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Dillard’s Demonstrates Their Support for the Arts

Burning of Original Mortgage

Celebrated

Tribute to Larry Dimmitt

Harvesting for Scholarships

Honors Robert & Leslie Freedman

Meet Our New President

& CEO

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New York Life Supports Eckerd

Theater Company

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Show Your Support for Arts Education by Joining the Leading Ladies at an Event

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1111 McMullen Booth Road • Clearwater, Florida 33759 • Telephone 727.791.7060 • www.RuthEckerdHall.com

Ruth Eckerd Hall’s 2011 – 2012 season features a great line-up of Broadway shows including the Tampa Bay area premiere of MEMPHIS, 2010 Tony Award®-winner for Best Musical starting on Tuesday, February 7 and running through Sunday, February 12. Join us as this show heralds in the birth of rock ‘n’ roll by following the journey of a white radio DJ and a black club singer set in the underground dance clubs of 1950s segregated South and inspired by actual events. For tickets to this great show and others, please call the Ticket Offi ce at 727.791.7400 or visit us at www.RuthEckerdHall.com.Photo credit: Paul Kolnik

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2011-2012 Season Sponsor

Zev Buffman is the new President and CEO at Ruth Eckerd Hall. Prior to joining Ruth Eckerd Hall, Zev was President and CEO of the RiverPark Center of Performing Arts in Owensboro, Kentucky. Zev has also served as President and CEO for many performing arts centers and/or Broadway Series including seven in Florida. Among them are the Coconut Grove Playhouse in Miami, the Jackie Gleason Performing Arts Center in Miami Beach, the Bob Carr Performing Arts Center in Orlando, the Royal Poinciana Playhouse in Palm Beach and the Parker Playhouse in Ft. Lauderdale, where he also facilitated the opening of the new Broward Center for the Performing Arts.

Zev’s resume also includes production credits for more than 40 Broadway shows, 100 national tours and 29 Tony Award nominations. He brought touring Broadway shows to the state of Florida in the 1970s and 1980s. In 1988, he sold his Florida operation to Pace Theatrical Group, which eventually morphed into what is now Broadway Across America. Over the years, Zev has worked

Meet Our New President & CEO

with many stars such as Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, Angela Lansbury, John Lithgow and Dustin Hoffman to make, in many cases, their Broadway debuts. Outside of the performing arts, Zev had a hand in founding the Miami Heat and was the National Basketball Association team’s fi rst general partner.

Zev earned a BA in Entertainment from LA College and an Honorable PhD in Communications from Nova University in South Florida. He has been married to his wife, Vilma, for 49 years.

Zev’s career and background in theater, performing ar ts centers, Broadway, professional sports and sports arenas, amphitheaters, fi lm and television have given him a broad understanding and appreciation for all of the entertainment arts. Zev brings a unique legacy and success to lead Ruth Eckerd Hall.

leadZev Buffmanat Ruth Eckerd Hall. Prior to joining Ruth Eckerd Hall, Zev was President and CEO of the RiverPark Center of Performing Arts in Owensboro, Kentucky. Zev has also served as President and CEO for many performing arts centers and/or Broadway Series including seven in Florida. Among them are the Coconut Grove Playhouse in Miami, the Jackie Gleason Performing Arts Center in Miami Beach, the Bob Carr Performing Arts Center in Orlando, the Royal Poinciana Playhouse in Palm Beach and the Parker Playhouse in Ft. Lauderdale, where he also facilitated the opening of the new Broward Center for the Performing Arts.

Zev’s resume also includes production credits for more than 40 Broadway shows, 100 national tours and 29 Tony Award nominations. He brought touring Broadway shows to the state of Florida in the 1970s and 1980s. In 1988, he sold his Florida operation to Pace Theatrical Group, which eventually morphed into what is now Broadway Across America. Over the years, Zev has worked

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2 APPLAUSE • Winter 2011-2012

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Welcome Our New Chief Development Officer and Director of Membership

Stephanie Smith, Chief Development Offi cer, held a variety of positions at Ruth Eckerd Hall from 1998 to 2006. In her new role, she will plan, direct and organize the development functions of the organization to achieve fundraising goals for Ruth Eckerd Hall and the Capitol Theatre. She will also provide leadership, support, training and direction for the development staff.

