- March 25, 2025
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Luci LeClaire and Jillian Marto
Photo by Lori SaxTom and Tanya Morlock with Luci LeClaire
Photo by Lori SaxAlexei Moskalenko, Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation CEO Tania Castroverde Moskalenko and Honoree Paul Seed
Photo by Lori SaxAlexei Moskalenko, Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation CEO Tania Castroverde Moskalenko, Co Chairs Jim and Susan Travers and Honoree Paul Seed
Photo by Lori SaxCindy Miller, Kathy and Gana Gilkey and Mette Milland
Photo by Lori SaxRichard and Eve Biller
Photo by Lori SaxEvelina Chernykh and Ruslan Akhmadullin
Photo by Lori SaxMark and Lori Mitchell, Elizabeth Wexler and David Koffman
Photo by Lori SaxDoug Holder and Nicole Rhodes
Photo by Lori SaxTom and Tanya Morlock with Luci LeClaire
Photo by Lori SaxCo-Chairs Drayton and Kara Saunders
Photo by Lori SaxStephanie and Lawrence Bailey
Photo by Lori SaxKeely Karalis and Robinson Valverde
Photo by Lori SaxJustin Kiger and Sunny Smith
Photo by Lori SaxSajid Khan and Julie Harris
Photo by Lori SaxRandy and Maria Keith
Photo by Lori SaxStacey Calcano and Andy Klemmer
Photo by Lori SaxJohn and Jana Bekavac
Photo by Lori SaxSissy Rezvanpour and Jonathan Burgiel
Photo by Lori SaxMichael Saunders and Gwen MacKenzie
Photo by Lori SaxChrista Sullivan and Gigi Rogers with Anna and Dillon Kiser
Photo by Lori SaxNaiema and Donald Frieson
Photo by Lori SaxThe Rev. William and Anya Pardy with Nancy and Dan Bailey
Photo by Lori SaxDan and Tina Napoli
Photo by Lori SaxLinda Kryzinski and Marlon Brown
Photo by Lori SaxAmar, Paulomi, Swati and Pad Desai
Photo by Lori SaxThe centerpieces reflected the Moulin Rouge theme.
Photo by Lori SaxKatherine Harris and Mary Gratehouse
Photo by Lori SaxSarasota Performing Arts CEO Tania Castroverde Moskalenko
Photo by Lori SaxSarasota Performing Arts CEO Tania Castroverde Moskalenko, and Co-Chairs Susan and Jim Travers and Kara and Drayton Saunders
Photo by Lori SaxThe 2025 Louise Appleton awards were presented to Karim Manning, Ruslan Akhmadullin and Brooks Tracey by Kelli Maldonado from the Van Wezel Foundation.
Janet CombsKyle Battie, Carrie Dennison, Jeff Koffman and Toni-Ann Denicola-Koffman
Photo by Lori SaxThe perfect Florida weather lent itself to the 2025 Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation Gala held on March 21. With temperatures in the low 60s, almost 300 guests donned their best shawls, furs and vests to beat the slight chill for this annual event.
On the bay lawn at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, the tent was decorated with red flowers, centerpieces, lamps and candles each celebrating the Moulin Rouge (red mill) theme of the evening. Co-chaired by Susan and Jim Travers and Kara and Drayton Saunders, the event started with a cocktail reception and dinner followed by a live performance of "Moulin Rouge! The Musical."
A legacy gift from Louise Appleton recognizes Sarasota, Manatee, Desoto and Charlotte County educators who inspire students through arts education. Van Wezel Foundation Executive Director of Mission and Impact Kelli Maldonado introduced this year's honorees as Karim Manning, Ruslan Akhmadullin and Brooks Tracey.
Proceeds will go directly to art education and toward the development of the new Sarasota Performing Arts Center.
