Our 21st annual Inspiration Gala raised more than $1.3 million — thanks to generous supporters like you!

Susan Travers and Kathy Martella served as co-chairs for the spectacular evening which celebrated the 35-year relationship between our foundation and the Van Wezel Hall. The evening also honored Stevey Jones, the recipient of the 2023 Appleton Arts Integration Award, and Mayra Ocasio Cuadrado and Kate Walsh, the recipients of the 2023 Van Wezel Foundation Merit Scholarships. Following dinner, music legend and Grammy® Award winner Kenny Loggins gave a rocking performance at the acclaimed Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.

The incredible sum raised during the Gala will support the Foundation’s education and community engagement programs and planning for the new Sarasota Performing Arts Center.

A heartfelt thank you to our inspired partners!

LEAD SPONSORS

Paul Seed, StarTech.com
Jim and Susan Travers

PRESENTING SPONSORS

Amicus Foundation
Julie A. Harris

HOST COMMITTEE

Gerald and Sondra Biller
Dr. Jenne K. Britell
Jaclyn Brunckhorst
Michele Hooper and Lemuel Seabrook
Joan K. Lieberman
The Martella Family Foundation
John and Eilene Maupin
William and Elaine McClure
Karl and Ricky Newkirk
Walt and Donna Pearson
Drayton and Kara Saunders
The W. Dale Brougher Foundation

MARQUEE SPONSORS

Diane Taylor Foxman
Sean and Melanie Natarajan
Nanci and Christopher Weaver

SPOTLIGHT SPONSORS

Tina Gelmisi and Robert Vandergrift and Friends
Williams Parker Attorneys at Law
Susan and Charles Wilson
Tom and Pamela Reilly Foundation
William and Robin Fetsch