Broward Performing Arts Foundation hosts annual reception and brunch to celebrate the start of the 2025-2026 performance season at the Broward Center

Broward County, Florida – Broward County’s arts community came together this week as the Broward Performing Arts Foundation hosted its Annual Reception and Brunch, officially kicking off the 2025-2026 performance season at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. Generously underwritten by J.P. Morgan Chase & Co., the event brought donors, benefactors, and community supporters together for a morning of celebration, reflection, and anticipation, setting the tone for what promises to be another remarkable year of performances and educational initiatives.

This year’s reception carried a distinctly French flair, with attendees arriving to pose for photos in front of a stunning Eiffel Tower backdrop, capturing the festive spirit of the gathering. A highlight of the event was a presentation by award-winning author, historian, and master storyteller Dr. Robert Watson, a distinguished professor of American History at Lynn University. Watson brought history to life as he shared the story behind Les Misérables, the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical coming to the Au-Rene Theater at the Broward Center from December 16 through December 28. His presentation offered guests a glimpse into the artistic and cultural significance of one of the most iconic musicals in theater history.

Broward Performing Arts Foundation President Lisa Kitei welcomed guests warmly and introduced the board before announcing two upcoming fundraisers for the Broward Center. The first, Winter Wonderland: A “Frozen” Family Celebration, is scheduled for December 14, and the Foundation’s 2026 Annual Celebration featuring Darius Rucker will take place on March 7. While tables for the pre-show dinner at the Annual Celebration are sold out, VIP tickets for lower orchestra seating and the post-show tailgate party remain available, offering additional ways for supporters to participate.

Read also: Person dies after being struck by a moving train in Oakland Park according to the Broward Sheriff’s Office

Foundation Board Chair Dev Motwani reflected on his long-standing connection to the Broward Center, sharing, “My high school graduation was one of the first held here. I had the good fortune of speaking as valedictorian at the ceremony, so to be here speaking before you now as board chair, I have come full circle.” Motwani’s involvement deepened during his tenure as chair of the City of Fort Lauderdale’s Economic Development Advisory Board, when he began to fully appreciate the Broward Center’s economic and cultural impact. He emphasized the value of community support, noting, “What your support does here for the community helps fund the largest free arts education program in the United States benefiting more than 100,000 students from 150 Broward schools annually through more than 50 education programs.”

Broward Center President and CEO Ty Sutton shared his excitement for the season ahead, highlighting the Bank of America Broadway in Fort Lauderdale series and the MD Now® Slow Burn Theatre Company series. “At a time where we see arts groups throughout the United States, especially some of the largest performing arts centers, reducing programs, we keep expanding and growing and that is thanks to all of you,” Sutton said. “I am excited for this upcoming season.” His remarks underscored the Center’s ongoing commitment to presenting a wide variety of performances while maintaining robust educational and community programs.

For nearly four decades, the Broward Performing Arts Foundation has played a pivotal role in sustaining and expanding the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. Established in 1985, the Foundation was instrumental in providing the private funding necessary to build the Center and establish an endowment for its operations. Over the years, it has supported innovative programming, arts-in-education initiatives, community engagement activities, and capital projects, including the $30 million renovation of the Parker Playhouse completed in 2021 and the earlier $60 million Encore! campaign to revitalize the Broward Center.

Read also: Broward County Public Schools celebrates Computer Science Education Month by launching The Hour of AI initiative for students across the district

With the Annual Reception and Brunch serving as a celebration of past accomplishments and a preview of the future, the Broward Performing Arts Foundation continues to engage the community in sustaining one of America’s premier performing arts venues. The Broward Center, which hosts over 850 performances annually for more than 600,000 patrons, also offers unique experiences such as the all-inclusive Spirit Club Level, the Nicklaus Children’s Health System Intermezzo Lounge, and classes at the Rose Miniaci Arts Education Center. Its education programs, which serve over 100,000 students each year, remain among the largest in the nation.

The Foundation and the Center together ensure that the performing arts remain an accessible, vibrant, and transformative part of life in Broward County. As donors and supporters gathered at this year’s Annual Reception and Brunch, it was clear that the 2025-2026 season promises not only remarkable performances but also continued growth, innovation, and engagement for the community.

For more information about the Broward Performing Arts Foundation, call 954-468-3284 or email [email protected]. Additional details about performances and programming at the Broward Center can be found at BrowardCenter.org.