Winter 2014 Applause

A Ruth Eckerd Hall, Inc. Experience

The NEW Murray Theatre opening in March 2015!

What’s inside …

Concept rendering, courtesy of Klar & Klar Architects, Inc.

Murray Theatre Groundbreaking Marks Exciting New Beginning.........................................................................................................2 A Tribute To A Dear Friend And Generous Philanthropist – Ray Murray The Cap Turns One! First Anniversary Celebrated................................................................................................................................3 Welcome Our New Chief Development Officer Meet Our Development And VIP Team Members.......................................................................................................................... 4 & 5

Project: Shattered Silence Continues Award Streak Rhythm and Sole Tap Ensemble Takes A Bite Out Of The Big Apple......................................................................................................6 Learn How We Are Shaping The Futures Of Students, Helping Them Follow Their Dreams And Offering Them Once-In-A-Lifetime Opportunities.........................................................................................................................7 Mark Your Calendar For Our 2015 Fundraising And Community Events........................................................................................ 8 & 9 A Big Thank You To Our Corporate Partners And Grantors........................................................................................................ 10 & 11

A newsletter for the friends of Ruth Eckerd Hall at the Richard B. Baumgardner Center for the Performing Arts.

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Changing lives through the performing arts.

Photo credit: Jeff O’Kelley.

Students of the Marcia P. Hoffman School of the Arts, Clearwater Mayor George Cretekos, Representative Ed Hooper, Ruth Eckerd Hall President and CEO Zev Buffman and Ruth Eckerd Hall Board of Directors Chairman Joshua Magidson participated in the groundbreaking ceremony at the Murray Theatre at Ruth Eckerd Hall.

Murray Theatre Groundbreaking Marks Exciting New Beginning Ruth Eckerd Hall held a groundbreaking ceremony for the Murray Theatre that included Jarrett Koski, a former student and current teacher at the Marcia P. Hoffman School of the Arts. Jarrett shared that he has known that he wanted to perform and teach since he was six-years-old and that he felt he had come full-circle. Other speakers at the event included Ruth Eckerd Hall Board of Directors Chairman Joshua Magidson, Ruth Eckerd Hall President and CEO Zev Buffman, State Senator Jack Latvala, Representative Ed Hooper and Mayor of Clearwater George Cretekos.

Here are just a few of the great, unique and engaging events to look forward to attending!

• A new milestone series of visiting productions from many regional West Florida Theatrical companies will fill the Murray schedule with presentations by partner theaters including the musical Ain’t Misbehavin’ (Stageworks Theatre), Theodore Roosevelt (Tampa Repertory) and an exciting Improv Group from the Florida Studio Theatre (Sarasota) • An original new play series starting with the mystery To Quiet the Quiet will pave the way for discovering new playwrights at the Murray • The well-respected local favorite, Hat Trick Theatre, will present a riotous new comedy The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) in celebration of becoming the Murray’s official in-house theater company • Project: Shattered Silence will return with new productions featuring returning veterans and a look at the lives of local entertainers and their personal journeys • A new foreign and classic film club featuring some of the most well-respected movies will bring together patrons in an exciting way to view and discuss films • Our Los Angeles partners the GRAMMY Museum’s® Music Revolution Project will return for their third amazing summer teaching 35 new teenagers to create 18 astonishing new original songs • The return of show concerts at the Murray Star Cabaret Theatre

“Ray and Nancy Murray made all of this possible,” said Joshua. “We love them, we appreciate them and we will open this theater for them, which will benefit children throughout the area.”

Murray Theatre enhancements include: Exterior • New 2.5 story-high entrance/drop-off canopy with LED lighting system and new marquee signage • New exterior-accessible Ticket Office

According to Zev, “The Murray Theatre will re-emerge as a beautiful new gem in the Ruth Eckerd Hall crown thanks to namesakes Ray and Nancy Murray, a state grant and the Expanding the Experience Capital Campaign donors. The new Murray Theatre will offer affordable, accessible, high-quality experiences to audiences of all ages.”

Lobby • Enlarged lobby space featuring updated interior finishes • New concessions in lobby

“I would like to say thank you to the Murray family for its dedication and leadership and to everyone who has supported Ruth Eckerd Hall over the years,” said Mayor Cretekos. “You do this for your children and that will be your legacy forever.”