Melissa Reddington, Director of Membership, was most recently Development Coordinator at Chapters Health Systems. She has four years of arts venue sales experience and fi ve years of fundraising experience. Melissa will lead and manage the membership programs including planning, implementing and monitoring services and benefi ts.

The 13th Annual Harvesting for Scholarships event founded by Bob Challener and Nelson Morrow is hosted each fall to benefi t the Ruth Eckerd Hall Youth Scholarship and Tuition Assistance Programs. This year’s event honored Robert Freedman, retiring President & CEO, and his wife Leslie for their outstanding support of arts education. The November event was attended by nearly 350 guests and included a reception, a seated dinner, a live auction and opportunity prizes. The master of ceremonies for the evening was John Wilson, FOX 13 news anchor. Event founder, Bob Challener, who passed away in late September, was remembered with a photo montage. Lead sponsor The McDonald Group at Morgan Stanley Smith Barney was recognized and thanked for their support. Several dignitaries spoke including Clearwater Mayor, Frank Hibbard and nationally-renowned artist Christopher Still. Numerous local restaurants were spotlighted during the reception including Alfano’s Restaurant & Splendido Lounge, Amore, “It’s a Lifestyle,” GrillSmith, The Lobster Pot, SHOR American Seafood Grill at the Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa and The Wine Cellar. Special student performances spotlighted the Ruth Eckerd Hall/Clearwater Jazz Holiday Combo, the Center Stage Mixed Ensemble, the Bella Voce Girls’ Choir, the Basso Voce Boys’ Choir, The Marcia P. Hoffman Rhythm and Sole Tap Ensemble and Hanna Zazzaro, the 2009 – 2010 Vocal Scholarship recipient. Surprise video recordings of Quentin Darrington, 1994 – 1995 Musical Theater Scholarship recipient, who will appear in MEMPHIS in February at Ruth Eckerd Hall. and Calvin Royal, 2005 – 2006 Dance Scholarship recipient were shown thanking Robert and Leslie for their ongoing love of the arts. Robert and Leslie were honored with a scholarship in their names, which includes an initial gift of $25,000 from the Eckerd Family Foundation, originated by Nancy Nichols. The amount raised to fund that scholarship was $116,000! This year’s event raised $88,300, bringing the grand total raised for scholarships to $204, 300!

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For membership information, call 727.712.2720 or visit www.RuthEckerdHall.com 3

13th Annual Harvesting for ScholarshipsHonors Robert and Leslie Freedman

Leslie and Robert Freedman, retiring Ruth Eckerd Hall President and CEO, accept a gift as they are honored with a scholarship in their name at Harvesting for Scholarships.

Barbara and Jeff McDonald from Th e McDonald Group at Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, Lead Sponsors for Harvesting for Scholarships.

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4 APPLAUSE • Winter 2011-2012

Circle of Stars members ($1,500 per year and above) can experience one of the many member privileges when they join us at the Circle of Stars Reception and Cast Party prior to, during intermission and after the performance of MEMPHIS. Complimentary hors d’oeuvres, champagne, wine and soft drinks will be provided. Hope to see you there!

Tuesday, February 7, 20126:30 pmMargarete Heye Great Room

Circle of Stars Members Are Invited To An Exclusive Reception and Cast Party

Members Enjoy Special Benefits

Circle of Stars members ($1,500 per year and above) get access to the many exclusive VIP experiences offered at the Hall such as Broadway Cast Parties, Dress Circle Receptions, Meet and Greets, photo opportunities, sound checks and much more! The next time you purchase tickets through our VIP Line don’t forget to let our team know that you’re interested in participating in these experiences.*

Members Experience Exclusive Access

Colbie Caillat (left), pop singer-songwriter and guitarist with Annie and Allie Myron. Their parents, Mark and Josepha Myron, have been members since 2006.

