Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation Gala Raises over $1 Million while Recognizing Local Champions of the Arts

 Sarasota, Florida – April 4, 2025 – The Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation is thrilled to announce its 23rd annual Gala, held on March 21, successfully raised $1,080,000 in support of the Foundation’s education and community engagement programs and the proposed Sarasota Performing Arts Center.  

“This extraordinary evening showcased the generosity and shared vision of our community,” said Tania Castroverde Moskalenko, Chief Executive Officer of the Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation. “We are profoundly grateful to our friends and contributors who continue to 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.” 

Set against the backdrop of Sarasota Bay, the event space was transformed into a celebration of Parisian flair, as 255 distinguished guests gathered for an evening inspired by Moulin Rouge! The Gala was co-chaired by Susan and Jim Travers and Kara and Drayton Saunders, whose dedication and leadership helped make the event a triumph. The evening culminated in a live performance of Moulin Rouge! The Musical at the Hall, further immersing attendees in the magic of the arts. 

 Paul Seed, co-founder of StarTech.com and a Suncoast resident, was presented with the Foundation’s inaugural Patron of the Arts Award in recognition of his unwavering support and lasting impact on Sarasota’s cultural landscape.   

Another highlight was the recognition of educators across Sarasota, Manatee, DeSoto, and Charlotte counties who inspire students through arts education, an award made possible by a legacy gift from Louise Appleton. Kelli Maldonado, Executive Director of Mission and Impact for the Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation, introduced this year’s esteemed honorees: Karim Manning, Ruslan Akhmadullin, and Brooks Tracey, each honored for their dedication to fostering creativity and artistic expression among students.   

Guests were also captivated by Broadway artist and Tony Award nominee Derek Klena, who shared his personal story and his experience teaching an exclusive masterclass for local students the day prior; a program made possible by the Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation.  

Proceeds from the event will directly benefit arts education initiatives and contribute to the highly anticipated Sarasota Performing Arts Center. To learn more about the Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation and its mission, visit 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 40,000 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 Performing Arts Hall. For more information about the Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation, please visit: PerformingArtsFoundation.org.