The Murray Theatre is scheduled to open on March 23, 2015.

Theater • All-new seats and updated flooring • New seating configurations – Cabaret (with tables) and food – Theatre in the round – Thrust stage (mixed seating with both tables and seats) • Interior theater entrance relocated to back-of-house (Broadway style!)

• New storage space for theater equipment and props

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Kind. Big-hearted. Thoughtful.

Resourceful. Benefactor.

These are just a few of the words that could be used to describe Ray Murray, who passed away in December 2014. He was 85-years-old.

Ray was born in November 1929 in Pennsylvania. He moved with his family to Tampa in 1934. From the age of 13, Ray worked in his father’s auto parts business. He operated a bicycle repair and auto body shop while completing his education at Hillsborough High School. In 1951, he married his high school sweetheart, Nancy Corbett. After serving in the Merchant Marines, he continued his career as an entrepreneur and owned nearly 35 different businesses during his lifetime. When asked what he did, Ray would say, “I’m in the people business.”

Ray became involved with Ruth Eckerd Hall over 31 years ago and supported many other nonprofit organizations in our community as well as across the world. Since that time, he has been a volunteer, an advisor

and a board member. The Murray Theatre, which is undergoing renovations (see page two) is named for him. Ray was a big part of the Ruth Eckerd Hall family. He was an integral part of what makes Ruth Eckerd Hall special. Zev Buffman, Ruth Eckerd Hall President and CEO shared in a Tampa Bay Times epilogue, “It was never the case of writing a check because he had agreed to help. Ray was so involved he wanted to see al the details.”

We truly appreciate and admire his generosity. Over the years, Ray shared, “My greatest satisfaction has come from helping others.” We hope that his family knows that his legacy will live forever in the faces of the talented students who pass through the doors of the Murray Theatre. Ray will be missed by many.

The Cap Turns One! First Anniversary Celebrated

On December 18, the Capitol Theatre celebrated a fabulous one-year anniversary since its Grand Re-opening with its 100th performance starring Tony® Award-winner Ben Vereen. Since re-opening last year, 87% of tickets were sold.

During the past year, the Capitol Theatre has won many awards as well as being named Best New Concert Space (Tampa Bay Magazine) and Best Venue Makeover (Creative Loafing). “It is a rare miracle when you take three nearly 100-year-old sad buildings, blend them architecturally in record time into one gleaming “new” theater and launch a booming success from the get-go,” said Zev Buffman, President and CEO of Ruth Eckerd Hall, Inc. The anniversary celebration included cake and champagne for members in the Ray and Geri Trautlein VIP Lounge as well as recognition for the donors to the Expanding the Experience Capital Campaign.

George Cretekos, Clearwater Mayor shared, “The renovation of the Capitol Theatre was meant to assist in the revitalization of the Cleveland Street District of Downtown Clearwater. Since its re-opening, the theater has become a destination that not only enhances the arts but also promotes the area for the benefit of the entire Clearwater community.”

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Changing lives through the performing arts.

Friends of Music members enjoy an intimate concert from the powerhouse duo, Daryl Hall and John Oates.

Photo credit: Kevin and Lisa Tighe

Friends Of Music Members Decked The Halls With Daryl Hall & John Oates

Members of Friends of Music got in the holiday spirit in early December by decking the halls of Christmas Town at Busch Gardens in Tampa with Daryl Hall and John Oates! The number-one selling duo in music history and 2014 inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame – Daryl Hall and John Oates brought down the house with their many hits. Attendees enjoyed the festive atmosphere while experiencing the park’s rides prior to enjoying heavy appetizers, cocktails and the concert. The evening also highlighted the Hall’s mission by showcasing holiday caroling prior to the main performance by Ruth Eckerd Hall’s Center Stage Mixed Ensemble.

The next Friends of Music event will be on Friday, March 13 with one of country’s hottest acts – The Band Perry. Be sure to mark your calendar for this once-in-a-lifetime event! Thanks to YOUR support we are able to bring the performing arts into the lives of children who would not otherwise experience them!

Welcome Our New Chief Development Officer Adam Nance joined Ruth Eckerd Hall in December 2014 as the Chief Development Officer/Vice President of Ruth Eckerd Hall Inc. In addition to planning, directing and organizing the development functions of the organization to achieve fundraising goals for Ruth Eckerd Hall and the Capitol Theatre in Downtown Clearwater. Adam will also provide leadership, support, training and direction for the development staff.

