A Real-Life “Lion King” Story - Broward Performing Arts Foundation Kicked off the 2024-2025 Season

The Annual Reception is a private event for the Center’s benefactors, and, in her welcome, Foundation President Lisa Kitei thanked them for their support. “Your generosity enables us to present outstanding theatrical experiences and award-winning educational programs for our South Florida community,” Kitei said.

Board Treasurer Ann Burris spoke of the joy that the Broward Center brings to the community. “It’s my hope that your involvement with the Broward Center brings you boundless joy and a ton of fun, all the while knowing that your support is shared with so many others in our community who benefit greatly through your generosity.” She closed her remarks saying, “Thank you for all you do that helps support the Center do all that it does. Enjoy the fantastic program today and be sure to have FUN!”

Broward Center President and CEO Ty Sutton provided an overview of the impressive upcoming season which includes the Foundation’s 2025 Annual Celebration that will bring the good vibrations of Mike Love and The Beach Boys to the intimate setting of the Amaturo Theater on Saturday, March 1st. Sutton also highlighted the role the Foundation plays in raising funds for the Broward Center’s innovative and diverse programming, arts-in-education initiatives and community engagement activities. “We are really excited about the upcoming season,” Sutton said. “Our impact on the community from both educational and entertainment perspectives is unparalleled.”

The Annual Reception featured a special entertaining and educational presentation from Zoo Miami’s “Goodwill Ambassador,” Ron Magill. In a season that includes Disney’s The Lion King in March and the Foundation’s “Hakuna Matata Family Celebration” on Sunday, March 23rd, both at the Broward Center, Magill tied one of his most poignant experiences at Zoo Miami back to the powerful lessons gleaned from the Broadway show. The Internationally Recognized Wildlife Expert, Award-Winning Photographer and gifted storyteller had guests captivated by his story of K’wasi, a lion cub born at Zoo Miami 11 years ago and orphaned at just three months old. Magill documented K’wasi’s life through a stunningly beautiful photo montage, capturing the resilience of a lion cub that, like Simba, overcame unimaginable odds.

For nearly 40 years, the Broward Performing Arts Foundation has been instrumental in providing support for the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. The Foundation was established in 1985 to deliver the required private funding to build the Center and create an endowment to sustain its operations. Over the years, the Foundation has successfully raised funds to support the Broward Center’s innovative and diverse programming, arts-in-education initiatives, community engagement activities and capital projects. In 2021, the Foundation completed a $30 Million Capital Campaign to renovate and restore the iconic Parker Playhouse. Prior to this, it raised $60 Million to complete the Encore! Capital Campaign to renovate, renew and revitalize the Broward Center.

For more information about the Broward Performing Arts Foundation, call: (954) 468-3284. Or email: Foundation@BrowardCenter.org.

The Broward Center for the Performing Arts
One of America’s premier performing arts venues, the Broward Center for the Performing Arts presents more than 850 performances each year to more than 600,000 patrons, displaying a wide range of exciting cultural programming and events. Guest experiences at the Broward Center include the all-inclusive Spirit Club Level, the Nicklaus Children’s Health System Intermezzo Lounge, special events in the Huizenga Pavilion, waterfront dining at Marti’s New River Bistro and innovative classes and workshops for all ages at the Rose Miniaci Arts Education Center. With one of the largest arts-in-education programs in the United States, the Broward Center serves more than 100,000 students annually. The Broward Center also manages The Parker, an iconic Fort Lauderdale venue, the Rose & Alfred Miniaci Performing Arts Center on the main campus of Nova Southeastern University, and the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center in Miami-Dade County, The Broward Performing Arts Foundation, Inc. receives and maintains funds to sustain, develop and secure the future of the Broward Center.

The Broward Center is located at 201 Southwest Fifth Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312. For more information, visit: www.BrowardCenter.org. Broward Performing Arts Foundation Kicked off the 2024-2025 Season.