GableStage is thrilled to announce a landmark gift from longtime supporter Jessie Fox Wolfson, given on behalf of The Wolfson Family’s long-standing commitment to GableStage and the cultural landscape of Miami.
To honor this extraordinary generosity, naming signage will be installed at our Biltmore home, recognizing The Wolfson Family Theatre, alongside a butterfly garden inspired by Jessie’s love of butterflies—symbols of freedom, transformation, and artistic expression.
“I am so excited to honor our family legacy—and to enjoy a beautiful butterfly garden,” said Jessie.
In October 2024, Jessie joined us for Scoops & Hoops, a special behind-the-scenes open house at GableStage. From our backstage nooks to our basement storage and shared office space, she received a candid look into the inner workings of our theatre.
“I want to make your life easier,” she told us. And she meant it.
In today’s challenging arts funding landscape, this incredible gift provides GableStage with the stability to meet the moment and the momentum to build the future.
“Jessie Wolfson and the Wolfson Family have made arts and culture a centering focus of their lives,” said Producing Artistic Director Bari Newport. “We are honored by their tremendous philanthropic support, which affirms their long-standing legacy of giving, and energizes our next thrilling chapter. GableStage Theatre Company is privileged to bring exceptional productions to life at The Wolfson Family Theatre.”
This gift marks the first phase of GableStage’s Comprehensive Campaign, designed to support both our artistic programming and the spaces that make it possible. A celebratory event honoring Jessie Fox Wolfson and The Wolfson Family will take place upon the installation of the garden and naming signage.
“GableStage is grateful to Jessie for her abundant generosity and her love of the arts,” said Roz Stuzin, Chair of the GableStage Board of Trustees. “She is a remarkable woman with a deep commitment to our community, and a profound understanding of how theatre shapes the fabric of a strong society. We celebrate Jessie and the Wolfson Family for this visionary contribution—one that will impact GableStage today, tomorrow, and for generations to come. Brava, Jessie!”
“Renowned for its innovative theatrical productions that explore urgent ideas, GableStage has long stood as a beacon of artistic excellence in Miami-Dade County,” said Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “This transformational gift is more than generous—it’s a powerful commitment to our cultural future. It honors both GableStage’s artistic legacy and the historic legacy of the Coconut Grove Playhouse. I applaud all those helping turn this bold vision into reality.”
“I extend my deepest gratitude to Jessie Wolfson and the Wolfson Family for their leadership gift, which propels GableStage into an exciting new chapter,” added Commissioner Raquel Regalado. “This generous contribution is a powerful reminder of how live theatre enriches the cultural fabric of our county. I also commend Bari Newport for her visionary leadership, which has guided us to this remarkable moment.”
Thank you, Jessie, for your remarkable generosity—and for helping us take flight.
Longtime residents of Coral Gables and Miami, Florida, the Wolfsons grew up in South Florida. Jessie Wolfson attended the University of Miami where she obtained a BS in Business Administration. She then attended Nova University where she earned an MA in Mental Health Counseling. Bernard attended the University of Florida, graduating in 1959 with a BS in Business Administration, majoring in real estate. He then matriculated at the University of Miami School of Law earning a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) in August 1963. They were introduced to each other in 1963 and were married in Miami in 1965. They celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary in 2015. Their son, Howard Wolfson and his wife Pamela, reside in Miami Beach, FL, and their daughter, Helena Campos and Matt Fuglham, are located in Asheville, NC. They are the proud grandparents of Abeni, Jacob, Asher, and Sophia.
Mr. Wolfson practiced law in South Florida from 1963 until 2000, primarily in the areas of real estate, mortgages, condominium law, corporations, business and commercial matters. For over 50 years Mr. Wolfson was involved in various real estate ventures and investments. He was president of Hospitality Operations, Inc., the general partner of four Hampton Inn partnerships all operating in South Florida and secretary of Monday Morning Mortgage & Investments Co., an entity that originates and manages a portfolio of mortgages and loan receivables.
The Wolfsons have participated in a wide range of philanthropic endeavors over the years, including the arts, theaters, hospitals, and religious organizations.