Working closely with Zev Buffman, Ruth Eckerd Hall President and CEO, Adam will continue the implementation of the major funding campaign programs and solicitations of major gifts and sponsorships.

In announcing the appointment of Adam, Zev commented, “After an extensive nationwide search, his knowledge of fundraising along with his passion for education are a great asset to our strong team and will serve our community well.”

In response Adam said, “I’m excited to join a team at such a respected venue in the Bay area and around the world. I look forward to working with the entire Development staff as we continue building on the more than 30 years of vibrant history in Pinellas County and continue the successful relationships with our members, Board of Directors, corporate sponsors, donors and identify new opportunities as well as enhance our current giving.”

Adam is a transplant from Seattle, where he served as Executive Director for the Seattle Central College Foundation, overseeing all operations and administration for the foundation and directing all fundraising efforts for the college. In this role, he created and launched The Seattle Promise, a first-in-the-nation scholarship program designed to fully fund the tuition of every student who meets certain criteria.

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Meet Our Development And VIP Team Members – Fostering Relationships Ruth Eckerd Hall’s Development and VIP Team members build relationships with all community constituents and steward them to support the Hall’s mission. We hope these bios highlighting their unique and diverse backgrounds help you to get to know them better.

Tami Alderman joined Ruth Eckerd Hall in December 2004 as the Development Associate. She is responsible for writing, editing and maintaining the consistent messaging for the membership newsletter, the annual report, award nominations and speeches as well as the creation of the Development Department’s communication pieces for membership, special events and fundraising campaigns. Prior to joining the Hall, Tami spent 15 years with Eckerd Drug Stores, where she was the Manager of Community and Public Relations responsible for media inquiries, press releases and an employee newsletter as well as overseeing the activities of the company’s foundation.

Patty Arias joined Ruth Eckerd Hall in 2000 as a Customer Service Representative in the Ticket Office and moved to the position of VIP Team Leader in 2009. Since then she has enjoyed serving and working with our members. Due to her father’s business, Patty’s family relocated throughout the Americas creating an appreciation for different cultures and all art forms. She is a world traveler and bi-lingual in English and Spanish.

Nancy Dietrich rejoined Ruth Eckerd Hall in 2009 as the Special Event Manager and was promoted to Director of Special Events in 2012. She had previously been with Ruth Eckerd Hall from February 2005 to August 2006. Nancy manages the broad aspects of the Hall’s fundraising events as well as several community and third party events. Drawing on her previous experience and responsibilities with the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and the University of Maryland, she provides oversight and expertise to ensure special events presented by Ruth Eckerd Hall and the Capitol Theatre maintain a reputation, expectation and brand of excellence for the organization.

Anna Hertrich joined Ruth Eckerd Hall in 2008 as a Ticket Office Customer Service Representative, quickly advancing to become a member of the VIP Team. She has held the title of Campaign Development Associate for Ruth Eckerd Hall’s Expanding the Experience Capital Campaign since January 2012. Anna is responsible for providing administrative and development support for the implementation of the multi-million dollar capital campaign for renovations that have been completed at the Capitol Theatre as well as for renovations yet to come on the Ruth Eckerd Hall campus. She comes to the Hall with a diverse background that has focused on offering premium services in a variety of client-centered environments.

Rosalie McWeeney recently joined Ruth Eckerd Hall as the Special Events Assistant. She graduated from Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBAU) in 2013 with a degree in Cinema/ Television. Rosalie’s previous experience includes Lead Producer of a Social Media Team for PBAU Admissions and Student Life Editor for PBAU’s publication, The Mast. This past summer, she worked as the Web and Photo Director for Chestnut Lake Camp in Beach Lake, Pennsylvania.

Afrika Minus joined Ruth Eckerd Hall as a Customer Service Representative in the Ticket Office in 2009 and became a Customer Service Representative III as part of the VIP Team in 2014. Afrika has a strong background in guest relations and procurement from her previous positions at the Safety Harbor Resort & Spa. She possesses a passion for people, music and healthy living.

