Sarasota Opera is set to honor David and Edith Chaifetz at its 2027 gala, “A Night of Camellias & Champagne.”

The event, set for Saturday, Jan. 30, 2027, at 6 p.m. at The Ora Grand Ballroom in Sarasota, will celebrate Sarasota Opera’s artist training programs and recognize the Chaifetzes’ two decades of leadership, philanthropy, and service to the company. The Chaifetz’s have supported Sarasota Opera productions and its Youth Opera and Education programs for over 20 years, moving to Sarasota full time in 2016 after several years as seasonal residents.

David Chaifetz joined the company’s Board of Trustees in 2006, became Vice Chair in 2011, and served as Board Chair from 2014 to 2017. He returned to the role of Chair in 2026, leading the board through a transitional period. Before retiring in 2004, he was Vice President and General Counsel of Praxair, Inc.

Edith Chaifetz has chaired past galas and served on gala committees; she previously founded and owned Brooklawn Travel, Inc. in Bridgeport, Connecticut.

The couple supported the 2006 Building on the Vision capital campaign, which helped renovate the historic Sarasota Opera House, and were leadership donors to the 2014 campaign Investing in the Extraordinary.

“David and Edie Chaifetz have made an extraordinary impact on Sarasota through their longstanding support of our community,” said Richard Russell, General & Artistic Director of Sarasota Opera, per an official press release. “Their generosity, leadership, and dedication have helped strengthen so many organizations, including Sarasota Opera. We are delighted to recognize and celebrate them as this year’s gala honorees.”

The evening, themed around Violetta’s Parisian salon from “La Traviata,” will be catered by Michael’s On East. Proceeds from Sarasota Opera’s signature events support the company’s productions, artist training programs, community outreach and education initiatives, and Sarasota Youth Opera.

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