March 16, 2023 – And a quick drive south to Delray Beach is where the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens celebrated its annual gala with over 200 well-heeled guests and museum supporters under a twinkling blanket of stars.

Japanese culture was on prominent display throughout the Bamboo and Bonsai Gala, which kicked off with butlered cocktails, sake and whiskey tastings, and a riveting taiko drumming performance by Fushu Daiko. A spectacular fireworks display preceded a lavish surf-and-turf dinner hosted on the museum’s plein air terrace overlooking Lake Morikami.

The notable night also featured dancing and live music by Vinyl, an opulent silent auction, and the 2023 George Morikami Cultural Arts Awards, which spotlighted supporters whose generosity and creativity made a sustaining impact on the museum and its community. Award honorees included The Freeman Foundation, Beverlee Kohnken and the Kohnken Family Foundation, and Mrs. Marilyn Rothstein.

Monies raised from the gala will benefit Morikami’s 4Es: Exhibitions, Education, Emotional Wellness programs, and Expansion.

Notable guests included Consul General of Japan Kazuhiro Nakai, Palm Beach County Mayor Gregg Weiss, Palm Beach County Parks & Recreation’s Paul Connell, Morikami Museum’s Director Bonnie White LeMay, Board President Emeritus Celia “CiCi” Turner Zahringer, Board of Trustees President Randal Baker, Gala Co-Chairs Robin May and Christine Carton, Gala Honorary Chair Hilarie Viener, Board of Trustees’ Rosie Burkman, Norma Geller, Peter Marks, and Stilson Tomita. 

Bamboo and Bonsai Gala’s Presenting Sponsor was JM Family Enterprises, Inc. Exclusive Hotel Sponsor was Nobu Hotel Miami Beach. https://www.newyorksocialdiary.com/here-there-and-everywhere/