Suzanne Ruley, CFRM, CFRE has been involved with Ruth Eckerd Hall since 1987 when she was a student of the school. She worked as a producer and set artist of various groups who performed at the Hall from 2001 to 2006. She was on the Board of Directors from 2008 to 2010. In 2010, Suzanne joined the staff and has since worked as Manager of Grants and Planned Giving. She has also lead advocacy and gallery efforts. She has a BFA in art and music from Carnegie Mellon, a MA in Arts Administration from Goucher College, a CFRM from Indiana University and a CFRD from Rollins College. Outside of the Hall, Suzanne is VP of the Clearwater Arts Alliance. Previous work includes Program Coordinator of the National Arts Marketing Project with Americans for the Arts and Cultural Affairs Specialist with the City of Clearwater.

Kelly Simone joined Ruth Eckerd Hall as a Customer Service Representative in the Ticket Office in 2007 and became a Customer Service Representative III as part of the VIP Team in 2009. Before coming to the Hall, Kelly worked at Delta Air Lines.

She earned a degree in Early Childhood Education and taught preschool for many years.

Heather Wilson joined Ruth Eckerd Hall in 1998 as a Customer Service Representative in the Ticket Office, where she was quickly promoted into the Development Department. Throughout her tenure, she has held a variety of essential development support roles of increasing responsibility, ranging from Executive Assistant to her present role as Development Specialist. Heather is responsible for providing a wide range of administrative support for all developmental fundraising efforts including managing the donor database, generating financial reports, administering gift invoices and acknowledgements, analyzing prospect research and establishing consistent donor recognition.

Photo credit: Nancy Hatfield

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Changing lives through the performing arts.

Project: Shattered Silence Continues Award Streak

Rhythm and Sole Tap Ensemble Takes A Bite Out Of The Big Apple

Project: Shattered Silence has won more accolades – the Award of Excellence: Documentary Feature at the Indie Film Fest Awards, Best Chronicle at the Maverick Movie Awards and the Platinum Award at the International independent Film Awards! The documentary follows 46 teens, along with Jared O’Roark, Artistic Production Manager to the CEO, in the 2013 Ruth Eckerd Hall theatrical production, which is a reality-based showcase that tackles difficult topics such as adoption, immigration, depression, sexual identity and the death of a parent.

Ruth Eckerd Hall’s Rhythm and Sole Tap Ensemble was invited to attend the prestigious 2014 Big Apple Tap Festival in New York City!

They tapped across the stage in the festival’s showcase at the renowned Alvin Ailey Citigroup Theater where they also got the chance of a lifetime to study with the best Tap Masters in the world – icons and legends such as Professor Robert L. Reed and Dianne ‘Lady D’ Walker as well as with other artists that are carving out the next chapter in tap performance.

WEDU teamed up with Ruth Eckerd Hall to film the process of creating Project: Shattered Silence for a documentary that has been made available for broadcast on PBS stations across the country. An episode of WEDU Arts Plus, featuring a special eight-minute segment from the documentary, won a Suncoast Emmy® Award last year. Since being filmed, Project: Shattered Silence has won numerous film festival awards across the nation and been nominated for a Suncoast Emmy® in the Documentary Category. Additionally, Project: Shattered Silence is a finalist in WEDU’s Be More Awards, the 2014 IndieFEST Film Awards Humanitarian Award and the Global Film Awards Humanitarian Award.

Beth Caprio, Director of the Rhythm and Sole Tap Ensemble commented, “I was inspired to be in the presence of such astounding talent. Sharing the experience with my students and then watching them share the stage with such tap professionals was so rewarding and a moment I will not forget! They were so entertaining and performed like young stars representing the joy of tap dance that lives here in Clearwater, Florida at the Marcia P. Hoffman School of Arts every day!”

Go to http://www.wedu.org/programs/documentaries/ projectshatteredsilence/ to watch the inspirational video online.

“Traveling to New York with Ruth Eckerd Hall to participate in the Big Apple Tap Festival was the opportunity of a lifetime. It was so influential to work with masters of tap and I am beyond grateful!” said Sydney Stanton, Dance Captain. Caroline Meisner, Dance Captain went on to share, “Tapping at the Big Apple Tap Festival was the highlight of my time as a member of Rhythm and Sole.”

