(Left to Right): Lorraine Thomas and Diana Metcalf with Rascal Flatts.

The Broward Performing Arts Foundation’s Annual Celebration raised more than $250,000 for the outstanding education and enrichment programs at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts.

The country chic-themed benefit kicked off with a cocktail reception at the beautiful Huizenga Pavilion and Wendt Terraces overlooking the New River. Guests then moved into the Au-Rene Theater for a memorable “Up Close and Acoustic” performance by the award-winning Rascal Flatts. Following the performance, the curtain rose on a spectacular setting for a party onstage where guests enjoyed an elegant dinner and dancing well into the night.   

“There is so much to celebrate at the Broward Center,” said Broward Center President & CEO Kelley Shanley. “We are experiencing our busiest concert season on record this year and since the Rose Miniaci Arts Education Center opened, we are seeing consistent growth in class attendance. Next season, our Broadway series will feature four South Florida premieres and in the following year, we will be the first South Florida venue to get ‘Hamilton’.”

Platinum Table Underwriters were Ann M. Burris, PNC Wealth Management, Lorraine Thomas and Deborah and Gary Wendt. Gold Table Underwriters were Beverly Raphael Altman and Joel Altman, AutoNation, Gladys Taggart and Daniel Baker, BBX Capital, Terri and Marty Cole, Hudson Family Foundation, Mary and Dean Middleton, Laura and Charlie Palmer, Salah Foundation, Jamie and Terry Stiles, Weston Nissan Volvo, Linda and Douglas Von Allmen and Christine and Richard Welch. Spirits Underwriter was Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits of Florida.  Program Underwriter was Southeastern Printing. 

“We appreciate our donors, our underwriters and all the patrons who have supported the arts at the Broward Center over the years,” said Robert Lochrie, Chair of the Broward Performing Arts Foundation.  Lochrie, who, as a child, was introduced to the theater at the historic Parker Playhouse in Fort Lauderdale, spoke of future plans for the venue which has been managed successfully by the Broward Center for more than a decade. At the end of his remarks, he invited all the celebration guests to join him on stage. Dinner was served and the party continued.

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