On February 26, 2016, nearly 300 guests gathered at the Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach to celebrate a milestone occasion – the 25th Anniversary of the Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts. Gala Co-Chairs Theodora Aspegren and Robert Bailey, Committee Members, and School and Foundation Staff spent the year prior planning and prepping to make this extravaganza a success.

Theodora Aspegren, Co-Chair, said that "Our goal was to introduce Dreyfoos as a school to people who might have heard about it, but had no understanding of the wealth of talent. The audience was enthralled and is looking forward to the next Dreyfoos event!"

Shrek The Musical Cast Members greeted attendees and Visual Art students sketched during cocktail hour. Alumnus trumpeter Charlie Porter and Dreyfoos Jazz students played on stage in the ‘White and Gold Room’ as Strings Students serenaded guests by the pool and Communication Arts interviewed VIPs. A video produced by the Communications Department introduced the school as guests sat in the ‘Grand Ballroom.’ Each place setting was complete with an individual piece of student artwork from the Digital Media and Visual Arts departments for guests to take home as a token of appreciation. Throughout dinner, student performances from the Music, Theatre, and Dance Departments wowed the audience. Performances by alumni Charlie Porter and Nadine Sierra were met by standing ovations.

Board President and Honorary Co-Chair of the evening, Simon Benson Offit, remarked that "The spotlight was where it needed to be that evening, shining brightly on the students that make Dreyfoos so fantastic. What a treat it was to see Nadine Sierra and Charlie Porter bring the audience to their feet."

Inspired by the outstanding student and alumni productions, donors clamored for a chance to bid during the live auction, which raised $49,000. Bidder paddles were raised high for a chance to “Fund the Future,” a fully tax deductible donation to help continue the School’s excellence for many more milestone celebrations. Through the generosity of our guests, this raised over $60,000.

Kris Lidinsky, Executive Director, says the Foundation has great plans for these donations. “I am happy to announce that the funds raised by the Gala will be used for the Foundation’s ‘Campaign for the Arts’ match, as well as for any additional school needs as they arise. The ‘Campaign for the Arts’ funds the Artist in Residence Program, a program integral to the arts education of our students.”

As the evening came to a close, new Dreyfoos enthusiasts were created and longtime supporters were reinvigorated, all for a great cause – to ensure this School’s future success for Generations to Come.