Pictured above is legendary tapper Dianne ‘Lady “Di’ Walker (third from left) with Rhythm and Sole Tap Ensemble members Amanda Smith, Sydney Stanton and Caroline Meisner.

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Shaping The Future Of The Performing Arts – One Student At A Time

Emily Fredrickson, former student at the Marcia P. Hoffman School of the Arts at Ruth Eckerd Hall and 2009 jazz scholarship winner, has gone on to do great things! She graduated high school, completed her undergraduate degree at Florida State University and currently lives in New Orleans, where she is the only female member of the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra. She finished up her master’s degree in Arts Administration at the University of New Orleans thanks in part to an internship at the Marcia P. Hoffman School of the Arts. Emily shares, “I was inspired to go into music due to my instruction in the classes I took at the Hoffman since I was 11-years-old. My career in arts administration began because I want to increase the accessibility of arts instruction throughout the country and, one day, the world. I hope to open several community art centers that are structured similarly to the Hoffman School.”

Our Scholarships Help Students Follow Their Dreams

Joshua Whedon has faced many challenges over the last several years. But thanks to two scholarships he has been able to follow his dreams! He portrayed the role of Horton in the 2012 Maria P. Hoffman School of the Arts production of Seussical and earned the lead role of Shrek in 2013 production of Shrek the Musical™.

According to his mother, Janet, “Josh continues to follow his dreams of performing! He is a freshman in the musical theatre department at the University of Central Florida. Josh is doing extremely well academically and with his performance opportunities. He was an understudy for The Drowsy Chaperone and a member of the ensemble for The Music Man. Thank you for the opportunities that you have given Josh. His love of theater brings him much joy.”

YOUR Support Helps Us Do Great Things Every Day The staff of the Marcia P. Hoffman School of the Arts received a request from a family with very special seven-year-old twin girls – one of whom has cerebral palsy. They wanted to attend the Fresh Beat Band concert at Ruth Eckerd Hall. We responded to them and offered four complimentary tickets. Amber, the girl’s mother, shared, “I will never forget the pure joy that showed on their faces when I told them. Thank you for making me mom of the year!” Riley told us, “I had so much fun!” And Lilliann said, “You made my dream come true!”

If you ever doubt the magnitude of what YOU help us accomplish – don’t! YOUR support gives us the ability to do great things like make little girls’ dreams come true every day.

Offering Students Once-In-A-Lifetime Opportunities

Ruth Eckerd Hall’s Center Stage Mixed Ensemble is a group of experienced male and female students in the Tampa Bay area in grades 9-12. They experienced what it’s like to be on a large nationally renowned stage with an international star and GRAMMY®-nominated singing sensation. They performed with Susan Boyle as she embarked on her first U.S. tour.

This ensemble gives students an opportunity to learn varied choral repertoire and to build musicianship at a higher level. Students have many opportunities to perform both on and off the Ruth Eckerd Hall campus including in Disney’s™ Candlelight Processional and Massed Choir as well as traveling to Washington, DC to perform at many of our most sacred landmarks and monuments. The choir’s instructors are Kathy Bawel and Bill Cusick. No other students in the Tampa Bay Area had a chance to perform with this universally known performer.

Photo credit: Jeff O’Kelley

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Changing lives through the performing arts.

Mark Your Calendar For Our 2015 Fundraising & Community Events Ruth Eckerd Hall offers a dazzling array of fundraising and community events. Your participation in them is greatly appreciated and helps provide need-based tuition assistance, work-study and talent-based scholarships for students of the Marcia P. Hoffman School of the Arts and supports Ruth Eckerd Hall’s commitment to present quality programming.

2nd Annual Cruisin’ at the Capitol Sunday, February 15, 2015 1 – 6 pm 300 and 400 block of Cleveland Street Downtown Clearwater In honor of Jay Leno’s inaugural performance at the Capitol Theatre last year and his passion for vintage vehicles… we are making Jay’s Cruisin’ at the Capitol an annual event. Join us to celebrate the second anniversary weekend of the official Grand Re-opening of the Capitol Theatre with a street party with classic cars and live music.

This event will feature live entertainment with a free concert by the Black Honkeys voted Tampa Bay’s “Best Local Band” for three years running in Creative Loafing’s “Best of the Bay” Reader’s Choice Awards, a raffle drawing, door prizes, specialty food vendors, awards presentation, prizes and more!

