Kristin Chenoweth to Headline Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation’s 2024 Transformation Gala
The Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation (PAF) proudly announces the return of the 2024 Transformation Gala on Friday, March 22, 2024 at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. Featuring Kristin Chenoweth, New York Times best-selling author and Emmy and Tony Award-winning actress and singer, the 2024 Transformation Gala promises an incredible evening dedicated to experiencing the transformative power of the arts.
Set along the beautiful waterfront of Sarasota Bay, the 22nd annual event supports the PAF’s vision for a new Performing Arts Center and its transformative arts education work that touches the lives of more than 33,000 educators, military families, and students.
“The 22nd annual Transformation Gala embodies the evolving spirit of the Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation while showcasing our steadfast dedication to advancing the arts and shaping the future of creative education in our community,” says Tania Castroverde Moskalenko, newly-appointed CEO of the Performing Arts Foundation. “Your support ensures that minds of all ages have access to the arts - an important investment for our children.”
Led by co-chairs Kathy Martella and Susan Travers, the night begins with a bayside cocktail celebration and exceptional dining catered by Michael’s on East, followed by a thrilling concert featuring Tony Award-winning artist Kristin Chenoweth in the Van Wezel Hall. The celebration concludes with a rocking private afterparty in the grand foyer.
“We invite you to join us at this year’s Transformation Gala. Your support is vital to ensuring the future of the arts in Sarasota, fulfilling the community’s vision for a new Performing Arts Center at the heart of The Bay and further instilling Sarasota as a preeminent destination for performing arts in the nation,” says Susan Travers, event co-chair.
The gala stands as a tribute to artistic excellence, spotlighting the distinguished career of Kristin Chenoweth, an accomplished artist with work spanning film, television, voiceover, and the performing arts stage. Chenoweth's resume includes Emmy and Tony Awards, a coveted star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and iconic roles in Broadway productions like "Wicked" and "You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown."
Since 2002, the Gala has served as the Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation’s annual fundraising event. Contributions play a crucial role in the Foundation’s mission to build a world-class performing arts center that will enhance the community, support arts education and inspire young minds for children and families throughout the region.
Proceeds from the gala help to fund the PAF’s educational programs, support our partnered educational programs at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, contribute to the planning of the new Sarasota Performing Arts Center, and solidifies the future of the arts in Sarasota.
“The re-invented Transformation Gala symbolizes a movement toward a more inspired future, offering an opportunity to experience the transformative power of the arts and make a meaningful impact on the community,” says Kathy Martella, event co-chair. “As we usher in a new year and a new theme, we invite you to join us in celebrating, giving, and furthering a shared vision for the future of the arts in our community.”
The host committee of the 2024 Transformation Gala includes:
Paul Seed, StarTech.com
Jim and Susan Travers
The Amicus Foundation
Gerald and Sondra Biller
Dr. Jenne K. Britell, PHD
The W. Dale Brougher Foundation
Vern and Liliana Chalfant
Julie A. Harris
David Koffman
John and Donna Krenicki
Bill and Christie Krugler
Martella Family Foundation
Tom and Pamela Reilly Foundation
Michele Hooper and Lemuel Seabrook
Nanci and Christopher Weaver
Don't miss your chance to be part of this special night. Tickets and table sponsorships are now available. For more information about table sponsorships, benefits, and tickets contact Nicole Hancock at nhancock@performingartsfoundation.org.
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 35,000 students and their families annually with enriching arts-based education opportunities and professional development for more than 400 teachers across five counties. 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.
About the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall presents a broad spectrum of the world’s finest performers representing the diverse tastes of Southwest Florida residents and visitors. The Van Wezel has carried on the long tradition of presenting spectacular Broadway musicals, top national and international performers, popular comedians, world-class symphony orchestras, and a compelling mix of classical, modern and ethic dance. In carrying out the mission of the Hall, the Van Wezel’s education program brings visiting artists into the community and area schools for a wealth of educational and outreach activities.
To learn more about the Van Wezel, visit VanWezel.org.
