21st Annual Gala Raises $1.3MM
On Friday, the Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation held its 21st annual Inspiration Gala, raising more than $1.3 million that will support the Foundation’s education and community engagement programs and planning for the new Sarasota Performing Arts Center.
“We are grateful to our friends and contributors who generously support our mission to create and sustain a vibrant performing arts center, advance education, and enrich communities by inspiring minds through the power of the arts,” said Jim Travers, Chair of Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation Board of Directors. “As the Van Wezel Foundation transitions into the Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation, we can assure you that education will remain at the heart of everything we do.”
The evening commenced with a cocktail reception and was followed by an elegant dinner, and inspiring program honoring local educators Stevey Jones, the recipient of the 2023 Appleton Arts Integration Award, and Mayra Ocasio Cuadrado and Kate Walsh, the recipients of the 2023 Van Wezel Foundation Merit Scholarships. “It’s all about the kids,” said Appleton Award Winner Stevey Jones. And indeed it was, with $1.3 million raised for the Foundation’s mission. Following dinner, guests enjoyed a rocking performance from music legend and Grammy® Award-winner Kenny Loggins at the acclaimed Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. A post-performance dance party brought the evening to an unforgettable close.
Susan Travers and Kathy Martella served as co-chairs for this year’s Inspiration Gala alongside a host committee of devoted benefactors.
Pictured from left to right: Susan Travers and Kathy Martella
Photo: Cliff Roles Photography
A full list of partners of the 2023 Inspiration Gala can be found here: 21st Annual Inspiration Gala Sponsors
ABOUT THE SARASOTA PERFORMING ARTS FOUNDATION
The Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation’s mission is to create and sustain a vibrant performing arts center, advance education, and enrich communities by inspiring minds through the power of the arts. The Foundation has partnered with the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall since 1987 to support arts education throughout our region, serving more than 50,000 students and their families annually with enriching arts-based education opportunities and professional development for more than 400 teachers across five counties. The Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation is leading the vision to build a new Sarasota Performing Arts Center as a public-private partnership with the city, and in collaboration with the Bay Park Conservancy and Van Wezel Hall.
Stevey Jones hosts a mindfulness session during a “Mr. Stevey & Friends” event at the Newtown Farmers Market.