Jerry Flatt (right), member since 1991, and his daughter Jennifer Flatt (left) had the opportunity to meet Dolly Parton, one of the most successful female country artists of all time. Dolly is known as The Queen of Country Music.

*Some restrictions may apply.

For membership information, call 727.712.2720 or visit www.RuthEckerdHall.com 5

Members Recognized for Their Philanthropy

Each year the Tampa Bay Businesses for Culture and the Arts (TBBCA) asks for nominations for their Impact Awards and the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) seeks award nominations that celebrate the philanthropic spirit for National Philanthropy Day. This past year Ruth Eckerd Hall nominated Dimmitt Automotive Group and Gladys Douglas Hackworth for the TBBCA Impact Awards. Both nominations were selected as winners. For the AFP National Philanthropy Day, Ruth Eckerd Hall, the Straz Center and MOSI nominated Dr. Zena Lansky. Dr. Lansky was recognized as the Philanthropist of the Year. Dimmitt was recognized for their Dimmitt Cares campaign, which has donated over $60,000 to a wide range of local nonprofi t organizations. Additionally, Dimmitt is a founding member of Ruth Eckerd Hall and the Dimmitt Family Atrium Lounge is named in their honor. Gladys Douglas Hackworth is a founding member of the arts in our community and helped to ensure that Ruth Eckerd Hall was built. She chaired the Hall’s Stradivarius Society Gala for years and has supported a wide variety of nonprofi t organizations in the Tampa Bay area. Dr. Zena Lansky has been involved in and supportive of many nonprofi t organizations in the Tampa Bay community for nearly 40 years including Ruth Eckerd Hall, the Straz Center, MOSI and the Morton Plant Mease Foundation. Additionally, she and her husband Warren Rodgers have conducted numerous free Marketing Workshops benefi ting nonprofi t organizations’ executives and staff members. We thank each one of these members for their continued support of the arts in our community!

Burning of Original Mortgage Celebrated

Ruth Eckerd Hall raised $9.5 million to build the Hall in the early 1980s. The Hall actually cost $14.5 million to build. Ruth Eckerd Hall took out a 30 year mortgage for the additional $5 million needed for completion of the construction. The mortgage was paid off earlier this year. After a Board of Directors meeting in October, a ceremony was held representing paying off a copy of the offi cial document indicating the mortgage was paid in full.

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From left to right: Ruth Eckerd Hall Board of Directors members Barbara Schmitz, Marcus Greene, Sandy Stroyne, Secretary, Stan Levy, Robert Freedman, President and CEO, Rick Bouchard, Chairman, Linda Griffi n-Keliher, Charlie Rutz, Joshua Magidson, Vice Chairman, Ken Hamilton, Steve Kramer, Karen Jubrail, Chief Financial Offi cer, Jeff Hartzog, Director of Operations and Susan Crockett, Chief Information Offi cer.

From left to right: Jennifer Douglas, Executive Director of TBBCA, Kelli Krebes, Community Relations Director for the Dimmitt Automotive Group accepts the TBBCA Impact Award on behalf of the organization and Charlie Hounchell, President and Chairman of the TBBCA Board of Directors.

From left to right: Jennifer Douglas, Executive Director of TBBCA, Robert Freedman, Ruth Eckerd Hall President and CEO accepts the TBBCA Impact Awards on behalf of Gladys Douglas Hackworth and Charlie Hounchell, President and Chairman of the TBBCA Board of Directors.

Dr. Zena Lansky, Association of Fundraising Professionals National Philanthropic Day Philanthropist of the Year.

6 APPLAUSE • Winter 2011-2012

engageRaymond James Supports the Arts

Founded in 1962 and a public company since 1983, Raymond James is a diversifi ed fi nancial services holding company with subsidiaries engaged primarily in investment and fi nancial planning, in addition to investment banking and asset management. Through its three broker/dealer subsidiaries, Raymond James Financial has more than 5,400 fi nancial advisors serving two million accounts in 2,400 locations throughout the United States, Canada and overseas. In addition, total client assets are approximately $256 billion, of which approximately $32 billion are managed by the fi rm’s asset management subsidiaries. Raymond James has been recognized nationally for its community support and corporate philanthropy, ranked one of the best companies in the country in customer service, a great place to work and a leader in support of the arts. Raymond James has been a corporate partner of Ruth Eckerd Hall since 1988.

