Club 83 is Hattiesburg Concert Association's newest philanthropic initiative
Dr. John W. Gaudet and Dr. Charles R. Griffith lead by example in supporting the arts in Hattiesburg
Club 83 is a new philanthropic initiative led by prominent local physicians and HCA General
Board members, Dr. John W. Gaudet and Dr. Charles R. Griffith. It calls on fellow healthcare
professionals and community leaders to invest in one of Hattiesburg’s most powerful public-
health engines: the arts.
Club 83 asks supporters to pledge a minimum of $83 per month—a $1,000 annual
commitment—in support of HCA’s year-round programs, including FestivalSouth, The
Meistersingers, and extensive educational and community outreach.
This invitation is not merely a fundraising effort. It is a call to recognize what data, experience,
and Hattiesburg residents have known for years: the arts are essential
infrastructure—strengthening public health, elevating community perception, and fueling
long-term economic vitality.
Building and sustaining this ecosystem requires vision, volunteers, and philanthropic investment.
As Dr. Griffith, a long-time family medicine physician with Forrest Health, explains:
“We have seen first-hand the transformative power of the arts. Supporting something so vital and differentiating to our community and its people is core to our practice and beliefs. We both volunteered our efforts to support HCA and the tireless work they do to enrich our area’s profile.”
Their emphasis on “differentiating” is intentional. The arts are not just entertainment—they are a
marker of community identity and a signal of quality of life to employers, incoming
professionals, families, and visitors.
In a region too often stereotyped, Hattiesburg’s arts scene offers a compelling counter-
narrative: a vibrant, forward-moving city where culture is not an amenity but an
engine. Investment in that engine yields returns in community health, economic resilience, and
civic reputation.
Club 83 provides a simple, sustainable way for supporters to ensure the continuation and
expansion of this vital work.
Become a founding supporter of Club 83 by making your tax-deductible, life-affirming pledge.