About Us
Fox Performing Arts Charitable Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization with the mission of fostering, promoting, and encouraging young people in the St. Louis region to discover and participate in the joy and wonder of live performances. The Foundation provides unique opportunities and develops educational performing arts programs focused on young artists.
Our beginnings
The Fabulous Fox Theatre in St. Louis was purchased in June, 1981 by Fox Associates, LLC, a private partnership. Robert J. Baudendistel, Harvey A. Harris, and the late Leon Strauss had a dream to restore the Fox Theatre to its original grandeur. Under their aegis, and with Mary Strauss directing the restoration, they made that dream a reality. Since then, the ownership has continued, through several additional restorations, to secure the Fox Theatre as one of the premier venues in the country. With the success of the Fox Theatre and Fox Theatricals, the producing arm of Fox Associates, LLC, the ownership took the next step in realizing the second part of their dream — the creation of Fox Performing Arts Charitable Foundation in 2002.
Fox Performing Arts Charitable Foundation Board of Directors
Ms. Mary Strauss, President
Ms. Marlene Birkman, Ph.D., Vice President
Dr. Kenneth Dobbins, Treasurer
Ms. Lana Pepper, Secretary
Ms. Kelley Weber, Director
Ms. Danielle Durban, Director
Ms. Missy Heinemann, Director
Ms. Laurie Lock, Director
Ms. Donna Rogers-Beard, Director
Mr. Wayne Salomon, Director