KRAVIS CENTER HOSTS KICKOFF EVENT AT NEIMAN MARCUS PALM BEACH
Special luncheon and fashion show hosted in honor of Gala leadership, committee members and sponsors
(PALM BEACH, Fla.) Greeted by the glitter of butterflies, the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts 2015 Gala Chairs, Ambassadors, committee members, sponsors and supporters were treated to a kickoff event at Neiman Marcus Palm Beach on Wednesday, January 21. Gala leadership, including Chair Monika Preston and Honorary Chair Kathryn C. Vecellio, were on site to welcome guests and thank them for their support. The annual benefit takes place at the Kravis Center on Sunday, February 8, 2015.
Guests were treated to an “Art of Fashion” show, including a grand finale of Oscar de la Renta’s spring 2015 collection. The show highlighted popular spring trends, such as suede, whites, fringe and layered necklaces.
Prior to the exclusive fashion show, Beth Pine, Vice President and General Manager of Neiman Marcus Palm Beach, welcomed guests and then introduced Mrs. Preston, who greeted the crowd and thanked them for their generous support, with special mention given to Vice Chairs, Cameron Preston, Angela Vecellio and Tara Vecellio. She shared that their, “youthful energy and spirit have been instrumental in helping to plan the Gala, and I am so appreciative of their time and support.”
Paraphrasing Boston Pops conductor, Keith Lockhart, Mrs. Preston said, “The Boston Pops Orchestra performs the best music of the past and present, appealing to the widest possible audience with a broad spectrum of styles from jazz to pop, indie rock to big band, film music to the great American Songbook and Broadway to classical, making it the perfect orchestra for people who don’t know they like orchestras.”
Mrs. Preston continued saying, “Now in its 129th season, the Pops reaches millions of listeners, not only through its concert performances in Boston, but also via the internet, radio, television, educational programs, recordings and tours. They are an American treasure, drawing talent from all over the globe, and we are delighted they will take center stage at the 2015 Kravis Center Gala. We have over 380 reservations so far, which is a fantastic turnout, and we expect the Gala to sell out soon!”
The annual affair will begin with a reception in the Shapiro Founders’ Room at the Kravis Center, followed by the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra performance in Dreyfoos Hall and a dinner dance in the Gimelstob Ballroom, located in the Cohen Pavilion.
Setting an international standard for performances of lighter music and currently under the direction of Keith Lockhart as conductor, the Boston Pops are affectionately known as “America’s Orchestra.” Founded in 1885, the Boston Pops became a national icon under Arthur Fiedler. The most recorded, and arguably the most beloved orchestra in the country, the Pops will treat the audience to a collection of hits, performing The Very Best of the Boston Pops.
Those honored as 2015 Kravis Center Gala Ambassadors are Lori Gendelman, Marianne Gold, Andrea Kosoy, Shelley Menin, Denise Meyer and Susan Miller. The Gala Committee members include Michael Bracci, Robert Fromer, Irene Karp, John Kessler, Ted Mandes, William Meyer, Jane Mitchell, Laurie Silvers, Jeffrey Stoops and Dom Telesco.
Gala sponsors include Dr. Nettie Birnbach, The Breakers Palm Beach, Stephen Brown and Jamie Stern, Sanford and Isanne Fisher, Alec and Miriam Flamm, Diane and Bruce Halle, Harless & Associates, Jim and Irene Karp, Henni and John Kessler, Leonard and Norma Klorfine Foundation, Dorothy and Sidney Kohl, Ingrid and David Kosowsky, Jack and Goldie Wolfe Miller Fund, Jane M. Mitchell, Neiman Marcus, Monika and John Preston, Sabadell Bank & Trust, SBA Communications Corporation, Laurie Silvers and Mitchell Rubenstein, Kathryn and Leo Vecellio, and Lois Silverman Yashar and Dr. James Yashar. Special support is provided by Tiffany & Co. Media support is provided by Classical South Florida 90.7 FM and Palm Beach Illustrated.
Tickets for this year’s Gala are $750 for the Gala Patron and $375 for the Young Gala Patron (45 and younger). Dress for the 2015 Kravis Center Gala is cocktail attire.
Centrally located in West Palm Beach, the Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts is one of the premier performing arts centers in the Southeast with a renowned national and international reputation. Established as a leading force in the social fabric of the community, its many outreach programs are as broad and varied as the community itself. To date, the Center has opened the door to the performing arts for approximately 2 million school children.
For more information and to purchase tickets visit www.kravis.org/gala or call (561) 651-4320.