F U N - R A I S E R
Friends of Music
Benefiting Ruth Eckerd Hall
By Margaret Word Burnside and Aaron R. Fodiman
Photography by Gram
A dam Nance, the vice president and chief development officer
at Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater, has taken its “Friends of
Music” program to a new high. The most recent event for this
group that supports the educational programs at the Hall was a private
concert by the famed musical group Foreigner. The group, that is known
for songs such as “Dirty White Boy” and “Waiting for a Girl Like
You,” performed at downtown Clearwater’s Capitol Theatre, which
is operated by the Hall. This appreciation show began under a tent on
Cleveland Street in front of the theatre. Members mixed, mingled and
socialized while enjoying entertainment by music students in Ruth
Eckerd Hall’s programs, as well as cocktails and gourmet selections
such as Lobster Salad, Lamb Chop Pops and Grilled Oysters. After the
acoustic performance by Foreigner, the fun continued with desserts
and libations. For more information on “Friends of Music,” call Adam
at (727) 712-2718.
Lisa Hamilton and her husband
Ken, the newest “Mr. Clearwater”
and president of the Palm Pavilion
on Clearwater Beach, who has also
been president of the Hall, fully
support this “Fun-raiser.”
Vilma Buffman and her husband
Zev, the force behind Ruth Eckerd
Hall’s tremendous recent success,
were excited to see so many donors
at this event.
Cindy and Steve Heller brought their daughter-in-law
Monica to the Foreigner concert at the Capitol Theatre,
where they were thanked for their generous donations
to the Hall.
John and Wendy Thomas of Pinch
a Penny and their family have been
major donors to Ruth Eckerd Hall
over the years.
The Capitol Theatre
in downtown
Clearwater is the
5th largest seller of
tickets in the world
for a venue of its size.
Sandra Nesbit and her husband
Greg Willsey, principals of GFS
Private Wealth, are huge supporters
of Ruth Eckerd Hall and recently
chaired the Hall’s annual Gala.
Adam Abelson and his parents, Jeanie and David
Abelson, have all been active in and supportive of
Ruth Eckerd Hall’s programs for students.
Bonnie Bollenback and her
husband Mike, who is a member
of the board of directors of the Hall,
enjoyed this special evening that
was part of the “Friends of Music”
program.
88 TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE MARCH/APRIL 2016