‘Riverdance 30 -The New Generation’ performance followed the special dinner reception
(WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.) The Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts’ major donors and their guests attended a special evening on Friday, February 7, in honor of the Kravis Center’s Founder Members. Board members and Life Trustees were also in attendance.
Prior to the event, the newest Founder members were treated to a VIP pre-reception in the lobby of Rinker Playhouse. All dinner guests enjoyed a welcome cocktail reception in the Harris Pre-Function Hall before entering the Gimelstob Ballroom for a three-course dinner. The dinner, prepared by Kravis Events by Lessing’s Hospitality Group, was sponsored by Northern Trust for the 29th consecutive year.
Michael J. Bracci, President, Wealth Management/East Florida and Mid Atlantic Regions of Northern Trust, began the evening by welcoming guests and introducing Kravis Center Board Chair Sherry Barrat.
“You all are our most generous donors, and you mean the world to us. This gathering is all about you,” said Ms. Barrat. “Most people don’t realize the Kravis Center is privately funded; your financial support is the lifeblood that keeps our engine going. Your advocacy, dedication, leadership and generosity over the last three decades have been invaluable. Thank you to the Alec and Sheila Engelstein Philanthropic Fund and Zelda Mason for sponsoring the evening’s performance of Riverdance 30 – The New Generation following the dinner.”
She also noted 16 donors have become Founder members since last year and made commitments of $150,000 or more. She welcomed Mayor Keith James and three past Board Chairs in the audience, Mike Bracci, Bill Meyer, and Jeffrey Stoops. In addition, she acknowledged the Board members and Life Trustees in attendance.
Kravis Center CEO Diane Quinn spoke next. “What I find amazing is that so many of you have continued to support us year after year, season after season,” said Ms. Quinn. “I am immensely proud to say that for more than 30 years, this Center has served Palm Beach County and stayed true to its mission to provide exceptional cultural experiences that entertain, inspire, and educate our audiences. As the local community has grown, the Kravis Center has grown with it. When we opened in 1992, we presented approximately 250 programs with a total audience of over 200,000. Last year, we had more than 500 performances and welcomed close to 400,000 guests. This is thanks to your invaluable generosity. We get to make a difference because you decided to make a difference. I salute you and thank you.”
Ms. Quinn then introduced special guest, Padraic Moyles, Executive Producer/Associate Director of Riverdance.
Mr. Moyles took the stage to express his admiration for the Kravis Center, highlighting its stunning architecture and rich history. He shared that performers consistently praise the venue, noting its beauty and the warm and welcoming atmosphere created by its staff. Moyles emphasized that the Kravis Center is renowned among artists as a premier destination, where both audiences and performers alike experience something truly special.
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 more than 3 million 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
For more information about the Kravis Center or to become a member, please visit kravis.org.
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