Nettie BirnbachI love the arts and I can’t live without them. My love for the arts started when I turned 15 and 5 cents could get you a Subway ride from anywhere in Manhattan to the “old Met” on West 39th Street and Broadway. It never mattered that my seat was in the top balcony and it took quite a climb to get there!

When my husband and I moved to Palm Beach County, we knew we had to become Kravis Center patrons. I still remember coming to my first public ticket sale day! The staff was so welcoming and I said to myself, “you are going to give me food to come and buy my tickets…this is for me!” That morning, Beth Foster, Human Resources Assistant welcomed me and introduced me to Maureen Gardella, Director of Guest Services, who gave me her phone number. From that day forward, I have been a devoted volunteer, honored as 2011 Volunteer of the Year, a donor, a member of the education committee, a member of the Helen K. Persson Society, and, just recently, I became a Founder Member. Everyone has been so nice to me. I love the Kravis Center!

Why do I love the Center? It was a turning point in my life to be a volunteer and see how much joy attending a live performance brings to the children. Kids at these performances will not forget their first theater experience, and later in life, they will buy tickets. The Kravis Center is creating a whole new generation of audience by educating children in the arts. More people need to know about the Kravis Center’s education program that introduces 60 thousand children each year to the performing arts. I decided to support the Kravis Center Endowment Fund in my estate plan to make sure millions of children continue to have their lives enriched by experiencing the live performing arts at the Kravis Center.

Dr. Nettie Birnbach