Gala Gals

Swanee DiMare leads Arsht’s signature fundraiser

Harry Connick, Jr. will take the stage of the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts for a special performance at the Arsht Center Annual Gala. Chairing this year’s $2,500 a ticket fundraiser are Swanee and Paul DiMare. Swanee was kind enough to answer a few questions for SocialMiami as she prepares for the major Miami event.

Why have you chosen to support the Arsht Center?

The Arsht Center has helped Greater Miami become a world class community, playing a pivotal role in the expansion of arts and culture in South Florida and is a valuable resource for our community. Its education program has reached 100,000 school children, exposing many of them to the performing arts for the first time.

Tell us how the performing arts have influenced your life. Is there a moment when you were touched by a performance?

I am touched in some way by every performance I see, whether good or bad. I am always moved and inspired by music – the performing arts enhance and enrich my life.

At the gala, who will you be wearing?
I will be wearing a Monique Lhuillier gown that I think is just perfect and very appropriate for this very special Gala!

In addition to Harry Connick, Jr., what other surprises should we expect?

They would not be surprises if I told. However, you can expect an atmosphere created by Barton G that will not only surprise all of your senses, but will make the evening enchanting and memorable.

We all know that a gala can never be a success without a solid committee. How has it been working with your committee?

It has been a pleasure and a privilege to work with the whole Arsht team, both volunteers and staff.