Photo credit: Jim Damaske, Tampa Bay Times

NEW Murray Theatre Grand opening Celebration Monday, March 23, 2015 5:30 pm – Free Public Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Murray Theatre at Ruth Eckerd Hall Celebrate the transformation of the Murray Theatre into the latest shining gem in the Ruth Eckerd Hall crown of jewels with us. Namesakes Ray and Nancy Murray’s love for the theater and their devoted support of the Hall will be honored at a Grand Opening of the new Murray Theatre.

Festivities will include a ribbon cutting ceremony, a VIP reception and a taste of the programming that will be offered in the newest venue including performances by past and present Youth Scholarship recipients. Proceeds benefit the Ruth Eckerd Hall Dare to Dream Scholarship Program and the Tuition Assistance Program of the Marcia P. Hoffman School of the Arts.

Concept rendering, Courtesy of Klar & Klar Architects, Inc.

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2nd Annual Nuevo Arts Group Recognition Celebration (previously Stradivarius Society) Thursday, March 26, 2015 5:30 pm Cocktails and Dinner – Margarete Heye Great Room at Ruth Eckerd Hall 7:30 pm Performance – Jackie Evancho Become a member of this special group of patrons dedicated to supporting the classics including ballet, opera, classical music and jazz. Enjoy cocktails, dinner, performance tickets and a possible meet and greet with the artist, Jackie Evancho, an American classical singer who gained wide recognition at an early age. Since 2009, she has issued five albums including a platinum and gold album as well as three Billboard 200 top 10 debuts.

Live Like You’re On Stage Dillard’s Fashion Show Friday, May 15, 2015 10 am – 12 noon Dillard’s Westfield Countryside Mall Attend the fashion event of the season! You will enjoy brunch followed by a designer fashion show while supporting the arts education programs of the Marcia P. Hoffman School of the Arts at Ruth Eckerd Hall. Then spend the rest of the day receiving personalized beauty consultations, makeovers, selected gifts with purchase, cosmetic samples, an opportunity drawing for a $1,000 Dillard’s Shopping Spree and much more!

Photo credit: Jeff O’Kelley

10th Annual Ruth Eckerd Hall Gala Friday, September 18, 2015 6:30 – 11:30 pm Ruth Eckerd Hall Join us as we transform our Main Stage into something magical! Experience a cocktail reception, silent and live auction, a seated dinner, dancing, live music and student performances. Proceeds from the Gala will provide the critical funding needed to sustain the arts education programs of the Marcia P. Hoffman School of the Arts at Ruth Eckerd Hall. Help students reach for their dreams as we continue to change lives through the performing arts!

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Changing lives through the performing arts.

It’s All About The Music

When asked why he supports Ruth Eckerd Hall, Nick Jury, Owner of Gulfstar Janitorial Service responded with, “That’s an easy question … a love of music.” Nick generously donated 10 cigarette receptacles positioned around Ruth Eckerd Hall’s entrances. He continued, “I was born in an era when I was too young to appreciate the classic rock that I am fanatical about now. I never got to see those HUGE bands live.

So when I get to see some of my musical heroes like David Crosby, Stephen Stills and Peter Frampton play note-perfect at Ruth Eckerd Hall, it’s a true honor. And, I know there are thousands of others who feel the same way.”

Helping Us Safely Present The Performing Arts Seema Ramroop with Morgan Stanley made a donation to provide Ruth Eckerd Hall’s Security Team with new directional cones, raincoats, reflective vests and lighted directional batons. Seema shared, “I love the arts, it is a true expression of the spirit and the soul! Thank you Ruth Eckerd Hall for the opportunity to be part of this.”

You’ll Appreciate The Tax Deduction When You Give A Gift Of Appreciated Stock Rather than deplete cash reserves, you may find it beneficial to give appreciated securities for charity. Donating securities that have gone up in value and have been held for more than 12 months can have a double tax benefit.

For example, Mrs. Beach purchased stock in 1985 for $2,500, which is now worth $10,000.

If she donates the stock, Ruth Eckerd Hall receives a gift of $10,000 – the fair market value of the stock – and she can claim a $10,000 charitable deduction on her next income tax return.

