Bay Street Theatre Announces New Additions To Its’ Board of Directors

In the wake of a well-publicized fundraising campaign, Bay Street Theatre is pleased to announce the addition of its newest board members, several of whom have long-standing ties with the local community. The latest members are Gary Bierfriend, Gregory Ferraris, Sal Ranieri and Robert Stein. These four men bring to the board a wealth of knowledge and experience ranging from a CPA and former mayor, to a mortgage entrepreneur. All of them will be great assets to the total make up of Bay Street's Board of Directors.

According to Board Chairman Frank Filipo, the Bay Street Board of Directors is still in a growth phase. "It is not easy work, but we do it because Bay Street is a great asset to the East End community as a whole. It's an important part of the arts and culture, as well as the educational outreach it provides to schools and other groups." Bay Street Board members provide guidance as well as financial support to the organization which operates as a 501 c3.

As for the recent fundraising campaign, Executive Director Tracy Mitchell sites that great strides have been made due primarily to an anonymous $250,000 challenge grant. "We still have a lot of work to do. But we are encouraged by the response of our local community, and we hope that people agree that we, like other local non profit organizations, are an important part of our life here on the East End. As Joy Behar recently said, "Who wants to live in a town without a theatre?" Mitchell concurs.

It is often hard for people to understand that the ticket prices account for less than half of the cost of running the theatre. In a year when ticket sales also slumped, the situation became critical. The additional funds must be made up in donations, grants, sponsorships, fundraising events, and Board gifts.

Anyone interested in joining Bay Street's efforts, are asked to contact Ms. Mitchell at 631-725-0818.

For a complete listing of events at Bay Street please check the website at www.baystreet.org.

Bay Street Theatre is a not-for-profit institution, dedicated to presenting new, classic and contemporary works of the highest quality, which challenge as well as entertain, speak to the diversity of the community and champion the human spirit. Bay Street's commitment extends to educational programs for all ages to foster the continued value of theatre as a vital art form for future generations.