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.”