Hyman & Edith Perlo

Hyman Perlo, born on October 8, 1922, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and Edith Miller Perlo, born on October 11, 1922, in Washington, DC, shared a deep commitment to community and the arts. Hyman, an accomplished athlete, led the Roosevelt High School basketball team to victory before enlisting in the 509 Parachute Infantry Battalion during World War II. His love for Edith sustained him through the challenges of war, and together, they raised two daughters, Lisa and Carla.

After the war, Hyman graduated from George Washington University and eventually became the Director of Community Relations for the Capital Center and the Baltimore Bullets (now the Washington Wizards) – a job that allowed him to combine his passion for athletics with his commitment to making a difference. Meanwhile, Edith excelled in sales and retail, managing the family-owned women’s dress store while supporting her husband’s endeavors. Together, they embraced their daughter Carla’s passion for dance, when Carla announced she was going to open a studio/theater for dance Edith named the business, Dance Place. 

Their dedication to youth education and culture led to the creation of the Hyman & Edith Perlo Fund, which supports Dance Place’s initiatives, ensuring access to creative arts programs for children and teens. Their legacy lives on through the fund, enriching the lives of countless young individuals and fostering a more vibrant and inclusive community.