Tony-winner Kristin Chenoweth performs at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute's Discovery Celebration at Palm Beach's Mar-a-Lago

February 22, 2014

Event raises $1.5 million for patient care, research at Boston cancer institute

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund's 23rd annual Discovery Celebration was held on Saturday, February 22, at The Mar-a-Lago Club. More than 300 civic, business, and philanthropic leaders from South Florida and New England joined together for this special evening themed, "The King and I."

The exclusive celebration featured festive libations, fine dining, dancing, and an intimate concert by Emmy and Tony Award winner, Kristin Chenoweth. Over the years, nearly $30 million has been raised to support adult and pediatric cancer care and research at Dana-Farber in Boston.

An accomplished stage and screen star, Chenoweth won an Emmy Award for her starring role in the ABC series, "Pushing Daisies," and has appeared in several television series, including the Fox comedy, "Glee," and the hit ABC series, "The West Wing." Chenoweth won a Tony for her performance in "You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown," and also originated the role of Glinda the Good Witch in the Broadway smash, "Wicked."

The evening began with cocktail hour poolside at Mar-a-Lago under a tent and music provided by the Sultan's of Swing. The ballroom was transformed into a palace reminiscent of ancient Thailand. Guests were welcomed to the ballroom by excerpts from "The King and I" movie playing on big screens and professional dancers performing as Anna and the King. The ballroom was filled with Thai orchards and Thai umbrellas, adding to evening's theme. Each table was adorned with linens in shades of orange, fuchsia, and green.

A highlight of the evening was when Charlotte Krieger, 11, daughter of Gary and Tracie Krieger of Palm Beach Gardens, was invited onstage by Chenoweth to perform a duet, "For Good" from "Wicked." Chenoweth had learned earlier in the evening that Krieger was in "Wicked" at a local theatre and has Broadway aspirations. Their duet brought the entire audience to their feet. Chenoweth's performance also ended with a standing ovation.

This year's Discovery Celebration grand honorary chairs were Michele and Howard Kessler and Melania and Donald Trump. Patrick Park was the honorary chair while Phyllis and Paul Fireman, Vicki and Arthur Loring, Amy and Robert Schlager, and Barbara and Arthur Simons were co-chairs.