Ballet Palm Beach Raises $500K at Gala

Sandy Kriser, Heather Kriser and Ryan Kriser

(Press Release) Palm Beach, FL (February 4, 2026) The ballroom was awash with support during the Ballet Palm Beach “Gala by the Sea” annual fundraiser. King Neptune greeted the 200-plus attendees to the premier fete held at The Breakers Palm Beach on January 28.  The gala, commemorating philanthropist and “First Lady of Ballet” Anka Palitz, raised a record amount of more than $500,000.

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Chairpersons Lora Drasner, Robin Fleming, Erin McGould, and Nicole Noonan organized an evening that swam with surprises, including an undersea-themed, enchanting cocktail hour, a sumptuous dinner, live auction, music from the Switzer Sound, dancing, and an original performance by Ballet Palm Beach's professional Company members.

One of the evening's key highlights was a heartfelt dedication from Palitz’s grandson, Ryan Kriser. He spoke about her recent $1 million donation to the ballet, emphasizing how her enduring generosity profoundly affects not only those in her immediate circle but also countless aspiring artists who will now have opportunities they once only dreamed of.

“We are so humbled by the outpouring of support from everyone who attended,” said Ballet Palm Beach Founding Artistic and Executive Director, Colleen Smith. “These funds are vital for the Company and enable us to support our operations, including the development of our original productions, educational outreach programming and impacting our community through the timeless art of ballet.”