More than 600 Kravis Center volunteers applauded

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - May 15, 2013 - PRLog -- (WEST PALM BEACH)--It was more than the luck o’ the Irish that brought Kravis Center volunteers to the podium for special recognition recently. The performing arts center honored four outstanding volunteers for their hard work at its Emerald Isles-themed annual salute on April 15. Underwritten by Dorothy and Sidney Kohl, the evening offered a chance for Kravis staff and board members to applaud the nearly 600 guests in attendance – all wearing their best shades of green -- for their support throughout the past season.  The 21st annual event was held at the Cohen Pavilion and included dinner, Irish entertainment and dancing.

Seen applauding the time and talents of all the honorees and sporting their own wee versions of dapper green were Kravis Center Board Chairman William A. Meyer and CEO Judy Mitchell.  Other board members in attendance included Stephen Brown, Alex Dreyfoos, John Jenkins, Sidney Kohl and Jane Mitchell.

“Tonight is about all of our volunteers and we want to recognize and thank each of you for all you do,” said Meyer. “Some of you have been with us for more than 20 years! Your time and efforts are an invaluable part of our mission here at the Kravis Center. We really appreciate what you do.”

As CEO, Judy Mitchell presented the Volunteer of the Year Award to West Palm Beach resident Barbara Gehrkin, she noted that the award is given to a volunteer who has demonstrated outstanding dedication to the Kravis Center.

“This year the award goes to a volunteer that has been with us for eight years, has volunteered in several departments and has demonstrated an extreme commitment to whatever task is undertaken,” said Mitchell.  “Barbara works several times each week in administration and for our hospitality department working special events. Her commitment to being an active and integral part of our operation is outstanding.”

Education Associate Ali Rehm presented the Outstanding Student Award to Tabitha Bartley, a West Palm Beach resident, and noted that student volunteers at the Kravis not only assist in the education department, but they also serve as Youth Mentors to young people in the Kravis Center afterschool and summer programs.

“This year’s outstanding student volunteer has been outstanding since the day we met her,” said Rehm. “Tabitha is a natural leader and is always willing and ready to work hard. She is one of the reasons we started a youth mentor program. She is talented, fearless, committed and determined and as a dancer, there is no doubt that she will be back on the Kravis stage, on tour, as a professional and will continue to be a role model to young people.”

Front of House Event Manager Paul Kaufman recounted the daunting task of learning the ropes at the Kravis and successfully dedicating invaluable time and talents to the organization as he called Lake Worth resident Sharon Leibovitz to the stage to receive her award.

“It takes a combination of intelligence, common sense, customer service skills and the ability to follow instruction in order to be successful,” said Kaufman. “You have to be able to think quickly on your feet to handle the requests of discerning guests and always do it with a smile on your face. Sharon best exemplifies the standards of good customer service and excellent dedication. She has selflessly given her time whenever called upon.”

As Event Manager and Usher Coordinator Dejeanne Jules took the stage, she noted that the Usher Award was going to two individuals who have been best   friends for 40 years.   Ruth Sanders  resides in Lake Worth and Ed Cabott lives in Boynton Beach.

“Having been known to work triple shifts on several occasions, their commitment to the Kravis Center is first-class,” said Jules.  “As retired military personnel, their training has come in very handy while working shows at the Center.  No mission is too big or two small for these two.  As the ‘Admiral of Diplomacy’ and the ‘Master Chief of Negotiations,’ Ed and Ruth can spin any stressful situation and can be counted on to resolve every issue with tactical precision.”

Following the award presentations, guests were entertained with a performance reflecting the Kravis’ mission of arts education as well as the theme for the night.  Students from the Kelly Academy of Irish Dance set the tone for guests to kick up their own heels to wrap up the evening.

The Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, located in West Palm Beach, Florida, is one of the premier performing arts centers in the Southeast with a growing national and international reputation. Established as a leading force in the social fabric of the community, its many outreach programs are as broad and varied as the community itself. To date, the Center has opened the door to the performing arts for more than 1.7 million school children as well as thousands of economically disadvantaged senior citizens, minorities and community groups. For general information about the Kravis Center performances and to learn more about becoming a Kravis Center volunteer, please visit www.kravis.org or call the box office at 561-832-7469 (561-832-SHOW).