In a 33% bracket, that’s a tax savings of $3,300. Plus she avoids $1,152 in capital gains taxes that would be due if she sold the stock ($10,000 - $2,500 = $7,500 x 15%, a current tax rate on long-term capital gains).

Net result: Rather than giving an equivalent amount of cash or selling the stock and paying $1,152 in capital gains taxes, by giving the stock to Ruth Eckerd Hall, she enjoys a $4,425 tax savings on an investment cost of $2,500. Depending on your tax bracket, in this scenario, you could have a tax savings between $3,625 and $5,460.

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TO RUTH ECKERD HALL’S PREFERRED PARTNERS! 2014/15 Season Sponsor

2014/15 Season Sponsor

2014/15 Season Sponsor

Edward White Hospital Largo Medical Center Medical Center of Trinity Northside Hospital St. Petersburg General Hospital

Health Group Primary Care Physicians With Locations In:

Plant City • Sun City Land O’ Lakes • Trinity Carrollwood • Mariner Seminole • North Tampa South Tampa • Pasadena Pinellas Park • Riverview

Thank you to our 2014-15 GRANTORS! Support for Ruth Eckerd Hall is provided in part through the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture, the National Endowment for the Arts, the City of Clearwater and the Leading Ladies of Ruth Eckerd Hall. The Marcia P. Hoffman School of the Arts is supported in part by The Tampa Bay Times Fund, Inc., Publix Super Markets Charities, Inc., the Pinellas Community Foundation, Friends of Music, Pinellas Cultural Foundation, Macy’s, Florida Blue, the Nichols Foundation, South Arts, the Lightning Foundation, New York Life, UPS, GTE Foundation, The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation, Inc., Wells Fargo, Clearwater Jazz Holiday and the Volunteer Usher Fund.

12 PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID PERMIT #746 TAMPA FL

For membership information, call 727.712.2720 or visit www.RuthEckerdHall.com.

New shows are being added all the time. For a complete calendar, up-to-date information or to purchase tickets to any of our great shows, please contact the Ruth Eckerd Hall Ticket Office at 727.791.7400 or visit our website at www.RuthEckerdHall.com. All dates and times are subject to change. Circle of Stars members, please contact us on the VIP Line.

Shows & Events

February 12 Neil Berg’s 107 Years of Broadway; 1 & 7 pm 12 Gordon Lightfoot; 8 pm* 13 Harry Connick, Jr.; 8 pm 13 Ana Popovic; 7:30 pm* 14 Jason Mraz; 8 pm 15 Crusin’ at the Capitol, 1-6 pm* 16 Alice Cooper; 8 pm 17 Sinatra Centennial Celebration

– Nelson Riddle Orchestra; 1 pm 17 Mr. Big; 7:30 pm* 18 Dave Mason’s Traffic Jam; 8 pm 19 Dancing Pros: Live!; 8 pm 19 Al Dimeola; 7:30 pm* 20 Howie Mandel; 8 pm* 20 Fab Faux Beatles; 8 pm**

Harry Connick, jr. fri., Feb. 13 • 8 pm

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21 21 22 22 23 28 28

Dennis DeYoung – The Music of Styx; 7:30 pm Jackson Browne; 8 pm Michael Amante; 8 pm* The Midtown Men; 2 pm Tom Rush; 7 pm* Live from Nashville; 1 pm Swan Lake; 7:30 pm Megan Hilty; 8 pm*

march 2 Jekyll & Hyde; 7:30 pm 4 Jim Stafford in Concert; 1 pm 5 Melissa Manchester; 7:30 pm* 6-7 Tommy Emmanual; 8 pm* 7 Paul Anka; 8 pm 8 Béla Fleck & Abigail Washburn;

8 pm*

Complete your entertainment experience by joining us for our popular pre-show meals! Reserve your lunch or dinner today by contacting us at 727.791.7400 or www.RuthEckerdHall.com/events/dining.

Here’s how you can contact us to get involved: For Membership information including Friends of Music, the ultimate VIP Experience, please contact Adam Nance, Chief Development Officer/Vice President at 727.712.2718 or anance@RuthEckerdHall.net.

To become a Preferred Corporate Partner of the Hall, please contact Adam Nance, Chief Development Officer/Vice President at 727.712.2718 or anance@RuthEckerdHall.net.