Meet One of Our Partners

Carrabba’s has been a proud sponsor of Ruth Eckerd Hall since 2003. It has been a natural sponsorship, as both organizations are rooted in similar goals – to provide the community with a place to gather and enjoy an evening out. Now, it’s even easier to plan a night out at Carrabba’s and Ruth Eckerd Hall thanks to the relocation of their Clearwater restaurant location from U.S. 19 North to 2680 Gulf to Bay Boulevard. Enjoy the warmth of Carrabba’s Italian hospitality and fl avorful house specialties from their wood-fi red grilled items to their Chicken Bryan with sauces made from scratch

every day. Visit C a r r a b b a ’ s before or after

the show and

enjoy one of the many tastes of Italy tonight!

Ruth Eckerd Hall, The Capitol Theatre and Eckerd Theater Company Honored with Four Best of the Bay Awards

At the annual Creative Loafi ng Best of the Bay Awards Ruth Eckerd Hall won two critic awards, the historic Capitol Theatre won one award and Steven K. Mitchell, for Eckerd Theater Company, won one award. “On behalf of the entire staff at Ruth Eckerd Hall and the Capitol Theatre, thank you to everyone at Creative Loafi ng for this recognition and honor,” said Robert Freedman, President and CEO.

Best Concert (large venue) – Ruth Eckerd Hall for sold out performance of PrimusBest Stepping-Up of Programming – Ruth Eckerd HallBest Classic Movies – Capitol TheatreBest Set Designer – Steven K. Mitchell, for Eckerd Theater Company’s Twelfth Night

For membership information, call 727.712.2720 or visit www.RuthEckerdHall.com 7

Support our partners because they support the Hall and the arts in our community!

Become a Corporate Partner, receive exceptional exposure, recognition and visibility, as well as the knowledge that you are helping to make the Tampa Bay community a better place to work, live and play.

2011 - 2012 Season Sponsor

Thank You To Ruth Eckerd Hall’s Corporate Partners

engageDillard’s Demonstrates

Their Support for the Arts

For the third year, Dillard’s held a fashion show on Ruth Eckerd Hall’s Main Stage complete with shopping, lunch, discounts, coupons, opportunity tickets, live music, lights and runway models. This event was attended by nearly 400 supporters. Tim Wilkins, Tampa Bay area comedian, was the master of ceremonies. Barbie Engelhardt was responsible for establishing the partnership between Dillard’s and Ruth Eckerd Hall. Barbie passed away last August. She was recognized for her support of arts education with a photo montage and the announcement of a scholarship fund in her name. The Dillard’s Fashion Show is a Charity of Choice event and benefi ts the Hall’s arts education programs.

From left to right: Tim Wilkins, Master of Ceremonies, Robert Freedman, Ruth Eckerd Hall President & CEO, Dawn Zachman, Dillard’s Southeast Division Special Events Director and Kim Coronado, Barbie Engelhardt’s daughter.

Audience members watch as Dillard’s models show the season’s newest fashions.

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8 APPLAUSE • Winter 2011-2012

SHINEFred Travalena Memorial Scholarship was established to honor the memory of Ruth Eckerd Hall’s dear friend – Fred Travalena who was an actor, singer, songwriter, lyricist, variety performer, recipient of a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and USO entertainer of our troops abroad. In keeping with Fred’s special relationship with and commitment to our military, this fund provides opportunities for members of military families to study music, drama and/or dance at The Marcia P. Hoffman Performing Arts Institute at Ruth Eckerd Hall. This year’s scholarship was presented to the Sydney Chiles Family. Since August, Sydney Chiles, age nine, has been studying drama at the Hoffman Institute. She comes by her passion for performing naturally, as her parents both have backgrounds in the arts. Sydney’s dad served in the Army. Sydney’s entire family is thrilled and thankful to receive this award.

