Bob Levinson

“I can’t say enough how much I appreciate the ever-dapper Bob Levinson,” states Jan McArt. “He appears at every theatrical and concert event and usually brings new friends to the theatre to add to the fun. Bob originated from Cincinnati, Ohio, where he was a successful businessman in a family manufacturing business. When the company was sold to American Standard, Inc., he became a group vice president. After moving to Boca Raton, he acquired a hotel in Pompano Beach and then built and operated additional hotels in Boca Raton and Ft. Lauderdale and was well-known for his acute business style and knowledge of his community. Upon leaving the hotel business, he joined Lynn University as a senior development officer and this life work of establishing new contacts and friendships for the university became his passion, recreation and pleasure. His expertise and inroads into the community has assisted many departments at Lynn University, however, it is no secret to say that his dedica-tion to the arts has greatly aided me and my Live at Lynn mission. Even more importantly, Bob and his friend Zelda Luxenberg have personally sponsored productions in our series every year, such as The Capitol Steps, sharing their love of the arts with the community. My heartfelt thanks go out to you both, Bob.”

 

Raemali King

Beautiful Raemali King has a heart of gold. She and her late husband Roger King (CBS and King World executive) have always been philanthropists and generous friends to our community. They were known for fabulous entertaining that had all of Boca Raton agog. At Easter, their home was filled with bunnies and a petting zoo for the children, while at Christmas, Santa Claus stopped by in a world of actual snow and ice. All the while, their home was filled with the amiable and welcoming smiles of its host and hostess. Raemali was brought up in Florida and has involved herself in many causes that benefit our community, including FAU Caring Hearts and the Boca Raton Regional Hospital. She loves to decorate, which is why her home is one of the most unusual and beautiful on the intracoastal anywhere. An avid traveler, Raemali delights her friends with stories that range from Dubai to Las Vegas. Her always-enthusiastic attitude has made her the kind of friend that everyone looks forward to seeing every day. We are so proud to have her as our sponsor, supporter and friend.

 

Kathy and Ron Assaf

Kathy and Ron Assaf are well-known philanthropists and active citizens of Boca Raton. Kathy and Ron have both served on many boards and committees, lending their expertise to so many organizations that it is hard to name them all. Ron is on the board of trustees of Nova Southeastern University and they have given generously to Lynn University, as well as the Boca Raton Regional Hospital and other worthy causes. Ron is the founder and former president of Sensormatic located in Boca Raton, which is now part of Tyco. Kathy, while serving on the board of one of the local banks, was also volunteering her time and expertise as a teacher at Del Prado Elementary School, which earned her the title from our own Jan McArt as "Mrs. Everything" because she was always so very, very involved and busy. When they can get away from the busy life, the Assafs spend time at their home high up in the mountains in Banner Elk, North Carolina. They love to travel and have been around the world at least once, and now are staying a little closer to home to enjoy the company of their family. Son Derek and daughter Kristen are both married and Kristen is rearing their grandson here in Boca Raton. Ron's son Jamie and his wife Nadine are also close neighbors and are continuing the beautiful Assaf tradition of philanthropy and community involvement. In lieu of catching the busy Assafs on the go, we run over to the Assaf building of classrooms on the Lynn University campus and touch the side of the building saying, "We've seen the Assaf's today."

 

Charlotte and Morris Robinson

Our sponsors, Charlotte and Morris Robinson, are long-time residents of Boca Raton who originally came from Montreal, Canada. They were named “Legends” in 2005 by the Boca Raton Historical Society for good reason because they are generous and thoughtful philanthropists to many organizations around town. There are too many to name them all, but the Red Cross Angels and the Boca Raton Regional Hospital are among their many causes. Morris is known for his love of musicals and Charlotte for her love of theatre in general; they have a family of three girls and one boy, as well as five grandchildren; and they’re avid skiers and travelers. Live at Lynn is particularly proud to have these wonderful friends sponsor us once again in the 2014-2015 season for the cabaret reception for The Broadway Boys.

 

Marion and Sanford Goldstein

“Marion and Sanford have been wonderful benefactors to all of us in the community,” said Jan McArt. “Their giving has been thoughtfully placed and has made it possible for me to bring in very special programs—like Capitol Steps and the incomparable 4 Girls 4 with Broadway legends Christine Andreas, Andrea McArdle, Maureen McGovern and Faith Prince. Even better, Marion and Sanford instituted our Live at Lynn summer program last year, which was a big hit. The Goldstein’s proved that there is definitely an audience in summertime and people are clamoring to have things to do here. They also made it possible for the Conservatory of Music to host last year’s Mizner Concert and they continue to show their support in so many areas around campus. We’re so grateful to them for their continued sponsorships in one form or another.”

 

Deborah & Larry Silver and Bob & Sondy Berman

“Thoughtful giving is a family affair from this family so full of love and generosity,” mentions Jan McArt, “Deborah and Larry Silver have been supporting the Live at Lynn program since the very beginning, and when Deborah brought her parents to our shows, they decided they would offer their support and sponsorship as well. Supporting the community and doing wonderful things that matter are what Deborah and Larry taught their children, as well. At 12 years old, their daughter Madison created a beautiful website to raise funds to help find a cure for ALS, often known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. If you have a chance to view her site, you’ll be touched by her simple, heartfelt appeal.