To become involved in the Expanding the Experience Capital Campaign, please contact Anna Hertrich, Campaign Development Associate at 727.724.5300 or ahertrich@RuthEckerdHall.net.

To support the Hall’s fundraising events or to host a Charity of Choice event to benefit the Hall’s arts education programs, please contact Nancy Dietrich, Director of Special Events at 727.712.2760 or ndietrich@RuthEckerdHall.net.

Interested in learning more about becoming a Grantor, please contact Suzanne Ruley, Manager of Grants and Planned Giving at 727.712.2761 or sruley@RuthEckerdHall.net.

To consider making a gift of a lifetime by putting Ruth Eckerd Hall in your estate plans and becoming a member of our Legacy Society, please contact Suzanne Ruley, Manager of Grants and Planned Giving at 727.712.2761 or sruley@RuthEckerdHall.net.

Swingtime!; 1 pm 24 I Love Lucy® Live On Stage; 8 pm 9 14 Cannoli; Latkes & Guilt – The 25 I Love Lucy® Live On Stage;

Therapy Continues; 2 & 7 pm*

2 & 8 pm 15 Tony Kenny’s Irish Celebration; 26 Nuevo Arts Group Dinner; 5:30 pm

1 pm 26 Jackie Evancho; 7:30 pm 15 Rick Springfield – Stripped Down; 28 Flashdance – The Musical;

7 pm*

8 pm 16 Elvis Costello; 8 pm 28 Tom Papa; 8 pm* 18 Anything Goes; 8 pm 29 Sarah McLachlan; 8 pm 19 Linda Eder; 7:30 pm* 29 Jane Lynch; 8 pm* 19-20 John Mellencamp; 7:30 pm 31 The Diamonds Bandstand Boogie!; 1 pm 20 Delbert McClinton; 8 pm* 21 Richard Nader’s Doo Wop

Reunion XV; 7:30 pm *Capitol Theatre, Downtown Clearwater.

22 The Bronx Wanderers; 3 & 7 pm **Palladium Theatre, Downtown St. Petersburg.

23 Sha Na Na’s GREASE Tribute;

1 pm 24 Joshua Bell; 7:30 pm*

Interested in becoming a volunteer usher, please contact Sandy Villasuso, Event Services Manager at 727.712.2707 or svillasuso@RuthEckerdHall.net.

Interested in becoming an administrative volunteer, please contact Kirsten Forczek, Human Resources Generalist at 727.712.2767 or kforczek@RuthEckerdHall.net.

Connect with us any way you want and get the latest news, discounts, special offers and more!

Editorial Credits Applause is published three times per year for the members of Ruth Eckerd Hall located at the Richard B. Baumgardner Center for the Performing Arts. Every effort has been made to include all of those that should be included in each article and in each issue. If you have any inquiries, comments or suggestions, please contact Applause, Ruth Eckerd Hall, 1111 McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater, Florida 33759, 727.791.7060, www.RuthEckerdHall.com.

All rights reserved.

Ruth Eckerd Hall, Inc. Joshua Magidson, Chairman, Ruth Eckerd Hall, Inc. Zev Buffman, President & CEO, Ruth Eckerd Hall, Inc Writer / Editor Tami Alderman, Development Associate

Ruth Eckerd Hall has instituted a nationwide response plan called Code Adam, which is one of the country’s largest child-safety programs for lost and possibly abducted children.

Ruth Eckerd Hall offers the following accessibility services:

To learn more about our arts educational opportunities, please contact our Registrars Office at 727.712.2706 or visit our website at www.RuthEckerdHall.com and click on Education.

A COPY OF THE REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 1-800-435-7352 WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Registration #CH-1562. 100% of each contribution goes to Ruth Eckerd Hall, Inc.

Staff Contributors Megan Brennan, Vice President – Marketing Nancy Dietrich, Director of Special Events Anna Hertrich, Campaign Development Associate Adam Nance, Chief Development Officer/ Vice President Graphic Design Think Tank Studio

Katie Pedretty, Public Relations Manager Sharon Reid-Kane, Vice President – Education Suzanne Ruley,CFRE, CFRM, Manager of Grants and Planned Giving Heather Wilson, Development Specialist

Mission Statement Ruth Eckerd Hall engages the community to master, experience, discover and explore quality performing arts.