Johnny Maestro Vocal Scholarship Awarded

The Johnny Maestro Vocal Scholarship was established in 2011 by Jon “Bowzer” Bauman of Sha Na Na. This scholarship honors the memory of his dear friend - singer, songwriter, and lyricist, Johnny Maestro. The scholarship funds provide the opportunity for a selected student to participate in all areas of vocal studies at The Marcia P. Hoffman Performing Arts Institute at Ruth Eckerd Hall. Liana Stephen, 17, was awarded this scholarship. She has been studying voice at the Hoffman Institute for the past fi ve years. Liana was a member of the Ruth Eckerd

Hall’s Children’s Choir from 2002 – 2005, placed third in the Ruth Eckerd Hall Youth Scholarships in Voice in 2011 and currently studies private voice and drama at the Hoffman Institute. Liana and her family are grateful and excited to be named the fi rst recipients of this award.

Landon Korabek Scholarship Awarded

Landon Korabek Memorial Scholarship was established in 2011 by the Korabek Family to honor their son Landon who was a lover of music, specifi cally guitar, and who died tragically in 2010. Landon’s parents, Greg and Susan, have been involved at Ruth Eckerd Hall since 1998. This fund provides the opportunity for a select student to participate in private music studies at The Marcia P. Hoffman Performing Arts Institute at Ruth Eckerd Hall. Robin Rives, 14, has been studying guitar for three years at the Hoffman Institute. Robin’s love of music began in third grade with her involvement with the bells and her school choir, that led to clarinet and eventually she settled on the guitar. Robin is pleased to have found a voice through her music, which has given her an opportunity to discover who she really is.

Fred Travalena Scholarship Awarded

Back row, left to right – Cory Travalena, Fred’s son, Mary Jane Chiles, Chris Chiles and Joyce Bonomini, Director of Education. Front row, left to right – Eric Chiles and Sydney Chiles.

For membership information, call 727.712.2720 or visit www.RuthEckerdHall.com 9

editorial creditsWInter 2011-2012Applause is published three times per year for the friends 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, RuthEckerdHall.com. All rights reserved.

Ruth Eckerd Hall, Inc.Richard E. Bouchard, Chairman, Ruth Eckerd Hall, Inc.Zev Buffman, President & CEO, Ruth Eckerd Hall, Inc.

Writer / EditorTami Alderman, Development Associate

Staff ContributorsEric Blankenship, Director of MarketingMaggie Ciadella, Social Memberships ManagerNancy Dietrich, Special Events ManagerRandy Gilmore, Graphic DesignerJoyce Pemberton, Director of Corporate PartnershipsMelissa Reddington, Director of Membership Sharon Reid-Kane, Associate Director of EducationSuzanne Ruley, Grants ManagerStephanie Smith, Chief Development Offi cerHeather Wilson, Development Research Analyst

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

Show Your Support for Arts Education By Joining the Leading Ladies at an Event

The Leading Ladies event calendar this season offers a little something for everyone. They invite you to join them for any and all events; show your support for arts education and have fun all at the same time!

The Leading Ladies of Ruth Eckerd Hall have supported the arts education programs of The Marcia P. Hoffman Performing Arts Institute at Ruth Eckerd Hall since their inception more than 30 years ago. Their two major fundraisers take place each year in late November and early December. Within six days time, in excess of 500 people attended Breakfast with Santa and the Holiday Gala. 2012 brings an Evening at the Capitol Theater on Wednesday, February 22 with a showing of the movie South Pacifi c, a prelude to the Broadway revival at Ruth Eckerd Hall in April, a Western Hoedown on Friday, March 30 at a private residence in Tarpon Springs and a Sunday in the Tropics on Sunday, April 29, co-hosted with the Largo Lions Club. Please plan to join the Leading Ladies and help them continue their support of arts education. For event pricing, volunteer opportunities, an offer of in-kind donations or underwriting support, please contact Leading Ladies President Jan Harroun at jharroun@me.com.

