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MISSION STATEMENT

Our mission is to educate, engage and entertain everyone in our community through the performing arts, with an emphasis on culturally diverse programming.

Dear Friends and Supporters,

Reflecting on the past year, we are immensely proud to share the remarkable achievements and milestones that have solidified our position as a beacon of cultural enrichment in beautiful downtown St. Petersburg. The Duke Energy Center for the Arts – Mahaffey Theater has once again demonstrated its pivotal role in the arts community, and we are thrilled to highlight some of our most significant accomplishments.

Full-capacity crowds were the standard throughout the '23/'24 season, a testament to the exceptional quality of our performances and the unwavering support of our patrons. Among these standout events, headline artists like Matt Rife, Cirque Dreams Holidaze, Fortune Feimster, Morrissey, Andrew Schulz, The Thorn, Rock Orchestra by Candlelight, The Florida Orchestra Gala with Sting and the Nutcracker all performed to sold-out audiences. This prestigious opportunity has showcased our venue internationally, reinforcing our reputation as a premier location for world-class entertainment.

The Mahaffey Theater's transformation into a hub of cultural diversity continued with the grand opening of Sonata Restaurant. This new addition seamlessly incorporates the culinary arts into our offerings, enhancing the overall experience for our visitors. Furthermore, our collaboration with the Imagine Museum has brought the visual arts to the forefront, establishing a glass art and a 2D art gallery within our complex. Today, the Mahaffey Theater is a unique fusion of performing, visual, and culinary arts, offering a comprehensive cultural experience all in one place.

Our theater welcomed nearly 225,000 visitors this year, including nearly 25,000 schoolchildren who participated in art festivals, live performances, and summer camps. Through our Mahaffey Class Acts program, students enjoy free access to these enriching experiences, reflecting our commitment to fostering a love for performing arts in the next generation and ensuring every child can experience the transformative power of creativity. Complementing this mission, we are proud to serve as the home of The Florida Orchestra, a cornerstone of artistic excellence that further enriches our community's cultural landscape.

None of these achievements would be possible without the dedication, hard work and support of our incredible staff and foundation members. Their passion and commitment are the driving forces behind our successful programming and youth education offerings. I extend my deepest gratitude to each and every one of them for their invaluable contributions.

As we look ahead, we remain committed to our mission of elevating the arts and enriching the lives of our community members. Thank you for your continued support and for being an integral part of our journey. Together, we will continue to educate, engage, and entertain for many years to come.

With heartfelt appreciation,

Bill Edwards Founder & CEO

Bill Edwards Foundation for the Arts

Founder

& CEO

Big3 Entertainment

Amy Harriett Miller President

Bill Edwards Foundation for the Arts

2023-2024: A Year of

This past year, the Bill Edwards Foundation for the Arts and the Mahaffey Theater brought extraordinary performances to our patrons, featuring a vibrant array of national comedy acts, acclaimed musicians, musicals, and theater productions. Through collaborative events with community partners, we also continued to foster a culture of belonging, ensuring the arts remain a unifying force in our community.

Music Director, Michael Francis conducts The Florida Orchestra Gala with Sting

©Caesar Carbajal for Creative Loafing

SOLD OUT

Stellar Programming

Our commitment to offering a culturally diverse roster of performances underscored our goal of fostering connection and representation. We made sure that every performance, whether a live comedy show, a musical, or a theater production, invited the community to feel at home in our theater. We encouraged patrons to engage, bring friends, and join the excitement of a venue that offered quality programming throughout the year. We welcomed new patrons to our ever-evolving community, believing that with their support, we are not just a venue – we are a dynamic and welcoming community of arts patrons.

Matt Rife

Randy Rainbow

Clint Black

Rock Orchestra by Candlelight

Earth Wind & Fire

Special Events & Outreach

Member Appreciation Event

L: Alvina Miller and R: Sarah Schneiders-Aikhan and Carol Fasick Joyce of The Dynasty Group at Coldwell Banker attending one of our Member Mingles

Member Mingle guests Dan and Sabrina Griffin with Jose Martinez

Party on the Plaza

Special Appearance by Daniel Tiger at Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital

CEO Bill Edwards in the News on Fox 13

St. Petersburg Women's Chamber of Commerce Awards Gala

Working Women of Tampa Bay Event - Emcee Renee Baker interviews Rita Lowman

Class Acts - Future Stars

Did You Know?

