Mr. Charles Strouse, Broadway Composer and friend of the BKF Foundation, has taken a minute to comment on his review of our October 26, 2023 video
Stellar Song & Dance Highlight
3rd Annual Gala
Music and dance lit up the stage at our 3rd annual Gala, “Broadway Revisited!” on October 26, 2023. Talented students and professional performers rocked the stage, while Broadway star and Lakeland native, Quentin Earl Darrington, wowed the audience as a surprise guest. Former Radio City Music Hall Rockette, Kelly Croteau, kicked up her heels while dancing in the kickline with students from Highland School of Dance. Also performing were students from Rochelle School of the Arts, Broadway Beginnings and Theatre Winter Haven Academy. To close the successful evening, artists Rebecca Renfroe-Borneman and Ashleigh Christian-Massey sang the BKF Foundation’s theme song, “Dancing in the Tune,” composed by Ms. Renfroe-Borneman. Many thanks to Lakeland Mayor Bill Mutz for participating along with business leader Amy Wiggins. We also greatly appreciate our sponsors, silent auction contributors and volunteers!
Dancers left to right: Mae Sharrett, Lilly Stewart, Cambry Stafford, Kelly Croteau, a former Radio City Rockette, Kacie Anderson, Logan Patton, Cheyenne Jennings
Photo Courtesy of Robin Phillips
A special thanks to our Sponsors for making our third annual
Betsye Kay Finch Gala a huge success.
Opening Night Level
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Ansley & Greg Masters
Anonymous
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Rockette Level
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The Carol and Barney Barnett Family Foundation Fund
within the GiveWell Community Foundation
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Brad & Melissa Murray
Debbie & Brant Martin
Donna Bebber
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Wood-MacMillan Charitable Fund, a Donor Advised
Fund of Renaissance Charitable Foundation
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Choreographer Level
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Paula M. Todd Fund within the GiveWell Community Foundation
Melissa, Gavin, & Alex Finch
Candi Packett
Kay Annis Wilson
Jose & Naida Disla
Healthy Alternatives
Ed & Charlotte Kay
Robert & Kristy Peddy
Doris & Bill Ellsworth
Chantele Aldridge
​
Anonymous
Thomas Hall & Ken Jewett
CPS Investment Advisors
Hollis & Debbie Hooks
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Schichtel Family
Heath Funeral Chapel & Crematory
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Sunshine Ophthalmic & ENT
Liz & Bill Daughtrey
And many thanks to our Cast Level Sponsors who were highlighted in our event program.
Betsye Kay Finch Foundation Awards 4th Scholarship
Alexis Rocker awarded Janiyah McAllister, of Davenport, the 4th annual Betsye Kay Finch scholarship at the May 23, 2023 awards ceremony.
Photo: Robin Phillips
Congratulations to this year's $2,500 scholarship winner, Janiyah McAllister of Davenport! Janiyah, a 2023 Harrison School for the Arts graduate, performed in Mary Poppins and The Hunchback of Notre Dame at Harrison and in community theatre and other musicals. An extraordinary singer, dancer, and actor, Janiyah will pursue a Bachelor's in Music Theatre at Baldwin Wallace University, Music Conservatory in Berea, Ohio.
Enjoy our May 23, 2023 scholarship award ceremony celebrating Janiyah McAllister, a 2023 Harrison School for the Arts graduate. An outstanding singer, dancer, and actor, Janiyah will attend Baldwin Wallace University Music Conservatory in Ohio.
2022 Scholarship Award Ceremony: Oshea Darrington, recipient
"The Fruits of Giving" by Abby Rogers
“Dancing gives wings
to my passion;
musical theater
gives voice to my soul.”
-Betsye Kay Finch
Past Happenings
The Impact of Dance and Musical Theater
GivingTuesday, December 1, 2020
Facebook Live! at the Historic Polk Theatre, January 28,2021
Fundraiser for the Betsye Kay Finch Performing Arts Foundation, Inc.
...In the Media
Visit our Archives for past publications
Dancing in the Tune
by Rebecca Renfroe-Borneman
LALtoday.com, June 2023
Polk ArtBeat, June 2023