Tony and Pulitzer award winner headlines museum's To Life program

ST. PETERSBURG—The Florida Holocaust Museum announced the program for its 21st annual To Life event. This year’s theme is The Power of Stories. To Life, held in benefit for the museum, is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.-9 p.m. April 17 at the Mahaffey Theater.

The main program will feature renowned film and theater critic Jeffrey Lyons interviewing three-time Tony award winner, Sheldon Harnick. Best known as the acclaimed lyricist for “Fiddler on the Roof,” Harnick also holds the distinguished Pulitzer Prize for “Fiorello!” WFLA-TV news anchor Gayle Sierens returns as the evening’s emcee.  

“Both Mr. Harnick and Mr. Lyons are master storytellers,” said Elizabeth Gelman, executive director of the Florida Holocaust Museum. “To Life promises to be an unforgettable evening.”  

This year’s recipient of the museum’s Loebenberg Humanitarian Award is Lisa Wheeler-Brown. A well-known community and victim rights activist, she has been a vocal critic of what is known as the “no snitching” culture. Wheeler-Brown has been part of the FHM program Speak Up Speak Now since its inception, building bridges from Florida Holocaust Museum to the larger community.  

In addition to the program, the evening includes cocktails, international food stations and a silent auction of luxury travel packages, selected pieces of original artwork, fine jewelry and more. The artwork, created especially for To Life by local artists, will be on preview at the museum from April 10-16.

Individual tickets for the To Life benefit are $200 and sponsorships are available. For more information, call 727-820-0100, ext. 251 or email ghunziker@flholocaustmuseum.org.