“My heart and my appreciation is never-ending to this wonderful family for helping us make this program possible and to bring the incredible productions we have been able to host in the Live at Lynn program.”

 

Darlene Pfeiffer

“Darlene Pfeiffer isn’t in town for all of our Live at Lynn productions,” said Jan McArt, “but I hope you have an opportunity to get to know her better.

“Over 47 years as chief executive officer and holder of two thriving franchises with Kentucky Fried Chicken, Darlene has held the reigns over many business affiliations and received countless philanthropic awards. She received special recognition from the New York State Senate for ‘her competence, intelligence and leadership,’ and is featured in Helen Engel and Marilynn Smiley’s book, Remarkable Women in New York State History. There is a lot to be admired in a woman like that.

“After supporting my Live at Lynn program since the very beginning, I’m excited that this year Darlene has committed to create a Darlene Pfeiffer Scholarship at Lynn University to benefit two students each year. So much of Darlene’s generosity is focused on education.

“Every year, Darlene awards five scholarships to single parents with financial needs, but even better—she attends every scholarship ceremony and congratulates each winner personally. She expanded the KFC Colonel’s Scholars Program® award of two $20,000 scholarships each year to include direct donations from franchisees, resulting in millions of new dollars for education. She established the Darlene L. Pfeiffer Center for Entrepreneurial Studies at SUNY Ulster, a collaborative effort between the campus and the local business community—exactly what you would expect from a venture Darlene put her heart and soul into.

“Darlene strives to provide others with every opportunity to reach the corporate and financial success that she has attained. At last year’s SUNY Ulster commencement, she offered graduates lessons on discipline and setting goals, being focused, treating others with respect and dignity and giving back. Her recipe for success? ‘I am a firm believer in being conservative, watching your pennies, surrounding yourself with good and trustworthy employees, and giving back to the community who supports you. I feel blessed that the community I have supported turns around and supports me.’

You can see why I hope you have a chance to get to know her better.”

 

Linda L. Miller and Patrick Curry

“My heart is touched to think about the outpouring of support I have received from my dear friends, Linda and Pat, ever since I opened my series at Lynn University during the 2004-2005 season,” says Jan McArt. “Do you remember Rita McKenzie starring in Ethel Merman’s Broadway and the off-Broadway musical revue, Cut the Ribbons? Those were two of the first shows Linda and Pat sponsored.

“Linda and Pat have helped make the Libby Dodson’s Live at Lynn Theatre series a success right from the very beginning, which along with the success of the Conservatory of Music is why Mrs. Elaine Johnson Wold and the university even entertained the possibility of building the Keith C. and Elaine Johnson Wold Performing Arts Center that we all enjoy so much.

“In addition, Linda and Pat have been generous beyond belief in opening up their beautiful home for our annual Theatre Arts Guild holiday party. Now, a little insider scoop: they decorate their entire home with a sense of fun and glamour for every single holiday—but Linda’s exquisite holiday angel collection, which grows every year, is legendary and talked about all over town. If you didn’t join us for the Guild’s holiday parties at their home in years past, you missed out on the best excitement of the holiday season.

“Linda and Pat—I’m grateful beyond words for your never-ending love and friendship. Your support makes everything possible!”

 

Rosalie and Jack Schlegel

“I find it extraordinary when our friends jump in with both feet to support what we do,” says Jan McArt, “and Rosalie and Jack perfectly exemplify that kind of willing spirit and generous heart. I met Rosalie and Jack through the Count and Countess of Albania many years ago, and now they are not only thoughtfully supporting my Live at Lynn program, but the Conservatory, as well. I’d like to extend gratitude to you both for your love and friendship from all of us at the university, including our students, and from the community who also benefit. We’re so appreciative of your support!”

 

 

Edith and Martin Stein

“All of us in the community are so grateful to Edith and Martin Stein,” states Jan McArt, “for bring-ing the wonderful sold-out shows in the Live at Lynn American Songbook productions featuring Marshall Turkin and the Classic Jazz Ensemble—but their support to the community goes back much farther. For instance, do you you remember our Live at Lynn Theatre Series show featuring the music of Edith Piaf starring the European singer Micheline Van Hautem? The Stein’s sponsored that show, making it possible for us to fly in Micheline from Amsterdam and two marvelous pia-nists from New York City to sing those beautiful Piaf songs. My warmest thanks to Edith and Mar-tin for all they do to support the arts in our local community.”

 

Arlene Herson

“I want to thank one of our wonderful donors and Live at Lynn sponsors, Arlene Herson,” states Jan Mcart, “whom I met years ago when she had her television show and interviewed me about my five theatres in Florida. We became friends and have shared artistic visions and hopes and plans in our different fields through the years. Thanks, Arlene, for supporting us so beautifully!