The Dubuque Symphony Orchestra is excited to announce that the 2024 Pursuit of the Podium winner is Tom Rauen!
Rauen is an entrepreneur and investor with a passion for community, marketing, and innovation. He is the founder and CEO of 1800Tshirts.com, Co-Founder of Dimensional Brewing Company, Rauen Capital, and a partner in the Field of Dreams movie site. He has been recognized worldwide for his marketing stunts, most notably breaking the Guinness World Record for wearing the most t-shirts at once with 247 t-shirts.
Tom’s commitment to living life to the fullest has landed him on the Amazon reality show Fireball Run season 11, doing snow angels in confetti on the field with Super Bowl Champions, throwing out the 1st pitch at a MLB game, and getting VIP access to exclusive events and experiences across the globe.
He has served on the board of directors for Northeast Iowa Boy Scouts, Eastern Iowa Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce, Mercy Health Foundation, Dubuque Men’s Association, and Dubuque Community YMCA/YWCA as well as the University of Dubuque Board of Trustees.
Tom and his wife Amanda started the Rauen Family Foundation with a mission to give back to the community with their signature event Mac & Cheese Fest™. And he is an endurance athlete who has run and won multiple 50 and 100 mile races.
From February 10 to April 1 Rauen, along with fellow contestants Mary Beth Ferring and David Klavitter, raised money on behalf of the DSO. Rauen raised the most funds and, as a result, will take Maestro Intriligator’s place on the podium to conduct a selection at the orchestra’s Summer Melodies Concert, which will be held at the Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, June 30, 2024.
Kara Murphy, Director of Development, emphasized, "The dedication shown by this year's Pursuit of the Podium participants to support the Dubuque Symphony Orchestra through their fundraising efforts is truly amazing. Their contributions will significantly advance our mission, and will have an immediate impact on our programs. Ultimately, the Dubuque Symphony Orchestra emerges as the true winner."
Funds generated from Pursuit of the Podium support the DSO’s overall mission, which is to engage the tri-state community and enrich its quality of life through live musical performances and educational programs. Now in its 65th season, the Dubuque Symphony Orchestra serves approximately 20,000 tri-state area residents each year and are proud to present world-class musical experiences for the entire community to enjoy.