Our theater inspired over 30,000 school children this year!

Summer Camp Participants

Our first-ever musical theater camp for young performers.

25 Youth Education Events

Featuring sixteen live performances and nine BAM! Festivals.

30 Years Class Acts

Three decades of arts education, now free for every child.

100+

School Bus Scholarship Applications

Approved to cover transportation costs for schools.

153

Number of Schools in Attendance through Class Acts

64% Public Schools

31% Private Schools/Charter Schools

5% Homeschools

Reaching for the Stars: Expanding Mahaffey Class Acts

Bill Edwards Foundation for the Arts remains the driving force behind all activities at The Mahaffey Theater, fueling education, community outreach, and innovative programming. Since its founding, the Foundation has been a steadfast champion of the Mahaffey Class Acts program, a cornerstone of our educational outreach that blends the transformative power of the performing arts with academic enrichment.

This year, Class Acts celebrated a major milestone—its 30th anniversary. Over the past three decades, the program has deepened students’ connections to the arts, providing enriching experiences that align with academic standards while engaging the broader community.

To mark this special year, Class Acts expanded its offerings in a groundbreaking way—making all field trips to the theater completely free of charge for schoolchildren and educators. Previously, schools and students had to pay to participate, creating barriers to access. By eliminating these costs, the program has ensured that every child, regardless of financial circumstances, has the opportunity to experience the magic of live theater.

The program also hosted nine outdoor BAM! Festivals on the Plaza, engaging the community with themes such as STEAM education, holiday traditions, and improv, further extending its impact. These free, interactive experiences provided even more opportunities for students to connect with the arts in meaningful and transformative ways.

Class Acts continues to support classroom learning by providing teachers with comprehensive curriculum guides, including pre- and post-show activities designed to enhance students’ engagement with the performances. These resources help educators integrate the arts into their lesson plans, reinforcing key academic concepts through creative exploration.

Through these efforts, alongside community events supported by the Foundation, we remain committed to empowering students and fostering a stronger, more creative community.

Together, we are shaping the next generation of artists, thinkers, and leaders—enriching lives and strengthening the cultural fabric of the Tampa Bay area through the transformative power of the arts.

Chronicles of the Orbit

Danyelle

for a BAM!Fest.

Paul and Michael Harris members of the St. Peterburg Rotary Club volunteering

Aiza Ali, who portrayed The Cat in the Hat in our inaugural summer camp, steps onto the Mahaffey stage for the first time.

President Amy Miller accepts a grant check from St. Petersburg Police Dept. Forfeiture Grant Program, supporting BAM!Fests at the Mahaffey Theater.

Bill Edwards greets SPPD Police Chief Anthony Holloway who stopped by to experience a BAM!Fest for the first time.

Campers take the stage at the Mahaffey Theater, performing in the inaugural Summer Camp production of Seussical Jr

Gladys Knight performs to a sold-out crowd on Valentine's Day at Mahaffey

The Art Gallery on the 2nd floor expands to kick off a new partnership with the Imagine Museum.

Under the Moon: Sonata Restaurant Experience at Mahaffey

Opened in December 2023, Sonata Restaurant brings the essence of coastal cuisine with a foundation in Southern hospitality to Mahaffey Theater. CEO Bill Edwards conceptualized Sonata, which was born from a vision to enhance the use of the theater’s space, creating an inviting setting that complements both art and performance.

The restaurant and lounge feature an elegant atmosphere. Artwork from Imagine Museum showcases the dynamic St. Petersburg art scene. Local artists’ works rotate throughout the year, offering an ever-evolving backdrop that enriches the dining experience.

