24TH ANNUAL CUISINE FOR ART
May 20, 2022
Event Photos | Step and Repeat Photos | Blacktie Event Photos
The Art and Culture Center/Hollywood celebrated its 24th Annual Cuisine for Art fundraiser at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood on Friday, May 20, 2022 – three years after we last hosted this event in-person. The event surpassed budget projections and raised over $100,000 for the Center’s arts programs.
This year’s honorees were Dara and Jarett Levan. Nearly 300 guests attended this year’s soiree and enjoyed a cocktail reception, followed by a three-course dinner. Attendees bid on auction items such as a three-night stay at Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya (Mexico) , JetBlue round-trip tickets, a ride aboard the world-famous Goodyear Blimp, and dinner parties complete with wine catered by Anthony Billisi of Mimi’s Ravioli. The event, which featured Concert Violinist Steven Avi and a Special Performance by Michael Dean as Cher, was highlighted with the Center’s recognition of Dara and Jarett Levan.
“We’re extremely appreciative of all our generous sponsors, Celebrity Waiters, guests, and our extraordinary chairs – Susan Renneisen. Jules Meyer and Anna Smith,” said Joy Satterlee, Executive Director of Art and Culture Center/Hollywood. “This night was one of our most engaging and most successful Cuisine for Art fundraisers to date and we couldn’t have done it without everyone’s support and dedication to the Center.”
Cuisine for Art features elected officials and community leaders serving as Celebrity Waiters during an exciting and entertaining evening. Cuisine for Art Event Chair was Susan Renneisen. Co-chairs were Jules Meyer and Anna Smith.
24th Annual Cuisine for Art Honorees Dara and Jarett Levan
Dara and Jarett Levan live and breathe the arts here in Broward County! They have supported and continue to support dozens and dozens of Broward County cultural arts organizations. They serve as icons in this creative, innovative sector.
About Dara
Dara, a Miami native, is a writer, storyteller, and founder of the podcast “Every Soul Has a Story,” where she interviews inspiring global guests. Her work has appeared in publications like “Moms Don’t Have Time to Write,” “Thrive Global,” and “Medium.” She recently completed her first novel.
Holding a Bachelor's in English from Indiana University and a Master’s in Communication Sciences from Nova Southeastern, Dara transitioned from speech therapy to focus on writing. She serves on boards including the Community Foundation of Broward and is a member of the Women’s Fiction Writers Association.
Dara is passionate about making a positive impact with integrity and love.
About Jarett
Jarett S. Levan is President and CEO of BBX Capital, Inc., and CEO of BBX Sweet Holdings, overseeing brands like Hoffman’s Chocolates and IT’SUGAR. He serves on the boards of Bluegreen Vacations and several philanthropic organizations, including the BBX Capital Foundation, which supports arts, education, and community development in Florida.
Jarett founded Business for the Arts of Broward and serves on the boards of Broward Performing Arts Foundation, Broward College Foundation, and others. A University of Miami law graduate, he also holds a degree in finance from Emory and completed Harvard Business School's President’s Program in Leadership.
Celebrity Waiters
Elected Government Officials with Jurisdiction over the City of Hollywood
Hon. Gary Farmer, Florida State Senator
Hon. Joe Geller, Florida State Representative
Hon. Marie Woodson, Florida State Representative
Hon. Beam Furr, Broward County Commissioner
Hon. Josh Levy, City of Hollywood Mayor
Hon. Kevin Biederman, Hollywood City Commissioner
Hon. Adam Gruber, Hollywood City Commissioner
Marty Kiar, Broward County Property Appraiser
Community Leaders
Anthony Billisi, Pastry Chef, Mimi's Ravioli
Jacey Birch, Local 10 Morning Anchor/Animal Advocate
Tim Curtin, Executive Director-Community Services, Memorial Healthcare System; BrowardEducation Committee Chair; Art and Culture Center Treasurer
Ed Hashek, President, Funding Arts Broward
John Mabry, Portfolio Director/Enterprise Development, AutoNation, Inc.; Immediate PastBoard Chair Art and Culture Center/Hollywood
Jules Meyer, Founder/President, PR Pageant Coaches; Past Board Chair and current LifetimeBoard member, American Cancer Society of Broward County
Melissa Milroy, Senior Marketing Director, The Galleria at Fort Lauderdale; Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce Board Chair
Jeff Oliverio, Vice President and Financial Advisor for Truist Wealth;Hollywood LGBT Council Treasurer
Henny Shomar, Director, Tripp Scott; Broward Library Foundation Board member;Art and Culture Center Board member
Natacha Yacinthe, Seaport Executive Planning Manager at Port Everglades and President of the Greater Hollywood Chamber of Commerce
Special Performance by Michael Dean as Cher
Michael Dean as Cher, an avid Cher fan and an in-demand entertainer, has established himself as a leading Cher impersonator. His love for Cher has allowed him to take center stage at leading charitable and corporate events, dinner shows, expos and pride parades. He has delighted audiences around the country with performances at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida; Lips Fort Lauderdale and Atlanta; W of Fort Lauderdale; the Wanderers Club in Palm Beach and more. Also, he enjoyed a two-year engagement alongside an impressive roster of leading celebrity impersonators at Oscar’s Cabaret in Palm Springs, California. Michael has had the pleasure of meeting Cher twice, but his first encounter was the most memorable, which landed him backstage of the American Music Awards during her first live performance of “Believe.” Needless to say, Michael Dean as Cher brings the magic of Cher to every stage show.
Concert Violinist STEVEN AVI
Steven Avi is a multi-talented young man, a performer with a lot of charism. Avi has traveled many countries, loves to learn about people, cultures and history. He is an LA trained Actor, a concert Violinist, a hyper-Polyglot (someone that speaks many languages) and a College Student. (Last year for his bachelor's degree, active member of the National Honor Society at F.I.U.) Avi plays the violin since the age of 7, but he has another talent: Acting! Steven has a lot of experience in front and behind the cameras, has won Awards in England, Los Angeles and Florida. He has been in Web Series, TV pilots and TV Series, Feature films and Short films, infomercials, Commercials, Music Videos and Print Modeling. Many concerts with the violin as a soloist. Most recent performances at: The Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade, 211 Broward, Le Diner en blanc, Fashion, TV shows and more. Avi is fluent in 10 languages and sign Language as well (ASL).
THANK YOU TO ALL OUR SPONSORS!
Event Committee
Susan Renneisen, Event Chair
Jules Meyer, Event Co-Chair
Anna Smith, Event and Auction Co-Chair
Tracy Lyons Cenami
Jeff Delmay
Randy Gilbert
Elena Hershey
Marty Jacobsen
Oscar Llorente
Vicki Lowe
Kara Lundgren
Barbara Marks
David Maurer
Chad Simon