More than 100 of South Florida’s top philanthropists and VIPs attended an intimate private reception at the home of Adrienne Arsht on Thursday, September 4th to celebrate the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County “Take Center Stage” Anniversary Gala. Adrienne Arsht, the gala’s Honorary Chair, announced the theme for this year’s event — “Coming Up Roses” — inspired by the popular song, from the 1959 Broadway musical Gypsy, which stands for new beginnings.
“We greatly appreciate the support of everyone who, through their support of the Center, is helping to make this year’s gala an extraordinary entertainment and social event,” said Larry Wilker, interim CEO of the Adrienne Arsht Center. “With an incredible anniversary celebration planned, a new season of performances, and a wide variety of education programs, the Adrienne Arsht Center will continue to impact the lives of South Florida’s citizens, particularly students throughout Miami-Dade County who will have many opportunities to enjoy performances at the Center each year.”
Esteemed guests at the event included Gala Co-Chairs Marlen Pernetti and Missy Carricarte; Sarah Arison of the Arison Arts Foundation; Chairman of Total Bank Jorge Rossell; Fashion Designer Nicolas Felizola; owners of South Beach Investment Diane and Alan Lieberman; Salon 240 Personal Jeweler Jennifer Boin Getz; Alfonso Goyeneche of the United States-Spain Council; Cervera Realty’s Andres Asion; Charles and Daneen Stiefel of Stiefel Labatories; Dr. Ester and Amir Ben Zion, owners of Townhouse, Domo Japones, Miss Yip and Buck 15; Vice President of the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts Elyze Held; Interior Designer Tom Bendt and Jorge Plasencia of República, Miami Herald's Lesley Abravanel, Miami Libre's star Jencarlos Canela, famed pianist Francisco Paz, event planner Cindy Rodriguez and Gorillas Lifestyle Marketing's Max Pierre and Jimmy Vargas.
The event, presented by Le Basque Productions, was elegantly set at the private North Coconut Grove estate of Adrienne Arsht with sweeping views of Biscayne Bay. Guests enjoyed cocktails provided by Bacardi and butlered hors d’oeuvres that included Butternut Squash and Cinnamon Foam Shoots, Ratatouille on Mini Endives, Baby Lamb Chops with Mint Bearnaise, Guava and Goat Cheese Bites, Assorted Croquetas, Grilled Lemon Marinated Grouper and Pineapple Kebab, Salmon with Vanilla Confit and Fresh Dill, and Grand Marnier Chocolate Mousse in Mini Cones.
Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts will present its anniversary gala, themed “Coming Up Roses” on Saturday, October 11, 2008. The event will feature an incredible cocktail reception and gala dinner with performances by The Center’s four internationally renowned resident companies — Miami City Ballet; New World Symphony, America’s Orchestral Academy; Florida Grand Opera and Concert Association of Florida, all on one stage for the first time. Adding to the evening’s entertainment, guests will enjoy a solo performance by the Center’s newly named Resident Artist and star of the Center’s recent self-produced summer musical, Miami Libre, Jencarlos Canela.
The celebration will continue into the evening with the “Coming Up Roses” After-Party produced by Gorillas Lifestyle Marketing and hosted by South Florida’s leading VIPs and nightlife impresarios.
Tickets and sponsorship opportunities for the Adrienne Arsht Center Annual Anniversary Gala are available by calling 786.468.2249 or by emailing gala@arshtcenter.org. Separate after-party tickets are also available. Additional information regarding ticket prices and details can be found by visiting www.arshtcenter.org/gala .