A New Constellation: Collaboration with Imagine Museum

The partnership with the Imagine Museum marked a pivotal moment for the Mahaffey Theater, as it united the performing arts, culinary arts, and visual arts under one roof. This collaboration allowed our venue to expand its offerings by incorporating a gallery space, hosting art openings, and showcasing stunning glass art in both 3D and 2D. This synergy of art forms has enriched the experience for our guests, making the Mahaffey Theater a true cultural hub.

Trish Duggan, Founder, Imagine Museum and Founder & CEO, Bill Edwards Foundation for the Arts, Bill Edwards

The Museum of the Moon by Luke

Jerram

The Moon installation is a temporary loan from Trish Duggan, owner of the Imagine Museum, to Bill Edwards to hang in Sonata Restaurant as part of their ongoing artistic collaboration. Measuring seven meters in diameter (almost 23'), the moon features 120dpi detailed NASA imagery of the lunar surface. The Museum of the Moon is one of Jerram's most successful projects and has been presented more than 300 times in 30 different countries.

Community Partners

1,000+

Tickets donated to other non-profit organizations and fundraisers

120+

Facility event space donated to host a diverse array of occasions, including galas, teas, awards ceremonies, and corporate meetings.

We value fostering our many community collaborations with numerous local organizations.

AEG

Arts for a Complete Education (ACE)

Beasley Media Group

Broadway on the Bay

Business and Professional Women (BPW)

City of St. Petersburg

Clearwater Marine Aquarium

Creative Clay

COX Media Group

David Downing Band

Duke Energy

Flippers Pizzeria

Giving Tree Music

Great Bay Distributors

Great Explorations Museum

Hillsborough County Schools

Imagine Museum

Kiwanis of St. Petersburg

Kona Ice of Seminole

Live Nation

Morphew World Fashion

Northeast Exchange Club

Outback Presents

PARC

Pharoah’s Wildlife Kingdom

Pinellas County Schools

Rita’s of Seminole

Rotary of St. Petersburg

Sears Studio Performing Arts Academy

Sensory Studio

Sonata Restaurant

St. Pete Catalyst

St. Pete – Clearwater International Airport

St. Pete Life Magazine

St. Petersburg Arts Alliance

St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce

St. Petersburg Downtown Partnership

St. Petersburg Police Department

St. Petersburg Women’s Chamber of Commerce

Tampa Bay Tech

The Artisan Magazine

The Florida Orchestra

USF College of Arts

Visit St. Pete – Clearwater

Warehouse Arts District Association

Wendy’s

William Morris Agency

WUSF

Pharoah's Wild Kingdom

Carole Merritt and Bill Edwards

Corporate Members

Beasley Media Group

Benefits Plus Financial

Bill's La Habana Cigar Club

Biltmore Construction Co., Inc

City National Bank

Compass Land and Title LLC

Connect Hearing

Cyndeo Wealth Partners

Dynasty Luxury Group

Edward Jones Financial

Egan Painting LLC

Ericka Peitler

Fifth Third Bank

First Horizon Bank

Fisher Engineering

General Dynamics OTS

Gold and Diamond Source

Gray Street Studios Architectural Photography

Homewatch CareGivers of St. Pete Beach

Karns Enterprise

Labrador Primary Care Center

Left Bank Bistro

Massage Envy

Melissa and Paul Haskins

Our Town America

Party Cube Live

Prosignature America

Raymond James Financial

Ronald Bone P.A.

Sound Vision Solutions

Stella Artois/Great Bay Distributing

The Rush Collection

Treasure Island/ Maderia Beach Chamber

Valley Bank

Walker Ford

William Karns Enterprise, Inc.

