Kristen and David Lambert, Renay Wasserstein and William A. Meyer Chaired “Klub Kravis” Benefit
(West Palm Beach, Fla.) – The Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts hosted its annual Gala on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, with record-breaking ticket sales of more than 500. Chairing this year’s Gala were long-standing Kravis Center supporters Kristen and David Lambert, and Renay Wasserstein and William A. Meyer. Honorary Chairs were Kathryn C. Vecellio and Monika E. Preston.
Gala guests were welcomed to a 1940s themed Klub Kravis cocktail reception in the elegantly decorated Harris Pre-Function Hall in the Cohen Pavilion. The reception was followed by a performance in Dreyfoos Hall by multi-talented singer, musician, composer and actor Harry Connick, Jr., one of today’s most influential entertainers.
“Kristen and I are delighted to be Chairs of tonight’s Gala along with our great friends Renay and Bill,” said Mr. Lambert. “We thank our generous Gala sponsors and supporters, Board members, and Kravis leadership, as well as all our Gala guests. Not only did we get to enjoy a phenomenal performance by Harry Connick, Jr., but we got to experience a fun evening while raising important funds for the Kravis Center’s mission of delivering exceptional cultural experiences that inspire and educate audiences across the entire community.”
Following the performance, guests made their way to the Klub Kravis dinner reception in the Gimelstob Ballroom in the Cohen Pavilion where they were greeted by cigar girls handing out ‘40s inspired party favors. Gold and black décor added to the theme with orchid and rose centerpieces. Guilded Group Décor was the event’s designer. Before the main course was served, guests were entertained by a replica silent film created especially for the event starring the Gala Chairs.
For dinner, guests were treated to world-class cuisine prepared by Kravis Events by Lessing’s Hospitality Group and curated by Guy Reuge, Chef Emeritus Senior Advisor, alongside talented Executive Chefs Eddie Michaels and Sean Koch. The three-course meal began with a Maine lobster trilogy including carpaccio, ceviche and lobster salad. The main course was a petite filet and Chilean sea bass. For dessert, guests indulged in a medley of macarons, chocolate truffles, cookies and bark. After dinner, guests danced the night away to live music by Marcia Mitchell Music. At the end of the evening, guests received a sweet parting gift, compliments of Lugano.
“Education and community engagement are at the heart of the Kravis Center’s mission, and the generosity of our Gala guests help makes it all possible,” said Mr. Meyer. “More than 3 million students have experienced the power of the performing arts since our doors opened in 1992. Proceeds from tonight’s gala will help fuel these transformative programs, ensuring that we continue to inspire young minds, foster creativity and make the arts accessible to all. Together, we are shaping the future—one student, one performance, one life-changing moment at a time.”
Gala sponsors recognized during the evening were Sondra and David S. Mack, Tom and Sherry Barrat, Sharyn and Stuart Frankel, Phyllis and William Mack, Leni and Peter May, SBA Communications Corporation/Aggie and Jeff Stoops, Lugano, The Berkeley Palm Beach, Danielle and Ronald M. Bradley, Peter and Susan Brockway, James H. Coleman, Ken Endelson, Madeline and Wes Finch, Joseph and Michelle Jacobs, Gretchen and Jay Jordan, Irene and Jim Karp, Henni Kessler in memory of John Kessler, Norma and Leonard Klorfine, Kravis Events by Lessing’s Hospitality Group, Kristen and David Lambert, Renay Wasserstein and William A. Meyer, Jack and Goldie Wolfe Miller Fund, Monika and John Preston, John J. Raggio and Dr. Donna Kesselman Raggio, Martha Rodriguez, MD and Jesus Perez-Mendez, MD, Leslie and Thomas A. Rosin, Diane and John Sculley, Nancy G. Stone, Kathryn and Leo Vecellio, Steve and Amy Bassett, Bernstein Private Wealth Management, Garry and Cindy Boxer, The Breakers Palm Beach, CIBC Bank USA, Robert L. Epstein Family Foundation, Dr. Robert and Mrs. Beth Fishel, Marjorie and Stephen Fiverson, Suzanne and John Golden, Jill Hall and Austin Mehr, Caroline Harless, Kristen and Charles Krusen, Publix Super Markets Charities, TradeZero, Jill and Bill Wachter, and media support by Palm Beach Illustrated.
The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts is one of South Florida’s premier performing arts centers, located in downtown West Palm Beach. Since 1992 the Kravis Center has hosted the very best in live entertainment featuring world-class artists in music, comedy, dance, Broadway and more. Since opening its doors, the Kravis Center has welcomed millions of students to its comprehensive arts education programs. Students of all ages can participate in a variety of workshops, classes and special events, as well as free and reduced-price tickets to those who might not otherwise have the chance to experience live performances. For information, please visit kravis.org.
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PRESS CONTACT:
Slatkow & Husak Public Relations
Heather Abbruzze
Kravis@SlatkowHusak.com or 561-414-8163
