might feel about seeing their names atop the Hunter Pavilion today, the brothers agree they’d be humbled. “I think initially they would be em- barrassed, as they didn’t seek the spot- light when they were alive,” Bill says. “Ravinia was something they cherished later in life, and they would be very proud to know the enhancements were supported by their generosity, and that this renovation would be a public place where people of all ages could come to relax and enjoy.” Above: Bill Hunter, board chair of the Hunter Family Foundation, leads the ribbon-cutting celebration opening the Hunter Pavilion, Honoring Maxine and Thomas B. Hunter III, with (behind, left to right) foundation board members Thomas Hunter IV, Peter Hunter, Tsch Hunter, Tommy Hunter, and Ben Hunter, as well as Ravinia President & CEO Jeffrey Haydon. Top Right: Maxine and Thomas B. Hunter III RAVINIA.ORG • RAVINIAMAGAZINE 19 PATRICKGIPSON/RAVINIA(RIBBON);OLIVIALUTZ/RAVINIA(PLAQUE);COURTESYOFTHEHUNTERFAMILY(MAXINE&THOMASIII)