St. Petersburg, Fla. (Jan. 19, 2017) – The Bill Edwards Foundation for the Arts, the Mahaffey Theater’s principal fundraising arm, has named Melissa Hughey as President.
The former Development Director for the Tampa-based Arthritis Foundation, Ms. Hughey brings more than 10 years’ experience in non-profit development. The St. Petersburg native also has extensive experience in strategic planning, research, budgeting, forecasting, reporting and analysis.
A 501(c)3 nonprofit, the Bill Edwards Foundation for the Arts is committed to supporting and presenting all genres of the performing arts at The Mahaffey, funding arts education for school children through the Class Acts performance series and providing its member patrons with unequaled services, entertainment and cultural experiences.
“I look forward to continuing the success and building the momentum of the Bill Edwards Foundation for the Arts,” Hughey says. “It’s an exciting time in downtown St. Petersburg. Over the past five years, more than 100,000 schoolchildren have experienced live theater for the first time, because of The Mahaffey and the Bill Edwards Foundation for the Arts. That’s what I’m the most passionate about.”
The Mahaffey Theater
The Mahaffey Theater, under the management of Big3 Entertainment, is one of Tampa Bay’s top-rated performing arts venues. Home to the Florida Orchestra, The Mahaffey hosts top-quality national and international artists and performances – Broadway, pop, rock, comedy, dance, classical and interactive engagements and exhibitions.
Located in the heart of downtown St. Petersburg, the 2,031-seat cultural jewel boasts spectacular waterfront views and is located only minutes away from white sandy beaches and world-renowned museums. Additionally, the theater supports the highly successful Class Acts program, which enables school children to experience the performing arts through in-theater performances as well as in-school outreach and extension programs.