Social Seens... Photography by Gram
Ruth Eckerd Hall’s
Grand Reopening Premiere
Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater unveiled its new look with a 1920s-themed party in its expanded and newly re-decorated
Grand Lobby. Guests were welcomed by the hall’s president and CEO Susan Crockett, board chair Frank Hibbard and chief
development officer Suzy Delaney, who thanked donors, builder Creative Contractors and interior designer Suzan Decker
Ross and their teams. The inaugural performance on the Holt Family Stage of the lobby’s Kate Tiedemann and Ellen Cotton Cabaret
Theatre, tours of the new Hoffman Family Dress Circle Lounge and the Geri and Ray Trautlein Champagne Bar and a serenade by
members of The Florida Orchestra followed. A seated gourmet dinner on the hall’s extended stage and a live auction were topped
off with dancing to the music of Big Bad Voodoo Daddy.
Alan and Nancy Bomstein were proud to
be the gala’s Silver Partner through his
Creative Contractors, which was responsible
for the hall’s previous and new renovations.
166 TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2020
Nancy and David Bilheimer’s major gift
to the campaign will elevate and sustain
educational and other programing at the
hall’s Marcia P. Hoffman School of the Arts.
Ellen Cotton and Kate Tiedemann’s
generosity will enable students and young
artists to perform in the new lobby’s cabaret
theater that bears their names.
Carolyn and The Honorable George Cretekos,
the city of Clearwater’s first lady and mayor,
enjoyed the inaugural performance on the
lobby cabaret theater’s Holt Family Stage.
Sandra Nesbit and Greg Willsey of Mercer
Advisors, who have co-chaired and
sponsored other galas for the hall, again
stepped up to help fund its expansive
renovation.
George and Lisa Etheridge, who continue
to step forward in support of Ruth Eckerd
Hall’s needs, admired the results of their
donations to its expansion campaign.