The Beach Boys brought their “Good Vibrations” to the Broward Center and rocked the stage at the Broward Performing Arts Foundation’s 2025 Annual Celebration to raise funds for the Center’s education and enrichment programs. The event was presented by long-time Broward Center supporters, Charles and Laura Palmer.
The evening was “Fun, Fun, Fun” from beginning to end. The festivities kicked off in the Au-Rene Theater where white-gloved servers welcomed guests to a cocktail reception in the Horvitz Lobby. On cue, the theater doors opened, and everyone was escorted onto a spectacular stage set for their gourmet dinner. The party then moved to the Amaturo Theater where The Beach Boys entertained, singing all the hits that have provided the soundtrack for summer fun for more than half a century. After the performance, the crowd spilled out of the theater and onto the Wendt Terraces for a lively, post-show party featuring specialty cocktails, comfort foods, decadent desserts, dancing and music by The Weedline Band.
In her welcoming remarks, Broward Performing Arts Foundation president Lisa Kitei said: “The impact of this evening will be felt long after tonight’s festivities end. The real beneficiaries of our Annual Celebration are the students whose lives are touched by the Broward Center’s education and engagement programs. On their behalf, I thank you all for your support.”
Foundation board chair Senator George LeMieux spoke of the Broward Center’s role in the community as the first performing arts center in South Florida, the busiest theater in the state of Florida with the largest free arts-in-education program in the nation. “We can do all that,” he said, “because we have your support.”
In addition to “Good Vibrations” presenting sponsors Charles and Laura Palmer, “Surf’s Up” sponsors were Ann M. Burris, Jeannette and Marty Engelmann, Linda B. Haller, The Salah Foundation, S. Donald and Michelle Howland Sussman, Gary Wendt and Mark and Linda Wilford. “Fun, Fun, Fun” sponsors were Amazon, Chris Ambs and Scott Clearwater Charitable Trust, BBX Capital, Rita Case, Marty and Terri Cole, Melissa Corrado-Harrison, Leo Goodwin Foundation, Gunster, Hudson Family Foundation, JM Family Enterprises, Miniaci Foundation, Northern Trust, The Schmatz Family, SPIRIT, Stiles, Joyce Worthington Virga and Richard and Christine Welch. Spirits sponsor was Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits; program sponsor was Starmark; and invitation sponsor was Associated Printing Productions, Inc.
For nearly 40 years, the Broward Performing Arts Foundation has been instrumental in providing support for the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. The Foundation was established in 1985 to deliver the required private funding to build the Center and create an endowment to sustain its operations. Over the years, the Foundation has successfully raised funds to support the Broward Center’s innovative and diverse programming, arts-in-education initiatives, community engagement activities and capital projects. In 2021, the Foundation completed a $30 million capital campaign to renovate and restore the iconic Parker Playhouse. Prior to this, it raised $60 million to complete the Encore! capital campaign to renovate, renew and revitalize the Broward Center.
About the Broward Center for the Performing Arts
One of America’s premier performing arts venues, the Broward Center for the Performing Arts presents more than 850 performances each year to more than 600,000 patrons, displaying a wide range of exciting cultural programming and events. Guest experiences at the Broward Center include the all-inclusive Spirit Club Level, the Nicklaus Children’s Health System Intermezzo Lounge, special events in the Huizenga Pavilion, waterfront dining at Marti’s New River Bistro and innovative classes and workshops for all ages at the Rose Miniaci Arts Education Center. With one of the largest arts-in-education programs in the United States, the Broward Center serves more than 100,000 students annually. The Broward Center also manages The Parker, an iconic Fort Lauderdale venue, the Rose & Alfred Miniaci Performing Arts Center on the campus of Nova Southeastern University and the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center in Miami-Dade County. The Broward Performing Arts Foundation, Inc. receives and maintains funds to sustain, develop and secure the future of the Broward Center. The Broward Center is located at 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale, FL. For more information, visit BrowardCenter.org.
The Broward Performing Arts Foundation, Inc., registration number SC-00882, meets all requirements specified by the Florida Solicitation of Contributions Act. 100% of your contribution is received by the foundation.
