BIG ARTS to present Annual Benefit
Tickets are still available for a fundraiser that will benefit and support the arts on the islands.
BIG ARTS will host its 2026 Annual Benefit on March 7 starting at 6 p.m. at its campus on Sanibel. This year’s event will feature a performance by The Doo Wop Project, plus food, drinks and more.
“This is our main fundraising event,” Development Director Elizabeth Gromko said.
“It’s what allows us to offer arts education, arts outreach, scholarships,” she added. “In addition to the live music and performances that everybody knows us for.”
This year’s theme is “So in Love.”
“It’s a fun ’50s vintage theme,” Gromko said, explaining that there will be a 1957 Chevy Bel Air on display, a car hop on skates and more.
The evening will kick off with gourmet chef stations, drinks and pre-show mingling.
“We’re going to have amazing offerings by Jamie’s Cuisine,” she said. “And an open bar with specialty themed drinks.”
The Doo Wop Project will then take the stage to perform its new 90-minute show, “Echoes of the Street.” Attendees will hear classics like the Del Vikings’ “Whispering Bells,” The Tymes’ “So Much in Love,” The Marcels’ “Blue Moon,” The Four Seasons’ “Sherry” and Motown’s “My Girl,” along with contemporary songs by artists like Taylor Swift, Pharell Williams, Daft Punk and Chris Stapleton.
“This phenomenal group is straight from Broadway,” Gromko said. “They’re going to not only perform a lot of the favorite classic doo-wop songs, they’re also taking modern songs and doing what they’re calling doowop-ified versions.”
Following the show, the Malone Family Sculpture Garden will transform into an after party.
“A completely different vibe with lights and music,” she said. “We’ll have a deejay.”
There will be desserts, plus a few surprise elements.
“And there is a meet and greet with the band members,” Gromko added of The Doo Wop Project.
Attendees are invited to dress in line with the theme.
“We’re encouraging people to enjoy the evening and wear their poodle skirts or leather jackets,” she said.
The presenting sponsors are Gustav and Vibeke Christensen and Bob and Kathy Wiesemann.
“We couldn’t do this amazing event without them,” Gromko said.
“And the community has really stepped up to show us love,” she added. “The heartfelt gratitude is just overflowing.”
Floral Artistry is providing the flower arrangements.
Leading up to the event, BIG ARTS is holding an online auction for a limited edition Arkrocket Elvis Presley jukebox and an Arkrocket Saturn V jukebox, sponsored by Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille.
The Elvis Presley jukebox was released in conjunction with the 90th anniversary of his birthday. The Saturn jukebox is a retro-style music player that blends ’50s aesthetics with modern technology.
Both can play vinyl, stream music or play favorites from the radio.
Bidding will be open from now through March 6 at 6 p.m.
“You have to be able to pick up the item by the end of the month,” Gromko said of the winners.
Tickets for the annual benefit are $325.
The community is invited to secure a seat for the big show.
“If they have a passion for the arts and want to continue to see it thrive, then they should come in and get a ticket and see what we’re all about,” she said. “And it’s just so much fun.”
For tickets, call the box office at 239-395-0900 or stop by.
For more information, visit https://bigarts.org/annual-benefit/ or contact the box office.
To place a bid in the auction or for more information, visit https://givebutter.com/c/big-arts-2026-annual-benefit-auction-kajkof/auction.
BIG ARTS is at 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel.
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IF YOU GO
What
2026 Annual Benefit
Who
BIG ARTS
When
March 7 starting at 6 p.m.
Where
BIG ARTS, 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel
Details
Tickets are $325