(WEST PALM BEACH, FL) The Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts honored its Board of Directors, Life Trustees, and Standing Committee members at a luncheon on April 28. Over 90 people gathered at the Kravis Center’s Gimelstob Ballroom in the Cohen Pavilion to celebrate highlights of the season and take a look toward next year’s milestone 30th Anniversary.
Diane Quinn, Kravis Center CEO, welcomed guests and acknowledged luncheon sponsors Laurie Silvers and Mitchell Rubenstein, who have generously underwritten the event for 14 years. She also gave a special thanks to Board Chairman Jeffrey Stoops for his leadership, commitment, and service.
“Our Board of Directors, Life Trustees, and our Standing Committee members have been steadfast in their commitment to this incredible organization,” said Ms. Quinn. “Through the turmoil of the pandemic their dedication did not waver. When it came time to open our doors again and shine, they were the first to make donations, lend a helping hand, and inquire about the health and welfare of our cherished staff and volunteers.”
Ms. Quinn also paid tribute to Kravis Center Board Secretary James Harpel, who was completing his term as a Board member and will be awarded the designation of Kravis Center Life Trustee on June 30th (upon completion of his term). Ms. Quinn thanked Mr. Harpel for his outstanding legacy of leadership and distinguished service to the Kravis Center’s mission and presented him with a Tiffany pentastar in recognition of his service.
After lunch, Ms. Quinn gave a recap of the 2021-2022 season which included 249 performances to date. Steve Martin and Martin Short, Complexions Contemporary Ballet on pointe moving to the music of rocker Lenny Kravitz, the feel-good story of “Come From Away,” and the heart-stopping playing of the Ukrainian national anthem by the Warsaw Philharmonic, were some of the highlights. Luncheon guests were then treated to a video recap of the year and a sneak peek of next season’s 30th Anniversary highlights. Ms. Quinn then welcomed Laurie Silvers, Kravis Center Life Trustee, to the podium.
“As the Center enters into its 30th Anniversary season – what a marvelous opportunity to take stock of all that has been accomplished since our doors opened in 1992,” said Ms. Silvers. “We are proud to have served nearly 3 million students, many of whom would not have had the opportunity to see live performing arts. We launched a successful Broadway series presenting award-winning, high-quality productions to an enthusiastic public. And we have built strong relationships with our cultural partners. I look forward to our upcoming 30th Anniversary season, and I’m excited for what the next 30 years has in store for this amazing organization.”
The Kravis Center is a not-for-profit performing arts center located at 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach, FL. The Center’s mission is to enhance the quality of life in Palm Beach County by presenting a diverse schedule of national and international artists and companies of the highest quality; by offering comprehensive arts education programs – serving nearly 3 million students since its inception; by providing a Palm Beach County home for local and regional arts organizations to showcase their work; and by being an economic catalyst and providing community leadership in West Palm Beach, supporting efforts to increase travel and tourism to Palm Beach County. For more information about the Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts please visit kravis.org.