SHINE

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 Performing Arts Institute and the Eckerd Theater Company are supported in part by Bank of America, South Arts, The Tampa Bay Times Fund, Inc., Publix Super Markets Charities, Inc., Verizon Foundation, the Pinellas Community Foundation, Eckerd Family Foundation, Wells Fargo, The Rays Baseball Foundation, New York Life, The MetLife Foundation, The Japan Foundation Center for Global Partnership, Roy M. Speer Foundation, Target and the Volunteer Fund.

Thank you to Ruth Eckerd Hall’s Grantor Partners

familyFOUNDATION

eckerd

Sue Sibley, Hospitality Chair and Bev Lingle, Membership Chair enjoy their time as Leading Ladies.

10 APPLAUSE • Winter 2011-2012

reachNew York Life Supports Eckerd Theater Company

Eckerd Theater Company (ETC), Ruth Eckerd Hall’s professional touring company, received a $10,000 grant from New York Life which focuses on child bereavement. A Thousand Cranes was the perfect fi t: it tells the true story of a young girl in Hiroshima, Japan who dies of radiation sickness and her call for peace in the world. Dialogue about

bereavement, war and radiation sickness is critical today - young people want to better understand the crisis that occurred in Japan last year. Karla Crampton, a Ruth Eckerd Hall usher and retired bereavement specialist, coached the ETC actors on how to address the questions of young audiences on this diffi cult topic.Eckerd Theater Company actors and audience members with (from left to right; fi fth through tenth, back row) Steve Kramer, Managing Partner, New York Life, Julia Flood, Artistic Director ETC, Joyce Bonomini, Marcia P. Hoffman Performing Arts Institute Director of Education, Robert Freedman, Ruth Eckerd Hall President and CEO and Rick Bouchard, Ruth Eckerd Hall Board of Directors Chairman.

Eckerd Theater Company Receives Support from Japan Foundation

The Japan Foundation Center for Global Partnership will support Eckerd Theater Company (ETC), Ruth Eckerd Hall’s professional touring company, with a $5,000 education grant to support the production and tour of A Thousand Cranes, which tells the true story of a girl in Hiroshima, Japan who dies of radiation sickness and her call for peace in the world. This production is touring throughout Florida and the eastern U.S. The historical context of the play will give students an opportunity to make a personal connection to events of the past and to inspire exploration of Japanese culture and traditions. Did you know that Japan and the Tampa Bay area have close ties? Japan is the second largest trading partner with Tampa and Clearwater’s Sister City is Nagano, Japan. Pictured right: ETC actors rehearse A Thousand Cranes.

Hoffman Institute Receives Anonymous Grant to Host Arts and Aging Training

The Marcia P. Hoffman Performing Arts Institute received a $25,000 grant from an anonymous foundation to partner with the National Center for Creative Aging (NCCA) to be a host site for one of three Creativity Matters: Arts & Aging Core Training for Teaching Artists sessions across the U.S. NCCA received a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) to pilot these workshops in order to form a replicable curriculum and training template to train artists to engage older adults in the arts through learner-centered arts education. The workshops will take place in January 2012.

For membership information, call 727.712.2720 or visit www.RuthEckerdHall.com 11

dreamTribute to Larry Dimmitt

Larry Dimmitt, a long-time supporter of the arts and numerous nonprofi t organizations in the Tampa Bay community passed away in early November. He and his family moved to Clearwater, FL in 1924, where his father established two automobile dealerships. Larry attended the University of Florida. In the midst of the Great Depression, he left UF to return to Clearwater to help his father run the family business. In 1941, Larry enlisted in the U.S. Army and served as an offi cer in the North Africa campaign. After his return to the U. S., he met Betty Jane Roth and they were married in 1945. Larry and Betty Jane made their home in Belleair with their four children. Larry lost his beloved Betty Jane in 1976 to cancer. In 1952, Larry took over the dealerships from his father. He remained actively involved in the car business in Clearwater into the 1990s alongside his sons, Lawrence III and Richard, whose sons, in turn, now participate in the operation of the family business. Larry was deeply proud of his adopted hometown of Clearwater and his role in its growth. He appreciated the generous support of the community of him and his endeavors and taught his family the importance of giving back to the community. Being a committed philanthropist, he was instrumental in the development of numerous community institutions, including Ruth Eckerd Hall, Morton Plant Mease Hospital, The Florida Orchestra and UPARC. He served on the Ruth Eckerd Hall Board of Directors and was the fi rst recipient of the Clearwater Chamber of Commerce’s lifetime achievement award. Larry was a devotee of travel, he visited every continent except Antarctica. In 1991, Larry married Marge Armston, who shared his zest for traveling and life. He will be greatly missed.

