Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation Annual Gala

Your support powers our education and community outreach programs, fueling immersive arts experiences, scholarships, and creative growth across Sarasota.

FEATURING TONY AWARD®-WINNING ARTIST IDINA MENZEL

FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 2026 | VAN WEZEL PERFORMING ARTS HALL

Featuring the incomparable Idina Menzel, Tony Award®-winning star of stage and screen, the 2026 Gala promises an extraordinary evening that celebrates the power of the arts to inspire and connect us.

Set against the breathtaking waterfront at The Bay, this signature event will be an elegant celebration of artistry and community. Proceeds from the evening directly support the Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation’s mission and ensures that our education and community programs, which reach more than 40,000 educators, students, and military families each year, continue to thrive and make the arts accessible to all.

The evening begins with a bayside cocktail reception and exquisite dining prepared by Michael’s on East. Guests will then be treated to a one-night-only performance by Idina Menzel, whose legendary voice and unforgettable stage presence have captivated audiences across the globe. To close the evening, the celebration continues with a vibrant after-party, filled with music, dancing, and the joyful spirit of Sarasota’s arts community. Join us for a night of inspiration, entertainment, and impact.

MEET OUR GALA CHAIRS

The Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation proudly welcomes Jim Matras and Melba Ramirez as our 2026 Gala Chairs. Their enthusiasm, generosity, and dedication to the arts continue to inspire us. With their guidance and support, this year’s Gala promises to be an unforgettable celebration of creativity, community, and the transformative power of the performing arts.

SPONSORSHIP LEVELS

  • VIP Hospitality & Guest Experience

    • Premium Dining Table for 12 with prime placement

    • VIP After Party access for 12

    • Specialty champagne service + premium wine pairing at table

    • Décor- Company logo on table signage

    • Complimentary valet parking for all table guests

    • VIP seating for the gala performance

    • Invitation for eight to VIP gathering prior to the gala

    • Exclusive backstage tour of Van Wezel Hall

    • 4 tickets to Van Wezel in-season show with VIP Founders’ Lounge access + one-night brand recognition in the Lounge

    • Access to the Founders’ Lounge for VIP pre-performance and intermission hospitality for employees and guests throughout the season

    Recognition & Brand Visibility

    • Exclusive “Presenting Sponsor” designation across all gala marketing and communications

    • Sponsor acknowledgment during gala toast, paddle raise, and program

    • Two full-page color ads in gala program + logo in event slideshow

    • Logo/name included on Save the Date, Invitation, Gala Program, event signage, and all digital promotions

    • Co-branded press release/media coverage to announce sponsorship

    • Recognition across pre- and post-event social media and newsletters

    • Opportunity to brand a signature element (e.g., signature cocktail, entry way champagne wall, valet, VIP lounge experience)

    • Recognition on VWH Founders’ Lounge digital screens throughout the 2025-2026 season

    • Co-branded event photo backdrop opportunity

    Community Impact

    • Sponsorship of 4 local teaching artists to attend gala, with recognition on social media and in newsletters

    Additional Opportunities (available first to Premium Sponsors)

    • Presenting Sponsor logo on all digital event photos from event photographer

    • Corporate Story Spotlight on social media and in digital newsletters

    • One complimentary room rental (Van Wezel Founders Lounge or Grand Foyer) during the 2025-2026 season (nontransferable, subject to availability; excludes food, beverage, AV, and labor)

  • VIP Hospitality & Guest Experience

    • Premium Dining Table for 12 with prime placement

    • VIP After Party access for 12

    • Specialty champagne service + premium wine pairing at table

    • Décor- Company logo on table signage

    • Complimentary valet parking for all table guests

    • VIP seating for the gala performance

    • Invitation for six to VIP gathering prior to the gala

    • Exclusive Backstage tour of Van Wezel Hall

    • 2 tickets to a Van Wezel in-season show with VIP Founder’s Lounge access

    Recognition & Brand Visibility

    • Prominent recognition as Premium Sponsor in gala program, slideshow, and on event signage

    • One exclusive branding opportunity (e.g., dessert station, coat check, or thank you gifts)

    • Priority choice of branding opportunity after Presenting Sponsor

    • Full-page color ad in gala program

    • Recognition across pre- and post-event social media and newsletters

    • Dedicated post-event sponsor highlight in Foundation communication

    Community Impact

    • Sponsorship of 2 local teaching artists to attend gala, with recognition on social media and in newsletters

    Optional Add-On Opportunities (available first to Premium Sponsors)

    • After Party Sponsor (signage + verbal recognition)

    • Live Auction Paddle Branding

    • VIP Bar Branding

  • VIP Hospitality & Guest Experience

    • Premier table for 10 with excellent placement

    • VIP After Party access for 10

    • VIP seating for the gala performance

    • Premium wine pairing at table

    • Décor- Company logo on table signage

    • Complimentary valet parking for all table guests

    • Invitation for four to the VIP gathering prior to the gala

    Recognition & Brand Visibility

    • Recognition as Supporting Sponsor in gala program, slideshow and event signage

    • Logo/name included in pre- and post-event newsletters

    • Social media and website acknowledgment as Supporting Sponsor

    Community Impact

    • Sponsorship of 1 local teaching artist to attend the gala, with recognition on social media and in newsletters

  • VIP Hospitality & Guest Experience

    • Premier table for 10

    • Performance seating for 10

    • VIP After Party access for 10

    • Wine pairing at table

    • Complimentary valet parking for all table guests

    • Décor- Company logo on table signage

    Recognition & Brand Visibility

    • Logo/name recognition on our website, social media, gala program and slideshow

  • VIP Hospitality & Guest Experience

    • Table seating for 4

    • VIP After Party access for 4

    • Seating for Gala Performance

    • Wine pairing at table

    • Complimentary valet parking for all table guests

    Recognition & Brand Visibility

    • Name recognition in gala program and slideshow

Sponsorship opportunities can be customized to meet your marketing and/or philanthropic objectives. Please contact Chief Development Officer Kelly Addington at 941-271-4177 or kaddington@performingartsfoundation.org