WUSF

Grantors/Sponsors

Ashley Charitable Foundation

City of St. Petersburg

Crown Automobile Charities/Hawkins Family Foundation

Duke Energy

Florida Arts & Culture - State of Florida

GFWC St. Petersburg Woman's Club

Janet A. Huntley Arts Enrichment for Youth Grant

John Hopkins All Children's Hospital

Kaldi's Coffee

MBJ Foundation, Inc,

National Endowment for the Arts

Pinellas Community Foundation

Rotary Club of St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg Police Department

St. Petersburg Women's Chamber of Commerce

Thomas A. & Mary S. James Foundation

White Family Foundation

Kent Kilgore and Emma Young

Kaldi's Coffee

Individual Members

Elizabeth and Alden Abraham

Donna Abrams

Ashley and Martin Agard

Vedant Agarwal

Carolina Alzate and Richard Rasmussen

Linda and Eric Anderson

Lynn Arko and Brendon Kelley

Bonnie Arnold

Sharon Arthur

Sheila and John Auer

Geoffrey Banks

Cynthia Barnard

Anne and Timothy Belcastro

Robert and Lynell Bell

Pamela and Larry Bennett

Beth Benson

Helen and Joseph Bergantz

Sherri and Randy Bishop

Kim Bjurmark and Michael Durso

Robert Blau

Margo and Don Blumenthal

Karen and Steve Boike

Stephanie Boswell and Donna Poulos

Andrew Bowen

Cheryl Bozorgmanesh

Andrea Braha and John Marazzi

Celene Brink

Patricia Brown

Gisela Brown and Richard Erwin

Jennifer and Darla Browning / Hutton

Turtle Burton

Sally Buscaino

Angelo Butera

Laurie and John Calfee

Susan and Frank Cannella

Michelle and Kevin Cappock

Linda and Jeffrey Carbiener

Tina and Paul Carlino

Elisa Caro and Jarrett Wolf

Diana Carsey and David Wolters

Sandi Cauffield

Richard Chambers

Mary and Bob Chaput

John Chlupp

Kelly and Sang Choi

Tiffany Chomko and Michael Pranpat

Barbara Cincotta

Rosalie and Victor Cipolla

Sarah Clark

Cathy Clayton

Steven Cline

Sherry and Irv Cohen

William Collins

Michael Connor

Elizabeth & Tom Corboy

Chris Core

Dionel Cotanda

Donna Cothron

Emily and Winston Cox

Bernadette and Lee Craig

Sherri and Ed Crouse

Sheryl Czipott

Mari and Robert Czyszczon

Laurie Darnell and Neal Millard

Edythe De Marco

Anne Deegan

Cyndi and John Deermount

Shirley and Steven Dehmlow

Michael Dellavalle

Freda and Lowell Dexter

Joanne and Tobyn DeYoung

Valerie and Matt DiGennaro

Kate and Brady Diggs

Jennifer and Carla Disano

Virginia and Raymond Dolan

Rick Dominguez

Deborah Donegan

Linda and Roger Dow

Jillian and Robert Doyle

Judith and Michael Dreyer

Marilyn Driggs

Michael Duggan

Christy Dunn

William Dunn and Thomas Reidy

Bill Edwards

Colleen and Thomas J.Egan

Judith Eichenbaum

Debbie Endsley and Mihael Hanna

Abbie and Dale Ensminger

Rob Eppsteiner

Melissa and Chuck Ernst

Colonel Lori Everett and Steve Stephenson

Ellen and David Faulk

Amy and Scott Fehrs

Helen and David Feinberg

Isabel Felix

Deborah Ferguson

Jane Ferguson

Nat Fields

Naomi Figel

Elisha and Bob Finney

Aleta and Fred Fisher

Jeannie and Mike Flanagan

Charles Flanagan

SP Fletcher

Brian Flouro

Ashley and Jeffrey Fox

Michael B. Fox

Michele and P. Douglas Freedle

Hal Freedman and Willi Rudowsky

Carol Fry and Gary Long

Lisa and Cris Fucci

Maureen Gabe and Raymond Virgillo

Michael Gallegos

Mae and Richard Giaquinto

Sharon Gigliotti and Steven Cecil

Emily and James Gillespie

Stephanie Goforth

Robyn and Bryan Greenberg

Laurel Greene

Jane Grieco and Marcus Towler

Sabrina and Dan Griffin

Kellie and William Grueninger

Jinny Gunn

