Defying Gravity: Dreyfoos School of the Arts Foundation Honors George Elmore in an Inspiring Evening of Legacy, Leadership, and Artistic Excellence

The Dreyfoos School of the Arts Foundation welcomed supporters, alumni, and friends to the Cohen Pavilion at the Kravis Center on March 30 for Defying Gravity, an unforgettable evening celebrating creativity, community, and the extraordinary impact of longtime supporter and board member George Elmore.

The intimate gathering brought together community leaders, artists, and advocates to honor Elmore’s decades of dedication to the Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts. His leadership, generosity, and unwavering belief in the power of arts education have played a pivotal role in shaping the school into the nationally recognized institution it is today. From the Foundation’s earliest days through its continued growth, Elmore’s vision, alongside other dedicated champions, has created opportunities that continue to transform students’ lives.

“George Elmore’s belief in this school has never wavered,” said Chris Snyder, CEO of the Dreyfoos School of the Arts Foundation. “George has given so much of himself to this school, this Foundation, and this community. His impact can be seen in the opportunities our students have today and in the lives they will go on to shape in the future.”

“What George has given our students goes far beyond financial support,” said Blake Bennett, Principal of the Dreyfoos School of the Arts. “He has helped create an environment where young artists feel seen, supported, and inspired to dream bigger than they ever imagined. That impact is evident in our classrooms, on our stages, and in the confidence our students carry forward.”

The evening also marked a meaningful milestone for the Foundation with the recognition of Andrew Vahab as Chair of the Board, the first alumnus of the Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts to serve in this role. A 2001 Communications graduate, Vahab’s journey from student to board chair reflects the full-circle impact of the school’s mission and the enduring legacy of leadership established by Elmore and the Foundation’s early champions.

A highlight of the evening was a special performance by Broadway star and Dreyfoos alumna Talia Suskauer, Theatre Class of 2014. Best known for her acclaimed portrayal of Elphaba in Wicked, Suskauer’s return to Dreyfoos was both a powerful homecoming and a testament to the exceptional talent nurtured within the school’s walls. She delivered a captivating set of beloved Broadway hits, including selections from Pippin, Guys and Dolls, and Wicked. In a particularly moving moment, she was joined by current Theatre junior Jenna Bennett for a powerful duet of “For Good,” symbolizing the connection between past and present generations of Dreyfoos artists. Suskauer closed the evening with a stunning rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” leaving the audience inspired and bringing the celebration to a heartfelt and memorable close. In addition to her performance, she led a Broadway masterclass for current Theatre students, offering an invaluable opportunity to learn directly from one of the school’s most celebrated alumni.

Guests enjoyed an elegant evening of dinner, cocktails, and live performances as the Foundation honored Elmore’s lasting legacy and celebrated the collective vision that has sustained Dreyfoos for more than three decades. The event was 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, whose leadership reflects the strength and commitment of the Dreyfoos community.

As the Dreyfoos School of the Arts Foundation looks to the future, Defying Gravity served as both a tribute and a call to continue investing in the next generation of artists and scholars. The evening reinforced the enduring impact of visionary leadership and the power of community to elevate and sustain arts education.

Proceeds from the event will support programs that uplift and inspire young creatives at the Dreyfoos School of the Arts.

The Dreyfoos School of the Arts Foundation extends its deepest gratitude to the generous sponsors whose support made Defying Gravity possible, including Dream Maker Sponsors George Elmore & Marti LaTour and Emerald City Presenting Sponsor Old Charles. The Foundation also recognizes its Unlimited Sponsor Bonnie & Mitchell Rudin and For Good Sponsor Josephine Bayard. Additional support was provided by Popular Sponsors The Aranyos Family, Business Development Board of Palm Beach County, Gil Cohen & Paul Gervais, Peter & Julie Cummings, Julie Herzig Desnick & Dr. Robert J. Desnick, Northern Trust, Lee and Sonja Pockriss Foundation, United Way of Palm Beach County, The Vahab Family, and David & Kim Warne; Program Sponsors Robert & Ann Fromer, Brenda Medore, and Don & Linda Silpe; and Valet Sponsors Larry E. Brown, Lisa Marie Conte Browne, The Elmore Family, Mort Handel & Barbara Spiller, Nancy & Joel Hart, Lesser, Landy, Smith & Siegel, PLLC, The McMackin Family, Rottenstreich Farley Bronstein Fisher Potter Hodas LLP, and Trish Savides. The Foundation also thanks its In-Kind Sponsors, including Bulldog Marketing, Hive Collective, Jazz Up My Event, Kirkland Events, Lessing’s Hospitality Group, PATHOS, Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, Liz & Andy Reitman, and Michelle Sherman, whose contributions helped bring the evening to life.

For more information, visit dreamsofdreyfoos.com.

The Dreyfoos School of the Arts Foundation provides support for the arts and academic curriculum at the Dreyfoos School of the Arts, a public arts high school, ranked #110 out of nearly 25,000 public high schools in the nation and the #2 public school in Palm Beach County.
Dreyfoos School of the Arts Foundation, Inc. | P.O. Box 552, West Palm Beach, FL 33402 | Phone 561-805-6298 | info@soafi.org