Guests Rock and Roll to Raise Money

Published: Mar 26, 2020

Guests were rocking and rolling at the Broward Performing Arts Foundation’s Annual Celebration starring rock superstar John Fogerty in February. The event netted $350,000 for the transformational education and enrichment programs at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts.

An iconic Volkswagen bus parked outside the theater set the stage for the Woodstock-themed benefit. Inside, flower power reined as colorful peace signs and vibrant blooms provided the backdrop for arrival photos. With garlands in their hair, headbands and hippie-chic attire, guests began the evening at a cocktail reception in the Horvitz Lobby of the Au-Rene Theater before moving into the Amaturo Theater for a festive dinner. Here, Foundation Board Chair Richard Welch welcomed guests, Foundation President Lisa Kitei thanked sponsors and donors, and Broward Center President and CEO Kelley Shanley talked about the Center’s successful year that offered 970 performances to 700,000 visitors and more than 130,000 students. He also gave an update on The Parker and thanked donors who helped meet the fundraising goal to renovate and restore the classic venue.

After dinner, guests returned to the Au-Rene Theater for an energy-charged  performance by Rock & Roll Hall of Famer John Fogerty who had the SRO crowd up and dancing in the aisles. During the after-party in the beautiful Mary N. Porter Riverview Ballroom, guests continued rocking and rolling on the dance floor while enjoying sweet treats, late-night snacks and after-dinner drinks.  

"The incredible support of the community on a night like this allows us to fulfill our mission," said Shanley from the stage. "Beyond the performances that all of you enjoy throughout the year, there are hundreds of community programs that take place behind the scenes that impact the lives of students, enrich the lives of our seniors and add value to how we educate our youth.  This year, we've expanded our programs  for those on the spectrum with our sensory-friendly performances. In doing so, we've touched the lives of many who now can enjoy live theater here for the first time. We're proud of our impact, and it's only possible with your generosity."

 The Annual Celebration was made possible through the generous support of Gold Sponsors AutoNation; The Haller Foundation; Michelle Howland, The Howland Group—Compass; Sean Donovan and Lori Macpherson; Dr. Lee and Brigitte Mandel, South Florida Sinus and Allergy Center; Mary and Dean Middleton; Marie Morris; Christine and Richard Welch; and Mark and Linda Wilford.  Silver Sponsors were BBX Capital; Ann M. Burris; Martin and Terri Cole; 15^th Street Fisheries, Lauderdale Marina, Drum Realty; Goldman Sachs; the Miniaci Family; Northern Trust; Charlie and Laura Palmer; Salah Foundation; Stiles; Thermal Concepts; Douglas and Linda Von Allmen; and Gary and Deborah Wendt. Other sponsors included Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits of Florida, Starmark and Neiman Marcus Fort Lauderdale.

For more than 30 years, the Broward Performing Arts Foundation has been instrumental in providing support for the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. The Foundation was established in 1985 to deliver the required private funding to build the Center and create an endowment to sustain its operations. Over the years, the Foundation has successfully raised funds to support the Broward Center’s innovative and diverse programming, arts-in-education initiatives, community engagement activities and capital projects. The Foundation recently completed a $30 million capital campaign to renovate and restore the iconic The Parker. Prior to this, it raised $60 million to complete the Encore! capital campaign to renovate, renew and revitalize the Broward Center.

For more information about the Broward Performing Arts Foundation, call 954-468-3284 or email Foundation@BrowardCenter.org.