Dolphin Tale Gala Screening HeldIn a continuing partnership with the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, the gala screening of the movie Dolphin Tale, which tells the story of Winter, the dolphin with a prosthetic tail, was held at Ruth Eckerd Hall. The event was sold out. Attendees witnessed movie co-stars Nathan Gamble and Cozi Zuehlsdorff walk the red carpet along with director Charles Martin Smith and producer Andrew Kosove. The movie features Academy Award® winner Morgan Freeman, Harry Connick Jr. and Ashley Judd. When preparing to fi lm the movie in 2010, Ruth Eckerd Hall was the only site for an open casting call. Of the nearly 3,000 people vying for the role as a movie extra, three adult on-camera students and four younger students of The Marcia P. Hoffman Performing Arts Institute at Ruth Eckerd Hall booked roles in the fi lm. This partnership is one more example of how Ruth Eckerd Hall and The Marcia P. Hoffman Performing Arts Institute continues to leave a legacy to the community.

Local Girl Scout Troop Chooses the Capitol Theatre for Their This Place Matters Campaign

Cadet Troop #190 of the Girl Scouts of West Central Florida Council have chosen the historic Capitol Theatre for their This Place Matters campaign. The girls learned of the This Place Matters campaign last summer when they went on a pilgrimage to the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace in Savannah, GA to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Girl Scouts. The Birthplace has been supported by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Touring Savannah’s landmarks, the girls connected to families of the past and realized the importance of preserving our cultural heritage. Upon returning home to FL, the girls decided that they wanted to take action and support the restoration of the Capitol Theatre. By letting the public share what places matter (instead of telling them), the This Place Matters campaign has galvanized thousands of individuals and organizations across the country to start conversations about preserving places, and the stories they tell, for future generations.

Photo credit: Carrie Pratt, Tampa Bay Times

The entire group of eight 12 – 13 yr. old girls that make up Girl Scout Cadet Troop #190 based in Safety Harbor, FL chose the Capitol Theatre for their This Place Matters campaign. They are dressed as a young lady would have dressed to attend the theater in 1921.

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

PRSRT STDUS POSTAGE

PAIDPERMIT #746

TAMPA FL

Richard B. Baumgardner Center for the Performing Arts

1111 McMullen Booth Rd.,Clearwater, Florida 33759

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.

All dates and times are subject to change. 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 Offi ce at 727.791.7400 or visit our website at www.RuthEckerdHall.com.

Circle of Stars members, please contact us on the VIP Line or at dresscircle@rutheckerdhall.net.

Here’s how you can contact us to get involved:

To continue or increase your membership, please contact Melissa Reddington, Director of Membership at 727.712.2723 or mreddington@rutheckerdhall.net.

To support the Hall’s fundraising events or to host a Charity of Choice event to benefi t the Hall’s arts education programs, please contact Nancy Dietrich, Special Events Manager at

727.712.2760 or ndietrich@rutheckerdhall.net.

To learn more about our Legacy Society or to support a Leading Ladies event, please contact Heather Wilson, Development Research Analyst at 727.712.2795

or hwilson@rutheckerdhall.net.

To become a corporate partner of the Hall, please contact Joyce Pemberton, Director, Corporate Partnerships at 727.712.2716 or jpemberton@rutheckerdhall.net.

