Adrienne Arsht Center Raises $2 Million at 20th Anniversary Gala
- Jun 9
- 3 min read
The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County raised more than $2 million for its educational and community engagement programs during its 20th Anniversary Paint the Arsht Red Gala on Saturday, April 11, 2026.
The event brought together 300 philanthropists and community leaders on the Lynn Wolfson Stage following a public concert for more than 1,000 guests in the Dorothea Green Theater of the Ziff Ballet Opera House. The funds raised will benefit Arsht Impact programs, which currently serve 100,000 people annually.
Star-Studded Performances and Surprise Appearances
The evening featured a performance by Grammy Award-winning jazz vocalist Gregory Porter and an original poem by Richard Blanco, the first poet laureate of Miami-Dade County.
Broadway star Wesley Wray made a surprise appearance to close the entertainment. Wray, a Miami native and alumnus of the Arsht Center's AileyCamp Miami program, performed selections from Buena Vista Social Club – The Musical, the Broadway production in which he currently stars. His performance helped inspire several unexpected donations.
Major Donations and Financial Milestones
The $2 million fundraising total includes several major contributions:
A successful match of the Green Family Foundation Trust’s $500,000 education challenge, securing an additional $500,000.
A $250,000 commitment from Lucille Zanghi and James Dow.
"The success of this fundraising evening is proof that Miami truly believes in the power of young people and the arts," said Eric G. Johnson, Chairman of the Adrienne Arsht Center Foundation Board.
Third Annual Arsht Awards Recipients
The gala also hosted the third annual Arsht Awards, recognizing individuals and organizations for their contributions to the Miami cultural landscape:
Arsht Education Champion Award: Shelly Berg, dean of the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami and artistic advisor for the Jazz Roots concert series.
Parker Thomson Legacy Award: Rhoda Levitt, founding donor and former Vice President of the Adrienne Arsht Center Foundation.
Arsht Angel Award: The Green Family Foundation Trust, honored for years of supporting arts access and education.
Two additional arts leaders received special recognition. Mario Ernesto Sanchez, founder of the International Hispanic Theatre Festival of Miami and Teatro Avante, was honored posthumously for his commitment to international cultural exchange. Beth Boone, artistic and executive director of Miami Light Project, was recognized for her leadership of Arts Action Miami, a coalition that advocates for public funding for local arts groups.
Adam & Marylynne Schwartz, Snjeza Barrack, Jose Hidalgo, Nina Miguel, Jill Hidalgo, Sebastian Barrack, Dir., AACF, & William- Adrienne Arsht Center 20th Anniversary Gala - Photo by WorldRedEye.com
Ambassador Stephen & Dorothea Green, Dr. Kimberly Green, Dir., AACF, Trish Bell, Dir., AACF, & Dan Bell- Adrienne Arsht Center 20th Anniversary Gala - Photo by WorldRedEye.com
Arsht Awardees Rhoda Levitt, Shelton Berg, Kimberly, Dorothea and Steven Green - Adrienne Arsht Center 20th Anniversary Gala - Photo by WorldRedEye.com
Beth Boone and Johann Zietsman - Adrienne Arsht Center 20th Anniversary Gala - Photo by WorldRedEye.com
Cheryl & Y. David Scharf, Secretary, AACT- Adrienne Arsht Center 20th Anniversary Gala - Photo by WorldRedEye.com
Eyal Alfi, Hillit Meidar-Alfi, Chair, AAC Trust (AACT), Holly and Eric G. Johnson, Chair, AAC Foundation (AACF) - Adrienne Arsht Center 20th Anniversary Gala - Photo by WorldRedEye.com
Gerald Grant, Chair-Elect, AACT, & Jennifer Grant- Adrienne Arsht Center 20th Anniversary Gala - Photo by WorldRedEye.com
Gregory Porter Performance - Adrienne Arsht Center 20th Anniversary Gala - Photo by WorldRedEye.com
Gregory Porter Performance - Adrienne Arsht Center 20th Anniversary Gala - Photo by WorldRedEye.com
James Dow & Lucille Zanghi, Dir., AACF- Adrienne Arsht Center 20th Anniversary Gala - Photo by WorldRedEye.com
Keon Hardemon, District 3 Commissioner, Johann Zietsman, President & CEO, AAC, Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava - Adrienne Arsht Center 20th Anniversary Gala - Photo by WorldRedEye.com
Melanie & Martin Kirschner- Adrienne Arsht Center 20th Anniversary Gala - Photo by WorldRedEye.com
Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, Johann Zietsman, President & CEO, AAC, Tharrie Zietsman & Miami Mayor Eileen Higgins- Adrienne Arsht Center 20th Anniversary Gala - Photo by WorldRedEye.com
Rhoda Levitt- Adrienne Arsht Center 20th Anniversary Gala - Photo by WorldRedEye.com
Richard Blanco - Adrienne Arsht Center 20th Anniversary Gala - Photo by WorldRedEye.com
Swanee DiMare- Adrienne Arsht Center 20th Anniversary Gala - Photo by WorldRedEye.com
Veronica Sanchez and Johann Zietsman - Adrienne Arsht Center 20th Anniversary Gala - Photo by WorldRedEye.com
Wesley Wray - Adrienne Arsht Center 20th Anniversary Gala - Photo by WorldRedEye.com
The gala was co-chaired by Eric G. Johnson, Holly Johnson, Hillit Meidar-Alfi, and Eyal Alfi. Adrienne Arsht served as the honorary chair.