Margate Resident Honored for Over 30 Years of Volunteer Service at Broward Center for Performing Arts

By Ryan Yousefi

A resident from Margate was recently recognized and celebrated for her enduring dedication to volunteering to support the local arts scene.

The Broward Center for the Performing Arts recently paid tribute to a special group of volunteer ushers, including Margate resident Laurel Griefer, who has dedicated over three decades to supporting the arts in South Florida.

During the celebration ceremony, the Broward Center celebrated the volunteers by presenting them with a commemorative brick on the Riverwalk, followed by a champagne toast and brunch at Marti’s New River Bistro. 

The honored ushers were also treated to an afternoon matinee performance of Slow Burn Theatre Company’s production of Disney’s “Newsies: The Broadway Musical.”

Among the honorees, Griefer was spotlighted as one of eight ushers to have been with the Broward Center since its grand opening in 1991 with “Phantom of the Opera.” 

The list of honored volunteers includes:

• Laurel Griefer from Margate
• Estelle Bitkower from Fort Lauderdale
• Nancy Brass from Plantation
• Doris Kalishman from North Miami Beach
• Jim Rosa from West Palm Beach
• Phoebe Satlin from Fort Lauderdale
• Joan Thornton from Pembroke Pines
• Bruce Voelkel from Pompano Beach

The Broward Center for the Performing Arts is currently welcoming new volunteers. It regularly hosts orientations for those interested in joining its ushering ranks, including local art enthusiasts, high school students seeking community service hours, retired seniors, and families who enjoy volunteering together. 

Applications to become a volunteer usher can be found online at BrowardCenter.org/Usher, or interested parties can email volunteer@browardcenter.org or call 954.468.2684.

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