For more information on becoming a grantor and supporting arts education programming, please contact Suzanne Ruley, Grants Manager at 727.712.2761

or sruley@rutheckerdhall.net.

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

JANUARY17 Glenn Miller Band; 1 pm20 Gordon Lightfoot; 8 pm21 Tim Conway & Friends; 1 pm21 Mozart’s Don Giovanni; 8 pm24 Danny Aiello; 1 pm25 ABBA: The Concert; 8 pm27 Tom Rush; 7:30 pm (CT)27 The Temptations & The Four Tops; 8 pm28 Les Ballet Trockadero de Monte; 8 pm29 Blue Suede Shoes, 1 pm29 Dia Frampton; 7pm (CT)

FEBRUARY1 Patti LaBelle; 8 pm2 Sha Na Na; 1 pm2 Willie Nelson; 8 pm3 Keb Mo; 8 pm7 – 12 MEMPHIS; 8 pm; 2 & 8 pm and 2 & 7 pm11 Daedalus Quartet 8 pm (CT)12 Christin Lavin; 7 pm (CT)

14 Barbra & Frank; 1 pm15 Mandy Patinkin; 8 pm16 Rodney Carrington; 8 pm17 Paul Anka; 8 pm18 Michael Amanti; 8 pm19 Vicki Lawrence and Mama; 2 pm21 Kelly Clarkson, 7:30 pm23 Terrance Simien & The Zydeco Experience; 7:30 pm (CT)24 Debby Boone; 1 pm24 Andy Grammer; 8 pm (CT)25 Verdi’s Rigoletto; 8 pm25 Terrance Simien & The Zydeco Experience; 2 pm (CT)25 Jane Monheit; 8 pm (CT)26 The Doobie Brothers; 7 pm28 Irish Rovers; 1 pm29 Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake; 7:30 pm

MARCH1 Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons; 8 pm2 Chris Botti; 7 pm3 Imagination Movers; 1:30 & 4 pm4 Stradivarius Society Gala; 4:30 pm (MHGR)

4 Itzhak Perlman, violin & Rohan De Silva, piano; 7 pm5 Simply Sinatra; 1 pm13 Irish Cabaret; 1 pm13 The Moody Blues; 8 pm17 Roger McGuinn; 7:30 pm (CT)17 Doo Wop Reunion XII; 7:30 pm18 Bob Newhart; 2 pm19 104 Years of Broadway; 1 pm21 Pilobolus; 8 pm23 Wilson Phillips; 7:30 pm (CT)23 Tony Bennett; 8 pm24 Navah Perlman, piano; 8 pm (CT)25 Neil Sedaka; 2 pm25 David Benoit & Brian Culbertson; 7 pm (CT)27 Debbie Reynolds; 1 pm28 Annual Meeting; 5:30 pm (MHGR)28 Diana Krall; 8 pm29 Jake Shimabukuro; 7:30 (CT)29 Martin Short; 8 pm30 & 31 Fiddler on the Roof

APRIL5 Johnny Mathis6 & 7 South Pacifi c

24 Elvis Costello & The Imposters; 8 pm26 Yanni; 8 pm

MAY

4 Spring Gala; 6:30 pm

CT= Capitol Theatre, Downtown ClearwaterMHGR = Margarete Heye Great Room

Exploring Ruth Eckerd Hall’s website is easy.

Simply download a QR tag reader to your smartphone and snap a picture of this QR tag. Then browse concerts, dates, musician bios, membership options, buy tickets and more.

Connect With Us

ACTIVITES LEGEND:

Family Connections

Circle of Stars ReceptionsCast Parties

1UP Parties Member Photo Opportunity

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

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.

All dates and times are subject to change. 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 Offi ce at 727.791.7400 or visit our website at www.RuthEckerdHall.com.Offi ce at 727.791.7400 or visit our website at www.RuthEckerdHall.com.

To continue or increase your To continue or increase your

To support the Hall’s To support the Hall’s Hall’s arts education programs, please contact Hall’s arts education programs, please contact

For more information on becoming a An Evening withWilson PhillipsMar 23 • 7:30pm

(CT)