Pictured: Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation's Board Chair Jim Travers and CEO Tania Castroverde Moskalenko. Photographer Rod Millington.

Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation recently held its annual Transformation Gala on March 22, raising $1.5 million to become the most successful fundraising event in the organization’s history. Contributions will help fund Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation’s mission to create and sustain a vibrant performing arts center, advance their education initiatives, and enrich communities by inspiring minds through the power of the arts. Three hundred guests attended the gala dinner, which included a surprise appearance by Tony and Emmy Award-winning artist Kristin Chenoweth before she capped off the evening with a performance at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall for over 1,300 people. “The generosity and unwavering support for Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation illuminates the path toward a brighter future for arts and arts education in Sarasota and reaffirms our shared commitment to realizing the vision of a new performing arts center on the Bay," said the Foundation’s CEO Tania Castroverde Moskalenko. "I am grateful to everyone who contributed to helping us achieve this incredible milestone." Kathy Martella and Susan Travers served as Co-Chairs of the gala, which also honored three individuals with the Appleton Arts Award, given to educators who best incorporate the arts in their work. The honorees were Emerging Educator Jahkori Dopwell, Outstanding Teaching Artist Freda Williams Kmak, and Experienced Educator Tim Ferguson.

Pictured: Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation's Board Chair Jim Travers and CEO Tania Castroverde Moskalenko. Photographer Rod Millington.