Temple's 46th gala celebrates the arts

By Dana Kampa
| 7:30 a.m. January 29, 2025

Kei Sulhi and Dr. Ann Stephenson-Moe receive recognition for their musical contributions to the community.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Creative minds behind fine art and ethereal music were lauded at this year’s Temple Beth Israel gala on Jan. 26.

The evening’s honorees were Dr. Ann Stephenson-Moe, the temple’s music director and organist, and Kei Sulhi, a longtime soloist with the choir. Both women have brought their musical talents to countless temple events, including a recent Shabbat service honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Jason Brandt, TBI’s vice president of development and gala host, lauded the honorees’ continued dedication to bringing residents together through song.

Central to the gala is the live auction, which supports educational, spiritual and community events throughout the year.

Local artist Jorge Blanco donated several pieces to the auction.

Sarasota residents are likely familiar with Blanco’s large-scale public sculpture work, which adorns several intersections in the downtown area.

The evening’s performing artists included Jazzmin Carson and Raleigh Mosely II from the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. Also performing was The John Rinell Trio, which had nearly all gala-goers up on their feet in the Sarasota Yacht Club ballroom by the end of the evening, bringing the 46th annual event to a close.

Andrew Ford auctions off a piece by Jorge Blanco.

Susan Goldfarb, Dr. Jason Brandt and Mindy Brandt

Gary Leibowitz, Irwin Pastor and Stuart Sinai

Nikki Schwanzer, John Rinell and AJ Cohen perform at the gala.

Christoph Stephenson-Moe, Dr. Ann Stephenson-Moe and Adina Thompson

Raleigh Mosely II and Jazzmin Carson, members of the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, sing at the gala.

Gala attendees enjoy a performance by members of the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe.

author

Dana Kampa

Dana Kampa is the Longboat Key neighbors reporter for the Observer. She first ventured into journalism in her home state of Wisconsin, going on to report community stories everywhere from the snowy mountains of Washington State to the sunny shores of the Caribbean. She has been a writer and photographer for more than a decade, covering what matters most to readers.