“The Conjurer’s Ball: An Evening of Illusion and Magic” Raises Funds for the Kravis Center
(West Palm Beach, Fla.) – The Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts was transformed into a world of wonder and illusion on Thursday, March 5, as a sold-out crowd of 500 guests gathered for its annual Gala, “The Conjurer’s Ball: An Evening of Illusion and Magic.” The black-tie evening featured a spellbinding performance by Tony Award winner and Grammy-nominated singer Nicole Scherzinger and raised funds in support of the Kravis Center’s artistic and education programs.
Chaired by Kristen and David Lambert and Renay and William A. Meyer, with Sherry and Tom Barrat serving as Honorary Chairs, the Gala delivered an unforgettable night filled with elegance and world-class entertainment.
“The Kravis Center Gala is always extraordinary, but this year felt truly magical,” said Mr. Lambert, Kravis Center Board Chair and Gala Co-Chair. “It was inspiring to see our community come together in support of the arts — and to enjoy a little fun with illusion along the way. Thanks to our generous supporters, more than 3 million students have experienced transformative arts education here since 1992, and tonight’s funds ensure those opportunities continue for generations to come.”
The evening began with a lively cocktail reception where strolling magicians amazed guests with close-up illusions, sleight of hand and mind-bending tricks. The sense of magic continued as guests took their seats in Dreyfoos Hall for a main-stage performance by Scherzinger, whose powerhouse vocals and commanding stage presence captivated the audience.
“Nicole Scherzinger’s performance was show-stopping, and that same sense of wonder is what we aim to create for the thousands of students who visit the Kravis Center each year,” said Mr. Meyer, Chairman Emeritus of the Kravis Center and Gala Co-Chair. “Many students experience live theater for the first time, and the generosity of our guests tonight helps keep that spark alive — investing in young lives today while securing the future of the arts in our community.”
Following the performance, guests entered the Gimelstob Ballroom, where dramatic lighting, fog effects and whimsical décor created an atmosphere of mystery. As dinner began, the evening’s enchantment continued when the Gala Chairs delighted attendees by participating in a live magic trick, setting an energetic tone for the remainder of the celebration. Throughout dinner, additional strolling magicians moved among the tables, delighting guests with interactive illusions.
Guests enjoyed an exquisite culinary experience presented by Kravis Events by Lessing’s Hospitality Group. The carefully curated menu included crab and shrimp gazpacho, a duet of filet mignon and Maine lobster tail and concluded with a decadent Golden Egg dessert of chocolate mousse and passion fruit surprise. The celebration concluded with guests dancing to live music by Marcia Mitchell Music.
Sponsors for the evening included Grand Gala Ambassadors Sondra and David S. Mack, Steven and Joanna Sanders, Tom and Sherry Barrat, Madeline and Wes Finch, Kravis Events by Lessing’s Hospitality Group, Phyllis and William Mack, SBA Communications Corporation/Aggie and Jeff Stoops, Danielle and Ronald M. Bradley, Peter and Susan Brockway, James H. Coleman, Ken Endelson, Sharyn and Stuart Frankel, Joan and David Henle, Irene and Jim Karp, Henni Kessler in memory of John Kessler, Kristen and David Lambert, Howard and Kerrie Lance, Lugano, Renay and William A. Meyer, Jack and Goldie Wolfe Miller Fund, estiatorio Milos West Palm Beach, Monika and John Preston, John J. Raggio and Dr. Donna Kesselman Raggio, Related Ross, Martha Rodriguez, MD and Jesus Perez-Mendez, MD, Leslie and Thomas A. Rosin, Sunny Sessa in loving memory of Leonardo Sessa, Nancy G. Stone, UBS Financial Services, Kathryn and Leo Vecellio, Steven and Deborah Barnes, Steve and Amy Bassett, Bernstein Private Wealth Management, Penny and Harold Blumenstein, Garry and Cindy Boxer, The Breakers Palm Beach, CIBC Bank USA, Peter D. and Julie F. Cummings, Dr. Robert and Mrs. Beth Fishel, Ann and Robert Fromer, Jill Hall and Austin Mehr, Caroline Harless, Michelle and Joseph Jacobs, Kristen and Charles Krusen, Leni and Peter May, Ari Rifkin, Diane and John Sculley, Jane and John Shalam, Voxx International Corporation, TradeZero, Jill and Bill Wachter, and Weitz. Media support was provided 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 internationally-acclaimed 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
###
PRESS CONTACT:
Slatkow & Husak Public Relations
Heather Abbruzze
[email protected] or 561-414-8163