Terri Hall & Lance Rodgers

Vicki and Dr. Andrew Hano

Cynthia and Carl Hawkins

Elizabeth and Larry Heinkel

Sarah and Greg Helck

Kristie and Jim Helinger

Carol Henderson and Tony Lewandowski

Mary Herman and Robert P. Carlo

Kathleen (Kiffie) and Michael Hester

Linda Hodac and Brian Crist

Rita and Joseph Hoffman

Sally Holcomb

Barbara and Gregory Holden

Michael and Scott Hood & Morse

Kimberly and Jeff Howels

Marilyn Hulsey

Marilyn Imparato

Daniel Iovino

Elena Ivani

Bette Ra Ivey

Bev Jackson

Mary and Tom James

Sandy and Thomas Janout

Keith Jarrett

Denise and Jesse Javens

Marie-Anne and Michael Jennings

Barbara Johnson

Patricia Jones

Carolyn Judah

Carol and Chester Justice

Diane and Paul Karstendiek

Vera & Scott Keenan

Mona and Edward Kelly

Maerilee Keshiro

Arlene Keys and Rick Birmingham

Scott Kilbourne

Ivy and David Kitenplon

Mark Kleinsmith

Martha and Werner Koester

Laura Kolkman and Bob Brown

Connie and Garner Koons

Kristen and Gary Krauthamer

Jason Krouth

Shannon and Jeff Kula

Cindy Langenfield and Harry Johns

Jeffrey Lawrence

Lisa LeGrow and Charles Campbell

Polly Leibe

Karen and Alan Levine

Susan and Stanley Levy

Sheila and Rod Lewis

Stuart Lipman

Jennifer Loader and Gregory Wohl

Stephanie and James LoBianco

Emily Loggins

Suzanne and Daniel Lombardi

Loretta Lombardi Rauenhorst

Marc Lopata

Brenda and Dave Lorenz

Alice Jane and Donald Lovelock

Margaret Lucey

Suzanne and Jim MacDougald

Monika Macfawn

Susan and Fotios Magdalinos

Maryann and Mark Mahaffey

Billi Jo and Michael Manicki

Marybeth and James Marcus

Nancy and Jeff Marple

Yvonne Martin

Barbara and Scott Matirne

Mari Mazzara and John Bigelow

Tonya and William McBean

Matthew McBride

Brenda and Dave Lorenz

Alice Jane and Donald Lovelock

Margaret Lucey

Suzanne and Jim MacDougald

Monika Macfawn

Susan and Fotios Magdalinos

Maryann and Mark Mahaffey

Billi Jo and Michael Manicki

Marybeth and James Marcus

Nancy and Jeff Marple

Yvonne Martin

Barbara and Scott Matirne

Mari Mazzara and John Bigelow

Tonya and William McBean

Matthew McBride

Kenneth McClintock

Becki and Richard McClure

Eileen and Daniel McCrady

Laura and Leonard McCudden

Deborah McDade and Nancy Rodegast

Julia McGinty

Krista McManus and Todd Coppic

Trudy McNulty

Annette and Patrick McNulty

Barbara and Howard Mednick

Stacey Mendoza and Keith Dunn

Carole Merritt

Jeanne and Kevin Milkey

Mary Newell-Miller and Matthew Miller

Bethany and Brent Miller

Georgia Miner

Stephanie Mischke and Aaron Freedman

Pat & Rob Moler

Mark Morell

Mark Morey

Adrea abd Abe Morris

June and Raymond Moser

Cherry and Patrick Mullen

Delta Munoz

Larry Nelson

Robert Neri

Brenda Newman and Rich Hulden

Michelle and Alice Nobel

Joanne Obenauf

Moncia and James Oconnor

Dennis Olden

Christine and Tim O'Leary

Natalie and Richard Oliver

Kelly Ornell

Barbara and James Ottinger

Elaine Ouellette and Craig Greaves

Yi-Hwa Outerbridge

Michele Paape and Stephen Sandberg

Christopher Packey

Rick Page

Kathleen and Robert Palano

Thomas Panos

Janet and Iqbal Paroo

Kate and Larry Passaretti

Joan Pennella

Colleen and John Pfannenstiel

Greg Pflum

Brandon Pittman

Jennifer and Matthew Polus

Rob Ponte

Pamela and John Popson

Kimberly and KC Poulin

Christopher Powers

Kimberly and Ronald Price

Carlos Quirindongo

James Ragsdale

Robert Ramoy and Gary McFall

Ruth and Russ Reardon

Lisa Renée (Tvedten)

