The Dreyfoos School of the Arts Foundation will welcome supporters, alumni and friends to the Cohen Pavilion at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts at 6 p.m. March 30 for “Defying Gravity,” a celebration of creativity, community and the impact of longtime supporter and board member George Elmore.
For decades, Elmore, a Gulf Stream resident, has been a steadfast advocate for the Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts, a public high school.
“What George has given our students goes far beyond financial support,” said Dreyfoos Principal Blake Bennett. “He has helped create an environment where young artists feel seen, supported, and challenged to dream bigger than they ever imagined.”
This year’s event also marks a milestone for the foundation with the recognition of Andrew Vahab as chairman of the board. Vahab is a 2001 communications graduate and the first alumnus of the school to serve as chairman.
The evening will feature a performance by Broadway star and Dreyfoos alumna Talia Suskauer, Theater Class of 2014. Best known for her acclaimed portrayal of Elphaba in Wicked, Suskauer also will lead a Broadway master class for Dreyfoos theater students.
The evening is led by honorary chair Marti LaTour, with celebration chairs Dolores Fernandez Alonso, Fabiola Brumley, Laurie George, Michele Jacobs, Ava Parker, Diane Quinn and Kelly Smallridge.
Tickets start at $500, with special pricing available for alumni and young friends under 50 at $350. For tickets and additional information, visit dreamsofdreyfoos.com.
Historical society to host noted journalist and author
The Delray Beach Historical Society’s Heritage Garden will welcome journalist and bestselling author Michael Grunwald on March 19. Recognized for his reporting on climate change and environmental issues, Grunwald will discuss his 2006 book, The Swamp: The Everglades, Florida, and the Politics of Paradise, and his newest work, We Are Eating the Earth, published in July.
This event will bring together the historical society’s environmental and garden partners, including the Institute for Regional Conservation, the Surfrider Foundation, the Sandoway Discovery Center, the Surfing Florida Museum, the Swinton Community Growing Project, the Delray Beach Children’s Garden and the city of Delray Beach’s Sustainability Department.
A welcome reception with light refreshments starts at 6 p.m. at the Old School Square Historic Gymnasium, 51 N. Swinton Ave., Delray Beach, followed by Grunwald’s lecture, Q&A and panel discussion. He will be available to sign copies of his books. Tickets are $28, $20 for Society members. Visit delraybeachhistory.org or call 561-274-9578.
Nonprofits First celebrates two decades of service
Nonprofits First commemorated its 20th anniversary with a celebration recognizing two decades of service, innovation and leadership in the county’s nonprofit community. The event also marked the launch of the 2026 Rising Leaders, Advancing Leaders and Launching Leaders programs, which are designed to support and empower the next generation of nonprofit professionals.
Nonprofits First’s leadership programs CEO Trudy Crowetz reflected on the organization’s legacy and its future direction.
“The kickoff of the 2026 Rising Leaders, Advancing Leaders and Launching Leaders programs represents our commitment to supporting the development of dynamic, strategic leaders who will continue to strengthen and elevate our community for years to come.” For more information, visit nonprofitsfirst.org.
Snow Scholarship Fund opens Success Center
The George Snow Scholarship Fund opened the Snow Success Center with a ribbon-cutting and donor reception, marking a milestone in the GSSF’s 44 years and its investment in student success.
The Snow Success Center brings GSSF’s Scholar Services team together under one roof in Boca Raton, creating a space dedicated to supporting Snow Scholars academically, professionally and personally.
The reception honored the individuals, families, foundations and corporate partners whose leadership gifts made the Snow Success Center possible.
Feeding South Florida has new board chair
Michelle Esposito of Boca Raton has been appointed chair of Feeding South Florida’s board of directors.
Esposito is the vice president of IT for JM&A Group, a subsidiary of JM Family Enterprises. Esposito leads the development and execution of JM&A Group’s technology strategy to support growth and enable faster, more efficient service delivery.
As chair, Esposito will play a key role in supporting Feeding South Florida’s programs, including its culinary and warehouse training initiatives; Food Is Medicine efforts such as the Mobile FARMacy and hospital pantries; home delivery services; workforce development; Client Choice Pantry, and Summer BreakSpot.
Send news, photos and notes to Lou Ann Frala at philanthropy@thecoastalstar.com.
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