Page 8 - Talk of Tequesta - April '24

Page 8, The Talk Of Tequesta

fuNdraisiNg eveNT

Ballet Palm Beach Raises Over $290,000 During Venetian

Masquerade At The Breakers

Masques, music,
merriment and more
highlighted the Ballet
Palm Beach Venetian
Masquerade Gala
on Feb. 12 at The
Breakers Palm Beach.
The premier event
raised over $290,000
for Palm Beach
County’s professional
ballet company.
More than 200
m a ske d re vel e rs
mingled with William Eubanks, Evelyn Treacy and Ben Stein Todd and Brandie Herbst Greg and Sandie Kriser
harlequin-bedecked
company dancers difference for the future. I
during the cocktail hour Erin McGould, Anka Palitz and will start with my pledge
at the Mediterranean Brandie Herbst of $10,000 for next year
Courtyard before and invite you all to join in
adjoining to dinner in doing the same.”
the circle ballroom. Following additional
Once seated, Gala thanks and support from
Cochairs Brandie Anka Palitz, Colleen
Herbst and Erin Smith thanked everyone
McGould welcomed for attending. Guests were
the guests and thanked then led to the dance floor
the event sponsors by the Ballet Palm Beach
before introducing dancers, to continue the
Honorary Chair Anka revels accompanied by the
Palitz, who arrived The Switzer Sound.
via processional with
Ballet Palm Beach Fundraising Event Woodward and Michelle
dancers escorting. on page 9 Middleton Paola and Arnie Rosenshein Stefanie and John Daddano
Throughout
the multicours e,
sumptuous dinner, Diane Quinn, Steven Caras and
Ballet Palm Beach Colleen Smith. Photo Annie Watt
©
Founding Artistic
and Executive Director Colleen Smith spoke about the
organization’s mission to preserve the art of classical ballet
and to serve as an incubator for future talent with its academy.
She then introduced former students and current company
dancers who took to the floor in a breathtaking pas-de-deux.
Auctioneer Jay Zeager followed, leading the bidding on a
host of fabulous outings, art and one-of-a-kind experiences.
Then, former Balanchine dancer and professional
photographer Steven Caras spoke about the impact Ballet
Palm Beach has on not
only the community,
but on the future of
ballet, and how vital
funding is for the
dancers, community
outreach and the
productions.
“Coming here
tonight provides
support for Ballet
Palm Beach now, but
organizations like this
need to know they have
funding in place to plan
for the next season and
the next,” said Caras.
“This is why I urge
you now to make a Keith Spina and Don Kiselewski

Carlyle Spina, Keith Spina with Heidi and Don Kiselewski