Atlanta philanthropist donates to Berry Theatre

Atlanta philanthropist donates to Berry Theatre
Atlanta philanthropist donates to Berry Theatre
The foundation of the late Atlanta philanthropist, Bobbie Bailey, recently donated $1 million as a gift to Berry College -- in particular to Berry Theatre -- so that students can reach their full potential.

Funds will be used to build a new campus theater. At the groundbreaking ceremony, Audrey Morgan, Bailey’s sister, publicly announced the donation at the project site nearby Blackstone Hall.

“We learn so much about who we are as individuals and as a community through the arts,” Morgan said. “I am honored to help bring facilities to Berry that will give such wonderful, talented students new opportunity to grow artistically and personally.”

Bailey was a Kennesaw State University Foundation trustee for over 22 years. The foundation started with music scholarships and grew into an endowment, the 624-seat Dr. Bobbie Bailey & Family Performance Center located at Kennesaw State.

Bailey was part of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences as well as the president of the Friends of Georgia Music Festival Inc. At the annual Georgia Music Hall of Fame Awards, she served as executive producer. In 2007, she was added to the Hall of Fame.

Throughout World War Two, Bailey worked refabricating refrigeration compressors at a company. Eventually, she built her own company, Our-Way Inc. She was the sole owner and CEO, developing the company into a $45 million-a-year business.