Sharen and Robert Resnik

Carolyn and Joseph Rettig

Janet and Michael Richardson

Dean Rinehart

Sarah Robbins

Susan Robertson and Stephen Andon

Allison and Keith Robinson

Robert Rodriguez

Stephen Rogers

Dixie Rogers

Mike Rogich and Carol O'Bryon Rogich

Ruth Ross

Karan and Jeff Rowan

Justin Ruzinok

Sharon Rymer

Nancy Sackett and Douglas Meredith

Ellen Sahhar

Scott Sanford

Kim and Jim Sbarra

Clark Scherer

Kelly Schmidt

Cindie Schooner-Ball and Mark Ball

Stephanie Schrage

Mel Sembler

Christopher Shafer

Jeanne and Gabriel Shaheen

Eileen Shapiro and Ruben Eaves

Mary Shehadeh and Ed Talbert

Maxwell Sheiner

Brina Shere

Matthew Sibley and Marshall McDonald

Jill Simpson

Ezra Singer

Dennis Slater

Raina and R. Bob Smith

Sherri Snare

Vicki and Joel Sokolik

Jamie Solak and Scott Pickens

Amy and Michael Southard

Andrea and Mark Spears

Scott Spindel

Eva Stangler

John Henry Staples

Sandra and Alan Steinberg

Lynne Steiner

Stacie and Kevin Steinke

Wendi Stevens

Debbie and Jay Storey / Mabrey

Ann Stuck

Charles Sullivan

Ryan Sulte

Cathy Swanson

Mary Sweeney

Naomi and Jaime Taicher

Brenda Tate

Stephanie Taylor

Kristi and Paul Taylor

Kerry Lynn Taylor and Laura Lask

Nicole Thurman and Chris Ireland

Elizabeth and William Truxal

Trish Ulrich and Ken Baxendell

Cathy Unruh and Tom Sansone

Staci and Scott Valentino

Ron Vallario

Susie and Hugh Van Gelder

Dale Van Houten

William Van Law

Teresa Vargova and Guy Oelze

Naomi and Jon Vichich

Melonie and Scott Vigue

David Vineyard

Wendy Vinsant

John Waechter

Shari Wagner

Lee and Tim Wallace

Mary and Larry Walters and Applegate

Charis and Richard Warshof

Ann Waterhouse

Sharon Watson

Michael Weatherby

Mark Weinkrantz

William Weir

Carol and Fred Whaley

Cindy White and Timothy Keogh

Karen and Carl Wikoff

Kathy Wilder

Deborah Williams

Allison and Chris Wilson

Lorna and Colin Wilson

Tiffany and Chuck Windish

Lisa Winkle

Heather Wion

Ginger and Brooke Wolf

Thomas Wood III

Karine Woodley and Randall Leckinger

Denise and Chris Woods

Cecilia Wright

Dia and Doug Wycoff

Elizabeth and Steve Wydro

Debbi and Michael Young

Member Mingle with Rick Page, Alvina Miller and Deborah Williams

Annual Financial Points of Interest

Events each year in the venue 300+

Educational youth performances, festivals, and workshops

Mainstage performances

Foundation Special Events

Students served through educational outreach initiatives

EXPENSES

90% of Funds Spent on our Mission

45% - General Programming and Services

32% - Youth Programming

13% - Management and General

10% - Fundraising

Employees: 8

Year Established: 2011

Geographic Service Area: Greater Tampa Bay

Bill Edwards Foundation for the Arts was founded as a 501(c) 3 nonprofit in 2011, and is dedicated to providing arts education programs, community outreach, and performances as well as concerts for the entire community with emphasis on culturally diverse programming for youth, and families.