Top Donors, Board Members and Life Trustees in attendance
(West Palm Beach, Fla.) – The Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts’ major donors and their guests attended a special evening on Wednesday, December 17, in honor of the Kravis Center’s Founder Members. Board members and Life Trustees were also in attendance. The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the prestigious Alexander W. Dreyfoos Award to long-standing Kravis Center supporter, George Michel, who was honored for his lifetime of service to the performing arts center.
Guests enjoyed a welcome cocktail reception in the Harris Pre-Function Hall before entering the Gimelstob Ballroom for a three-course dinner, prepared by Kravis Events by Lessing’s Hospitality Group. The event was sponsored by Northern Trust for the 30th consecutive year. After dinner, guests enjoyed “Mark Twain Tonight!,” a performance by Richard Thomas. The show’s sponsor was Zelda Mason.
“As Founder members, you are more than just supporters – you are stewards of the Kravis Center and we truly appreciate the role each of you plays,” said Kravis Center CEO, Diane Quinn. “You are quite simply the reason this institution thrives. The future of the Kravis Center is filled with opportunity – new audiences, new artists and new ways to serve our community through the performing arts. Together we can ensure that the Kravis Center is here to inspire generations to come.”
Michael J. Bracci, President of the South Region for Northern Trust, then introduced Kravis Center Board Chair David Lambert who recognized the 12 donors who became Founder members in the last year and made commitments of $150,000 or more. Those individuals include Rebecca Goodhart and David Billings, Edward Demmer, Lynne and Jack Dodick, Lori Driscoll, Rita and Tony Fromer, Lawrence Kaplan and Bart Halpern, and Alan Lunder and Sue Fuller.
“I want to recognize and honor a key player whose vision and dedication helped shape the Kravis Center in its earliest days – my dear friend and Founding Member George Michel – as we present him with the Alexander W. Dreyfoos Award,” said Mr. Lambert. “And who better to introduce him, than Founding CEO of the Kravis Center, Judy Mitchell, who worked side by side with George for more than 30 years and knows his impact firsthand.”
Ms. Mitchell explained the Alexander W. Dreyfoos award is not given annually, only on special occasions and only to individuals the Board determines have demonstrated continued outstanding dedication and service to the Kravis Center.
“It’s an honor being associated with so many great people who made this organization happen and it goes back more than three decades,” said Mr. Michel. “And of course, the guy I miss a lot – Alexander W. Dreyfoos. When I was living in Stamford, Connecticut, Alex told me he was going to South Florida to raise $10 million to build a cultural center. I didn’t think much of it but knew he would do it. The ones in this room and the ones who have gone before us, you all made it happen. I think about what it took to get to where we are today. There were some great times and also some differences. But there was always tremendous respect. That is what made this center what it is today.”
Mr. Michel, former resident of Palm Beach and currently a resident of Palm Beach Gardens, has served on the Kravis Center’s Board of Directors from the very beginning. After serving his limit on the Board, he was unanimously voted to status of Life Trustee, the designation he continues to hold today. Over his 30+ year career with the Kravis Center, Mr. Michel has served as Vice Chair of the Board, a member of its Executive Committee from 1994 to 2005 and has chaired or served actively on most standing committees of the Board. Over the years he has chaired the Investment Committee, Governance Committee, Audit Committee, Technology Planning Committee and has continued to be an active member of the center’s Finance Committee. He also served on the Building and Grounds committee from 1992 through 2012 and was Chairman of that committee.
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 more information about the Kravis Center or to become a member, please visit kravis.org.
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PRESS CONTACT:
Slatkow & Husak Public Relations
Heather Abbruzze
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