Annual Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation Gala

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

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

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SILENT AUCTION NOW LIVE!

VIEW OUR SILENT AUCTION

Explore an exciting collection of curated experiences, luxury items, and one-of-a-kind offerings, all supporting the mission of Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation.

Silent Auction closes Sunday, March 8.

FEATURING TONY AWARD®-WINNING ARTIST IDINA MENZEL

From the first note to the final bow, experience an elegant celebration of performance, imagination, and community—beneath the stars on Sarasota Bay. Defying Expectations: An Evening in Three Acts will draw you into a world of theatrical wonder, each act inspired by some of Idina Menzel’s most iconic roles— Frozen, Wicked, and Rent.

Indulge in an evening designed to inspire and delight—supporting the Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation’s mission to make the arts accessible to all. 

During the evening, we will present the second annual Patron of the Arts Award, honoring an individual whose dedication and generosity uplift Sarasota’s vibrant arts community. Proceeds from the Gala support education and community engagement programs that reach more than 40,000 students, educators, and families each year.

Together, we’re building a future where the arts inspire, connect, and—above all—defy expectations.

Attire: Creative Black Tie

OUR SPONSORS

Order of Events

5:30 p.m. Act I – Spirits of the North Cocktail Hour

6:30 p.m. Act II – For Good: An Enchanted Emerald Dinner & Program

8:30 p.m. Act III – Performance from the iconic Idina Menzel

10:00 p.m. Encore – La Vie Bohème After Party

YOUR HOSTS

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 evening where artistry meets purpose and the community comes alive through the magic of performance.

Mary Bensel 

Tania Castroverde Moskalenko

Jackie L. Griese

Julia Groom 

Allison Imre

GALA COMMITTEE

Phil Mancini

Kathy Martella

Maribel Stikeleather

Susan Travers

2026 PATRON OF THE ARTS AWARD

The Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation proudly honors Jim and Susan Travers with the 2026 Patron of the Arts Award, recognizing their extraordinary commitment to arts access, education, and community impact. Their leadership and generosity have strengthened the Foundation at pivotal moments and helped ensure that meaningful arts experiences remain accessible to people of all ages across the region. They will be formally presented with the award during our annual Gala on March 6. Their legacy reflects the heart of our mission and the enduring role the arts play in shaping a vibrant community.

MAKE A GIFT IN THEIR HONOR

SPONSORSHIP LEVELS

  • VIP Hospitality & Guest Experience

    • Premium Dining Table for 12 with prime placement

    • 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

    • 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

    • 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 Presenting 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

    • 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

    • 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

    • 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

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