Kathy Rabon Named New Chief Development Officer of Ruth Eckerd Hall, Inc.

Ruth Eckerd Hall, Inc. announces the return of Kathy Rabon, CFRE, CFRM, as Chief Development Officer of Ruth Eckerd Hall and the Capitol Theatre in downtown Clearwater.

In announcing the appointment of Kathy, Zev Buffman, Ruth Eckerd Hall, Inc. President and CEO, commented, "We are so pleased to welcome Kathy back to Ruth Eckerd Hall. Her knowledge of Ruth Eckerd Hall as well as fundraising in our market along with her passion for the arts and education are a great asset to our strong team and will serve our community well."

In response, Kathy said, "I'm excited to return to Ruth Eckerd Hall and join a team at such a respected venue in the Tampa Bay area and around the world. I look forward to working with the entire Development staff and Ruth Eckerd Hall team as we continue building on 30 years of presenting the highest level of entertainment and performing arts to the community and continue our successful relationships with our members, Board of Directors, corporate sponsors, donors and the Tampa Bay community as we identify new opportunities as well as enhance our current philanthropic support."

A Certified Fund Raising Executive, Kathy was the Executive Director at Ruth Eckerd Hall Performing Arts Center Foundation from 1999 to 2006. During that time, she was instrumental in raising $24 million under the campaign chairmanship of Jim Cantonis. Those funds were used for the extensive renovation of the Hall and the construction of the Marcia P. Hoffman Performing Arts Institute. Previously, Kathy was the Deputy Director at the Salvador Dali Museum in St. Petersburg and the Senior Vice President of Development and Communications at the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA. Most recently, Kathy was the Chief Development Officer at the Girl Scouts of West Central Florida.

In addition to planning, directing and organizing the development functions of the organization to achieve fundraising goals for Ruth Eckerd Hall and the Capitol Theatre, Kathy will also provide leadership, support, training and direction for the development staff. Working closely with Mr. Buffman, Kathy will continue the implementation of the major funding campaign programs and solicitations of major gifts and sponsorships.

Kathy will join the staff on September 30.

Ruth Eckerd Hall, Inc. is the 2,200-seat Ruth Eckerd Hall, the soon to be completed 750-seat Capitol Theatre, the 200-seat Murray Studio Theater, The Marcia P. Hoffman Performing Arts Institute and Ruth Eckerd Hall On The Road. Ruth Eckerd Hall, Inc. is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization whose mission is to engage the community to master, experience, discover and explore quality performing arts.

Designed by the prestigious Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, Ruth Eckerd Hall is known for its fantastic sightlines and near-perfect acoustics and plays host to more than 300 events a year ranging from Broadway to dance, opera, comedy, pop, rock, jazz and more. In addition to its Main Stage, Ruth Eckerd Hall also includes the multi-purpose Margarete Heye Great Room, which plays host to more than 300 events each year including weddings, receptions, bar mitzvahs, corporate meetings and much more.

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