The Bologna Performing Arts Center recently held its 2024 Ambassador Appreciation Luncheon. Attending were (L to R, back to front) Jimmy Weeks, Tommy Williamson, Linda Ross, Judith McGaugh, Cynthia Weeks, Judy Richardson, Lyda Taylor, Sherry Williamson, Brenda Jackson, Martha Ely, Cornell Ransom, Verna Ransom, Judy Murrah, Debbie Maxwell, Manelle Rickets, Marcia Barnes, Betty Goodman, Kay Daves, Susan Chow, Ellen Miller, Cathy Whitfield, Betty Wesley, Billie Towles, Melanie Hall, Belinda Williford, Beth Lord, Rebecca Lancaster, Jan Easley, June Sherwood, Inett Jackson, Susie Thomas, Joyce Roundtree-McCoy, Rubie Wesley, Jayme Doty and Sue Givens.CLEVELAND, Miss. — On Thursday, July 25, the Bologna Performing Arts Center honored nearly fifty individuals for their service to the center during the 2023-2024 season. These volunteers, called BPAC Ambassadors, serve in various capacities at the center throughout the academic year. In total, the volunteers annually logged more than 850 service hours, valued at nearly $28,500.00 worth of volunteered labor, according to data evaluated by the Nonprofit Leadership Center.
“I cannot say enough about the efforts of the Bologna Performing Arts Center Ambassadors,” said Cade Holder, Director of Marketing and Patron Services at the BPAC. “We are celebrating our 30th Season of presenting here at the center—and just as long as those shows have been coming, so too have our volunteer Ambassadors been working those shows. They are a highly professional crew who take pride in cultivating a top-notch atmosphere for all of our patrons. We truly could not do what we do without them.”
BPAC Ambassadors not only assist with mainstage performances, but also help with the film series, School-Time Matinee Series, and community events. Volunteers stand-out in their signature BPAC purple vests at performances, and can be found as greeters, ushers, ticket-takers, door captains, box office workers, and helping around the BPAC administrative offices on non-performance dates. Every Ambassador completes an annual training to stay up-to-date on theater policies and procedures, ensuring a pleasant and safe experience for patrons at the venue.
“Sharing my passion for the arts and assisting the patrons during the season performances makes being a BPAC Ambassador so very enjoyable for me,” said Debbie Maxwell of Shaw. “I absolutely love seeing everyone’s excitement, cheery smiles, and the camaraderie, especially the children attending the school time matinees.”
The Bologna Performing Arts Center will host several trainings for those looking to join the BPAC Ambassador program this August. Trainings will be offered at multiple times of the day, including after 5pm and during the lunch hour in the event that those who work traditional 9-to-5 jobs also want to volunteer for the upcoming season. To sign up for a training session and to request an application, visit bolognapac.com/support/volunteering, or contact the BPAC administrative offices at 662-846-4625.
