The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County proudly celebrated its 19th Anniversary Gala on Saturday, March 8, 2025, with Time After Time, an unforgettable evening of “neon lights and ‘80s nights!” The Adrienne Arsht Center transformed into a vibrant homage to the decade when the dream of the Arsht first began to take shape.
The Adrienne Arsht Center’s marquee philanthropic event united more than 250 community leaders in support of the mission-driven Arsht Impact education and community engagement programs, which serve more than 100,000 annually. The event raised more than $2.8 million, including a $1 million commitment from Lucille Zanghi and James Dow for the Arsht Endowment Campaign and a successful match of the Green Family Foundation Trust’s $500,000 challenge for education — securing an additional $500,000 gift.
Hosted on the Lynn Wolfson stage in the Dorothea Green Theater of the Ziff Ballet Opera House, gala guests stepped into a dazzling scene of neon hues and retro glam, with gourmet bites, curated cocktails and live performances. Nearly a dozen alumni from Arsht Impact programs took center stage, delivering a high-energy dance performance that highlighted the Adrienne Arsht Center’s commitment to nurturing homegrown talent. DJ Esta (Esther Park) spun the hottest ‘80s hits, as voguers, breakdancers and ’80s celebrity look-alikes roamed the floor, bringing the decade’s cultural pulse to life.
The second annual Arsht Awards ceremony, which took place during the gala, recognized an organization and two individuals who have made significant contributions to the Arsht Center and the Miami cultural community at large. The honorees were Lilia Garcia, Arsht Education Champion Award; Rosie Gordon-Wallace, Parker Thomson Legacy Award; and Knight Foundation, Arsht Angel Award.
The celebration continued with the Vogue & Vinyl After-Party, presented by Gilded Group Decor. Guests stepped into the glamour of Miami’s iconic ‘80s nightlife, surrounded by neon lights, vintage beats and an electric atmosphere. The Legends, an 11-piece band, delivered a dynamic set of chart-topping ‘80s hits, taking guests on a nostalgic musical journey that kept the dance floor packed.
Adrienne Arsht, Founding Chairman of the Adrienne Arsht Center Foundation, served as the Gala’s Honorary Chair and the Gala Co-Chairs were Eric G. Johnson, Chairman, Adrienne Arsht Center Foundation Board and Holly Johnson; and Richard C. Milstein, Chairman, Adrienne Arsht Center Trust Board and Eric Hankin.
“What an incredible flashback to the ‘80s! We are so grateful for the unwavering support of our 19th Anniversary Gala and the Adrienne Arsht Center’s mission to be Miami’s cultural pulse,” said Eric G. Johnson. “This generosity makes it possible for the Arsht to create magical live arts experiences and expand access to the arts and arts education for all. It allows us to continue uniting our community through the transformational power of the performing arts — one performance, one education program, and one community engagement experience at a time.”
The Arsht 19th Anniversary Gala included Video Star VIP sponsors – Eric G. Johnson and Holly Johnson; Martin and Melanie Kirschner; Rebel Rock Star sponsors – Dr. Kimberly Green and Green Family Foundation Trust; Y. David and Cheryl Scharf; Lucille Zanghi and James Dow; Mixtape Master sponsors Trish and Dan Bell; Greenberg Traurig, P.A., Yosbel A. Ibarra and Drew Stoudt; and John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.
The evening was also generously supported by institutional sponsors BACARDI, Constellation, Gérard Bertrand, Miami-Dade County, Pepsi, Steinway Piano Gallery; media sponsors WorldRedEye.com, Miami Herald; and in-kind sponsors Bonjour French Bakery & Café and JEROME Art & Photography. A full list of individual and corporate supporters can be found at arshtcenter.org.
The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County is made possible by the public support of the Miami-Dade County Mayor and the Board of County Commissioners, the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade County Tourist Development Council and the City of Miami Omni Community Redevelopment Agency. The Adrienne Arsht Center also receives generous support from individuals, corporations and local, state and national foundations.
About the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County
The Arsht proudly serves as the cultural pulse of Miami – the heart of magical live arts experiences that spark the imagination and connect people to one another. Whether on our stages or in your neighborhood, the Arsht is alive year-round with international artists , innovative programming from resident companies and local arts partners, free community events that reflect Miami’s unique identity and more than 100 culturally diverse and impactful learning experiences for 80,000 children every year.
Since opening in 2006 in the heart of downtown, the Arsht, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, has been recognized as a leader in the city’s cultural transformation, a catalyst for billions of dollars in new development and a host venue for historic events. The 300+ annual Arsht events include a robust series of touring Broadway musicals direct from New York, star-studded jazz and classical music concerts curated for South Florida, a major annual Flamenco Festival and an award-winning Miami-based theater program. In addition, Family Fest, Gospel Fest Miami, Art + Mind Day, Heritage Fest and our LGBTQ+ Pride celebration are among dozens of free events that bring people from all corners of our community together. For more information, visit arshtcenter.org.
