The Kretzer Piano Music Foundation’s recent third annual Physicians Talent Showcase sold out the Harriet Himmel Theater in West Palm Beach, raising more than $60,000 for three local nonprofit organizations.
Eighteen talented doctors and other performers wowed the crowd at the music-packed fundraiser. Dr. Gordon Johnson, a retired pathologist and former chief of staff at Wellington Regional Medical Center, served as master of ceremonies with Dr. Maureen Whelihan. Johnson also performed with his wife, Dr. Linda Johnson, and violinist son Gareth Johnson.
Among the show’s highlights were the opera-singing veterinarian Dr. Xavier Garcia, classical guitarist Dr. Kenneth Fuquay, singer Dr. Andrew Moffitt, classical pianist Dr. Peggy Hunter, Flamenco dancers Dr. Lourdes Nieves and Dr. Sonia Nunez, and ballroom dancers Dr. Lyda Rodriquez and her partner, international dancing champion Alex Foraponov.
Audience favorites included comedian Dr. Richard Wayne, pop pianist Dr. Richard Weiner and the always popular “Doctors Band” with Dr. John Fernandez, flautist and singer Dr. Robin Sykes, bass guitarist Dr. Thomas Rowe, Dr. Robin Shecter and drummer Dr. Jack Zeltzer. Also performing were Dr. Robin Arrigo, a concert pianist; Micailah Lockhart, vocalist from Faith’s Place and the first-place winner in Junior Achievement’s “Watch a Rising Star” competition; pianist and “Kretzer Kid” Lylybell Zhou; and the rousing drum line and steel drummers from Faith’s Place.
The money raised will benefit Adopt-A-Family of the Palm Beaches, Faith’s Place Center for Education in Pleasant City and the Kretzer Piano Music Foundation.
“The Physicians Talent Showcase is part of Kretzer Piano’s ongoing ‘Music for the Mind’ concert series benefiting children’s charities and music education,” founder Kathi Kretzer said. “Providing busy doctors with an opportunity to share their talent in support of three fine charities brings joy to our hearts. We are grateful to our sponsors, volunteers and fans, but mostly to these talented physicians.”
Grand sponsor of this year’s even was Kathryn Fox, with the Palms West Hospital medical staff serving as gold sponsor and the medical staff of Wellington Regional Medical Center as silver sponsor. Additional sponsors included LKD Certified Public Accountants, Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center, Raymond James Financial Services, South Florida Radiation Oncology, the medical staff of JFK Medical Center, UBS Financial Services and the L. Jules Arkin Family Foundation.
ABOVE: Dancers Alex Forapanov and Dr. Lyda Rodriguez.
