Celebrate the Arts is the cornerstone of NSAL Florida’s annual fundraising efforts, providing critical scholarships and financial awards that allow young artists to advance their careers, attend prestigious training programs, and compete at the national level. The gala underscores the Florida nonprofit’s over 40-year history and the National organization’s seventy-year legacy of nurturing talent across the nation.

Shari Upbin, NSAL Florida Board member and event co-chair, emphasized the critical need for philanthropic support in maintaining this pipeline of talent. "NSAL Florida is more than just an organization; it’s a vital lifeline for young people dedicated to the arts," said Upbin. "In an environment where arts funding is perpetually fragile, every donation we receive is an investment in a budding artist's future, ensuring they have the resources and mentorship needed to turn their immense promise into professional success."

This year’s gala will shine a spotlight on Rob Russell, known throughout South Florida as a legendary cabaret performer and cultural ambassador. The evening will be filled with music, as Rob’s acclaimed cabaret friends will be performing.

Reflecting on the choice of honoree and the importance of the event, co-chair and renowned television host Arlene Herson stated, "Rob Russell is truly wonderful—a genuine champion of classic American music and a bright presence in our community. Celebrate the Arts is essential because it validates the dreams of these young artists and provides the financial backing that transforms emerging talent into sustainable careers. It’s an evening where every ticket purchased directly fuels the cultural landscape of tomorrow."

During the event, a couple of outstanding NSAL Florida scholarship and competition winners will also perform. To learn more about the organization, visit www.nsalflorida.org.

Honoree Profile: Rob Russell

Rob Russell was born and raised in Babylon, New York. Rob’s interest in showbiz started at a very young age, being the neighbor of Bob Keeshan, famously known as Captain Kangaroo. Rob visited the CBS Television Studios in New York City as a young boy to watch the Captain Kangaroo TV Show being filmed. Rob’s parents, Bob & Marian Russell, were big Broadway enthusiasts and took the family to countless Broadway shows. Rob performed throughout his childhood in almost all the school productions. During his very active childhood, Rob was also a champion swimmer who usually showed up at theater and music rehearsals with wet hair.

He went on to study musical theater at the State University of New York at Fredonia with the Michael C. Rockefeller Arts Center, where Rob continued to study and perform. Rob also studied at the Connecticut School of Broadcasting, graduating top of his class. As an up-and-coming actor, Rob auditioned and performed every chance he got, and in between gigs he modeled, did voiceovers for answering machines, bartended, waited tables, and even did singing telegrams.

Rob moved to Florida and co-founded and managed the renowned Royal Room Cabaret at The Colony Hotel in Palm Beach for nearly 20 years, where he brought in and performed with a huge array of Broadway and Television Stars. The Royal Room was hailed “The Best Place for Cabaret on the Planet” by The Palm Beach Post. Rob recently recorded an album celebrating the Great American Songbook and is presently writing a book about his interesting life in showbiz working with many incredible celebrities. Rob has performed at Jazz at Lincoln Center with 10 Time Tony Award Winner Tommy Tune and the Kravis Center with 16 Time Grammy Award Winner David Foster, where Rob received a rousing standing ovation. He regularly performs throughout South Florida and hosts the very popular Rob Russell’s Open Mic at Cafe Centro. He can be heard internationally on Legends Radio 100.3 FM and sits on the Board of Directors for The Society for the Preservation of the Great American Songbook. The love of the arts is in Rob’s heart and soul.

About NSAL Florida The National Society of Arts and Letters (NSAL) aims to discover talented young people at the beginning of their careers and provides scholarships and competitions in art, dance, drama, literature, music, and musical theatre, working to advance their careers and support creative opportunities. Excelling at the chapter level allows competitors to progress to national competitions, where many stars have been discovered. Among these are Shirley MacLaine, actress/dancer/writer; Jessye Norman, opera singer; Megan Hilty, Broadway and television star; Awadagin Pratt, pianist; Amanda McKerrow, prima ballerina; and opera star sensation Nadine Sierra, who was discovered through the Florida Chapter competition. For more information about NSAL scholarships, competitions, and how to become a supporter, please visit click here.