KRAVIS CENTER GALA PROVES AGAIN TO BE AMONG THE MOST POPULAR, FUN EVENTS OF THE SEASON
BOSTON POPS ENTERTAINS AT SOLD-OUT EVE
(WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.) With a well-deserved reputation for being one of the most enjoyable events of the season, the Kravis Center’s 2015 Gala, chaired by Monika Preston, on Sunday February 8, sold out before the doors opened. As predicted, Gala guests were mesmerized by the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra before continuing the fun-filled benefit with more music, dinner and dancing.
Held at the Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, the annual affair began with a red carpet runway welcome in the lobby and a cocktail reception in the Shapiro Founders’ Room, which was followed by a spectacular performance by the world-renowned Boston Pops.
Setting an international standard for performances of lighter music and currently under the direction of conductor Keith Lockhart, the Boston Pops is 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 treated the audience to a collection of hits, performing The Very Best of the Boston Pops.
Following the performance, Gala guests proceeded into to the elegantly decorated Gimelstob Ballroom in the Cohen Pavilion where abstract black and white décor was complemented by vibrant yellow lilies, long panels of cascading fabric and global mobiles filled with musical instruments suspended from the ceiling. Dinner and dancing completed the event, as guests enjoyed the sounds of Marcia Mitchell Music well into the night.
“It is my great pleasure to welcome you to our Gala featuring the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra conducted by Keith Lockhart,” said Kravis Center CEO Judith Mitchell in her welcome remarks to Gala guests. “The Orchestra has a special place in the history of the Kravis Center – first performing here in December 1992 as part of our inaugural year season, and returning 10 more times in the last 23 years. It is an honor to have them here on such a special occasion – and an opportunity to welcome and thank our biggest supporters. Your commitment and generosity ensure that we will continue to offer world-class entertainment, exceptional education programs and informative outreach events in our community.”
“You make dreams come true,” began Kravis Center Board Chair Jane Mitchell in her address to Gala supporters. “Your support opens a child’s imagination; your generosity gives hope to talented young performers who otherwise could not afford the master coaching classes; and your donations bring the joy of music into the heart of every child who steps off a yellow school bus for a visit. Your gifts literally help turn dreams into reality for children of all ages. Thank you for your generosity and for your confidence in the future of the Center as it continues to expand its ever-growing national and international reputation as a premier performing arts center.”
Mrs. Mitchell then acknowledged Founding Chair of the Board of Directors Alex Dreyfoos, and immediate past Chair Bill Meyer, along with all other Board and Life Trustee members in attendance. She then turned the microphone over to Gala Chair Monika Preston, giving her special recognition for her leadership in getting such a large number of younger people to attend the Gala.
“The Kravis Center is a place where people come together, and because of your support, the Center has truly changed the cultural climate of Palm Beach County,” began Mrs. Preston. “We are most grateful for the vital role each of you plays in helping the Kravis Center continue to serve our community by attending our annual benefit.”
Mrs. Preston, who has served as the Gala Chair for three consecutive years, continued by thanking Honorary Chair and special friend, Kathryn Vecellio, for her enduring support and insightful guidance before recognizing Vice Chairs, Cameron Preston, Angela Vecellio and Tara Vecellio, for their energy, elegance and hard work – along with their introduction of the Center to a new generation of Kravis Center supporters. Joining the Vice Chairs were more than 35 of their closest friends.
Mrs. Preston also gave special acknowledgement to the first-ever Gala Ambassadors – Lori Gendelman, Marianne Gold, Andrea Kosoy, Shelley Menin, Denise Meyer and Susan Miller – and the Gala Committee, under the leadership of Laurie Silvers, which included: Michael Bracci, Robert Fromer, Irene Karp, John Kessler, Ted Mandes, William Meyer, Jane Mitchell, Jeffrey Stoops and Dom Telesco.
Treated to world-class service and enviable cuisine by Catering by The Breakers, the evening’s dinner gave Gala-goers something to dance about. The first-course, island spiced jumbo lump crab was topped with tangerine glaze pink shrimp and avocado marble, golden tomato and grapefruit. The next act was an entrée of sliced herb crusted beef tenderloin, with pearl onion and tomato jam, and a side of potato confit, rainbow carrots, creamed kale and baby parsnips. The performance grand-finale included a decadent ice cream sundae – a hit, as each patron created their own unique spin on the dessert.
Gala sponsors included 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, Sondra and David S. Mack, 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 was provided by Tiffany & Co. Media support was provided by Classical South Florida 90.7 FM.
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 general information about the Kravis Center performances, please visit the Center’s official website at www.kravis.org or call the box office at 561-832-7469 (561-832-SHOW). For information about the Kravis Center’s special events, contact the Development Office at (561) 651-4320.