The fifth and final Physicians Talent Showcase held at the Harriet Himmel Theater on Aug. 16 attracted more than 400 fans and raised $63,000 for the Kretzer Piano Music Foundation. The money will enable the nonprofit organization to expand its music education programs for children in need.
Under the musical theme of “We Are Family,” this year’s fun-filled event was once again directed by William Hayes. This year’s concert featured musical performances by doctors affiliated with 11 local hospitals and medical facilities, including Dr. Kenneth Fuquay from West Palm Beach, who is affiliated with the pulmonology departments at both the Jupiter Medical Center and the Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center; Dr. Gordon Johnson, a retired pathologist and former chief of staff at Wellington Regional Medical Center, who performed with his wife Dr. Linda Johnson and son Gareth Johnson, a highly acclaimed violinist; Dana Oaks, the CEO of JFK Medical Center’s North Campus, who performed with his piano-playing wife and four talented children; and Dr. Jill Rodila, an ophthalmologist associated with the Jupiter Medical Center.
Additional performing physicians were Dr. Lyda Rodriguez, a pediatrician affiliated with both St. Mary’s Medical Center and the Jupiter Medical Center, who did ballroom dancing with Alex Foraponov from Dance With Us Studios; Dr. Thomas Rowe, chief of staff at Jupiter Medical Center, who played the bass guitar in the doctor band; Dr. Robin Shecter, a gifted vocalist who is affiliated with both Wellington Regional Medical Center and West Palm Hospital; Dr. Robin Sykes, a plastic surgeon at both Jupiter Plastic Surgery and the Jupiter Medical Center; Dr. Maureen Whelihan, who is affiliated with Elite Gyn Care of the Palm Beaches and Wellington Regional Medical Center, who once again co-emceed the concert; and Dr. Jack Zeltzer, an extraordinary drummer who also happens to be a vascular surgeon associated with Palm Beach Surgical Associates, Palms West Hospital, Wellington Regional Medical Center and JFK Medical Center. The one non-medical doctor was Dr. Robin Arrigo, a concert pianist who holds a doctorate of musical arts from the University of Miami.
This year’s Physician Talents Showcase also offered knockout performances by cabaret sensation Avery Sommers, professional saxophone player and flautist Greg Diaz, and several current and former Kretzer Kids.
“The Physicians Talent Showcase is part of the Kretzer Piano Music Foundation’s ongoing Music for the Mind concert series benefitting children’s charities and music education,” founder Kathi Kretzer-Sayler said. “Providing busy medical professionals with an opportunity to share their talent in support of our music charity brings joy to our hearts. We are grateful to our sponsors, volunteers and fans, but mostly to these talented physicians.”
Learn more about the foundation at www.kretzerpiano.com/kpmf.
ABOVE: (Front row) Dr. Robin Shecter, Emily Shecter, Zachary Lee Williams, Dr. Lyda Rodriguez, Ben Krieger, Charlotte Williams and Ella Rodila; (middle row) Avery Sommers, Galen Rowe, Dr. Kenneth Fuquay, Alex Foraponov, Dr. Gordon Johnson, Dr. Maureen Whelihan, Greg Diaz and Dr. Jack Zeltzer; and (back row) Dr. Tom Rowe, Dr. Robin Arrigo, Amanda Arrigo, Dr. John Fernandez, Matt Bischoff, Ashlyn Taylor, KPMF founder Kathi Kretzer-Sayler, Dr. Robin Sykes, Dr. Linda Johnson and Dr. Jill Rodila. Photo Courtesy Tracey Benson Photography
