SIX TIME GRAMMY WINNER TONI BRAXTON AND THE MAHAFFEY THEATER SUPPORT LUPUS FOUNDATION OF FLORIDA

St. Petersburg, Fla. (August 13, 2013) – R&B, pop, jazz and gospel singer, star of the hit reality series Braxton Family Values, and lupus patient, Toni Braxton, will perform at The Mahaffey Theater on Wednesday, Aug. 28 at 7:30 p.m. The theater is making a $5 per ticket donation to Lupus Foundation of Florida when the promotional code “lupus” is used when purchasing tickets online or at the box office.

In 2010, Braxton publicly announced she has lupus, a debilitating autoimmune disease that can attack the body’s tissues and organs, affects more than 1.5 million American’s, and is more prevalent among women of color. The cause of lupus is unknown and is difficult to diagnose and treat. There is no cure.

“Toni’s personal battle with lupus is an inspiration to so many who are suffering with the disease. We are so grateful that The Mahaffey Theater selected our organization to benefit from her show,” said Rick McCollum, president & CEO of Lupus Foundation of Florida. “The donations we receive from this event will support our goal of opening of a free lupus clinic in St. Petersburg for patients who otherwise could not afford treatment.”

Ms. Braxton won two Grammys® as Best New Artist and Best Female R&B Vocal Performance for “Another Sad Love Song” in 1993 and another Grammy® in the same category the next year for “Breathe Again.” She won a Grammy® for R&B vocal performance for “You’re Making me High” in 1996 and also two Grammys® in Best R&B and Best Pop Female Vocal Performance categories in 1997.

Her signature song, “Unbreak My Heart,” ranks as the second top-selling single of all time by a female artist.

Tickets for Toni Braxton are $45.50, $55.50, $69.50, $75.50, $99.50 and can be purchased online at TheMahaffey.com, charge by phone 727.893.7832 or in person at The Mahaffey Box Office. The promotional code “lupus” must be used for the theater to make a $5 donation to Lupus Foundation of Florida.

Box office hours are 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 90 minutes before any publicly-ticketed event. There are no added charges ever on tickets purchased directly from The Mahaffey Theater.

Lupus Foundation of Florida

Since 1979, Lupus Foundation of Florida has served Floridian’s affected by lupus. The organization is affiliated with the Lupus Research Institute National Coalition that funds innovative research to treat the disease. The foundation also hosts patient support groups throughout the state. Additional information is available online at www.lupusflorida.org.

The Mahaffey Theater

The Mahaffey Theater, under the management of Big3 Entertainment, is one of Tampa Bay’s top-rated performing arts venues. Home to the Florida Orchestra, The Mahaffey Theater hosts top-quality national and international artists and performances – Broadway, pop, rock, comedy, dance, classical and interactive engagements and exhibitions.

Located in the heart of downtown St. Petersburg, the 2,031-seat cultural jewel boasts spectacular waterfront views and is located only minutes away from white sandy beaches and world-renowned museums. Additionally, the theater supports the highly successful Class Acts program, which enables school children to experience the performing arts through in-theater performances as well as in-school outreach and extension programs.

About The Bill Edwards Foundation for the Arts

Founded as a 501(c)3 nonprofit in 2009, The Bill Edwards Foundation for the Arts is dedicated to the success and future of The Mahaffey Theater and to the notion that through diverse programing and patron membership support, performing arts should be enjoyed by all of St. Petersburg’s citizens. It’s your theater!

The Bill Edwards Foundation for the Arts is committed to supporting and presenting all genres of the performing arts at The Mahaffey Theater, funding arts education for school children through the Class Acts performance series and providing its member patrons with unequaled services, entertainment and cultural experiences.

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