A partnership focused on arts and performance excellence

Art has the power to engage our communities, foster individual well-being, and enrich the cultural vibrancy of the places we live and work. Art also has the potential to shape opportunities and inspire future generations. 

A shared passion for championing the arts has brought about a rewarding partnership between Ruth Eckerd Hall and Raymond James.

Deep foundations of collaboration 

As a nationally recognized performing arts organization and venue, Ruth Eckerd Hall offers a diverse array of performances and educational experiences. These presentations actively engage both performers and audiences, enriching the lives of the community as a whole.

“The middle school arts programming has specific goals that encourage healthy communication and self-esteem as children transition into greater self-reliance and decision-making," said Susan Crockett, CEO of Ruth Eckerd Hall. "We know that for students at risk, this developmental period is a critical time for them to envision their ability to succeed and shape their future. This is important work and having Raymond James partner in this effort is a gift to students, their families and to our community. The Raymond James footprint on the arts and education landscape has existed for decades and inspires us in our work.” 

Raymond James is a longstanding supporter of Ruth Eckerd Hall. Our firm is a proud member of the community and actively celebrates the Tampa Bay area's rich history, culture and resources.

In that spirit, the firm prioritizes having an advisor or associate serve on the board to support Ruth Eckerd Hall – and, by extension, the arts. Since 2021, Tampa Bay Complex Manager Michelle Lynch has represented Raymond James on the board at Ruth Eckerd Hall.

Ruth Eckerd Hall and Raymond James are also strong community partners on events like Symphony Under the Stars, a special concert for Raymond James advisors and associates that reaches thousands in our community.

Our financial advisors have the ability to host their clients at several Ruth Eckerd Hall shows, spreading the word about the pleasures of the local arts landscape and leading to even more participation from our community.     

An art-fueled impact

Both organizations are aligned in their goals to engage more students in local arts and performance. Raymond James is proud to sponsor the Middle School Arts initiative, a new program at Ruth Eckerd Hall that helps to pursue the vision of providing arts access to all. 

Preteens from 11 through 13 have specific needs that are often overlooked and different from those of children in elementary or high school. Ruth Eckerd Hall is designing unique programs to help bridge that gap.

The first initiative is a commissioned production focusing on diversity and inclusion specifically designed for middle school attendees, set to premiere in early 2024, that is expected to reach as many as 5,000 local students in 6th, 7th and 8th grades in the Tampa Bay and Sarasota areas.

Other initiatives take art and performance directly to students. In-school programs that span multiple days deliver a carefully curated curriculum with an arts-focused spin. Students benefit within a safe and engaging space providing hands-on learning, one that nurtures public speaking skills, self-expression, cultural exposure and peer-to-peer collaboration.

“Over the years, parents of our students have shared many a thank you note, and none more so than families of middle schoolers," said Sharon Reid-Kane, Ruth Eckerd Hall Ed.D., VP & Chief Education & Community Engagement Officer. "I’ve personally seen and heard how our programs continually provide a space for students to meet others like them and helped improve their confidence. I’m extremely thankful for partners – like Raymond James – who help us make such a positive community impact for people of all ages.”

The long-term vision

Ruth Eckerd Hall is driven to continue making a positive impact through art – and helping young people find their voices and the interests that speak to them. Warm and casual in their approach, the team members at Ruth Eckerd Hall take their role seriously in advocating for creative spaces and events. That passion fulfils and energizes the positive effect their work has on people of every age.

Over the long term, the scale and quality of Ruth Eckerd Hall’s impact will continue to grow from its partnership with Raymond James. 

“My youngest son is an avid trumpeter and is about to enter high school. I’ve seen first-hand the impact Ruth Eckerd Hall has had on him through the shows he’s attended," said Michelle Lynch, Tampa Bay Complex Manager and Ruth Eckerd Hall Board member. "If that’s just one student, imagine the thousands of students they touch each year. This partnership helps reach more students and propels the arts for years and generations to come. What’s more powerful than that?” 

Raymond James Cares

Together, we make a difference to build, strengthen and grow our communities. To learn more about the firm’s corporate philanthropy, click here.

To see how associates give back all year long, follow Raymond James on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram. 

Raymond James is not affiliated with and does not endorse the above organizations.