Young Patronesses of the Opera, one of Miami’s oldest arts organizations, is celebrating its 60th Diamond Jubilee year, and will host a dazzling night of dinner and dancing at its “Diamonds & Divas” Gala. The sparkling soiree will be held on November 7, 2015, at one of Miami’s most radiant venues, the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Coconut Grove.

YPO’s Co-Presidents, Debbie Campbell and Barbara Reese, who are also past presidents of YPO, are serving as this year’s Gala Chairs. They are honored to be chairing this signature fundraising event, while celebrating YPO’s rich 60-year history of promoting opera education to elementary school children across South Florida.

“Every year our gala raises pivotal funds toward arts education,” Gala Co-Chair Barbara Reese said. “With the help of countless supporters and sponsors, we are committed to keeping YPO’s educational programs shining bright like a diamond for years to come in our community.” The Diamond Divas for this year’s Jubilee Gala are Betty Brody, Bunny Bastian, Trish and Dan Bell, Brenda Nestor Castellano and Swanee and Paul DiMare. YPO would also like to thank Gibraltar Private Bank, Bacardi and Total Wine for generously sponsoring this year’s gala.

Attendees of the “Diamonds & Divas” Gala will enjoy a cocktail hour that includes a silent auction and entertainment, followed by dinner and dancing to the sounds of the Drew T Band. Special guest, Broadway and Opera Diva Lisa Vroman, will dazzle the crowd with a ‘can’t miss’ performance. Master of Ceremonies for this historic event will be one of Florida Grand Opera’s leading opera experts, Justin Moss. During the evening, YPO’s illustrious past presidents will be honored for their commitment to promoting opera education in our community.

YPO is the only organization in South Florida that brings live opera to elementary school children right to their classrooms. Annually, 30,000 school children take part in YPO’s opera programs that are funded through the annual gala and procured grants. Guests at the “Diamond’s & Divas” Gala will not only enjoy an evening to remember, but will be instrumental in keeping the arts alive for children.

“Over the past 40 years, our in-school opera program has reached thousands of elementary students and has provided them with a unique educational opportunity,” Gala Co-Chair Debbie Campbell said.

An individual ticket to the gala is $400. Attire is formal. For more information on how to attend, sponsor or underwrite the “Diamonds & Divas” Gala, contact Debbie Campbell or Barbara Reese at President@YPO-Miami.org or at 305-778-879l or 305-773-1543.

About YPO
Founded almost 60 years ago in 1955, YPO is a volunteer group of 100 active and dedicated women who support the Florida Grand Opera, and advocate for music and opera education for children across South Florida. Proceeds raised at “Diamonds & Divas” Gala will fund music and opera education programs. Every year, YPO presents a workshop for more than 500 girl scouts and a professional development workshop on opera in the classroom for 150 Miami- Dade and Broward County teachers. YPO also brings professional children’s opera performances to more than 30,000 elementary students annually. This year the In-School opera program is celebrating its 40th anniversary, bringing live opera performances to school children. To learn more, visit www.YPO-Miami.org. Caption: Barbara Reese and Debbie Campbell, Co-Chairs.