TestimonialS 

The Kravis Performing Arts Center

Dear Kathi:

I was delighted to see on the front of this morning’s business pages that you have received the Small Business Person of the Year award from the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches. This richly deserved honor fittingly recognizes your integrity as well as your solid business sense. Yours is a remarkable accomplishment particularly given the consumer climate during a slow economy.

Congratulations on this recognition, and best wishes for continuing success. Hope you have a great summer.
 

Warm Regards,

Judith A. Mitchell
Chief Executive Office
Kravis Center Performing Arts

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Florida Stage

Dear Kathi,

In a world filled with the rush of commerce and the acrimony of world confrontation, the arts stand unique as a civilizing influence on society. From time immemorial, music, art and theatre have brought enrichment and pleasure to people's lives, whether kings or beggars.

As you know, making art isn’t easy. It takes the collaboration of a wide variety of talents, skills and cooperation to bring a performance to life. Kretzer Piano has been, and remains, one of these important collaborators in the life of Florida Stage. Your support as Executive Producer of our summer musicals and your untiring efforts and overall generosity in support of Florida Stage, have been invaluable to our growth and expansion. They have been a crucial element in the professionalism of the productions we perform each year. We value this relationship and look forward to its continuance for many years to come.

In your long term encouragement of music education, and the support you have given to many Palm Beach County arts organizations, you should take great pride in the contributions you’ve made to the world of music, theatre, and the arts in South Florida.
 

Sincerely,

Louis Tyrrell
Producing Director
Florida Stage

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The Stuart School of Music

 

I am writing this letter on behalf of Kathi Kretzer, owner of Kretzer Piano, whom I have known and admired for almost thirty years. As the owner and director of the Stuart School of Music, I have dealt with Kathi numerous times knowing that I would be treated with integrity, fairness and professionalism.

All of the piano teachers at our school refer Kretzer Piano to their students who are looking for a quality instrument. We know that Kathi Kretzer understands the value of music education and always stands behind every instrument that she sells. Her reputation throughout all of South Florida reflects her dedication, leadership and honesty.

Through her generosity and compassion Kathi has achieved a mountain of charitable accomplishments. She founded "Music for the Mind," a monthly concert series in the Harriet Theater in CityPlace. Thus far, this series has raised over $184,000 and featured over 7,200 young artists with the proceeds benefiting the performing groups' music programs. She organized "Kretzer Kids" to entertain at nursing homes and hospice. She established "Keyboards for Kids" to give underprivileged children piano lessons through the Boys and Girls Club of Riviera Beaoh and she is the executive producer of Junior Achievement of the Palm Beaches' "Watch a Rising Star," a vocal competition for talented singers. Her tireless and devoted spirit has made all of these events successful and highly acclaimed.

The entire arts community owes a huge debt of gratitude to Kathi Kretzer for her invaluable contributions and support to so many organizations. I salute this inspirational woman who is a role model to all of us in the arts. It is my honor and privilege to know her and to give her my highest recommendation and endorsement.

Sincerely,

Cynthia H. Kessler
Director
The Stuart School of Music

Recognized as the FIRST GREEN Music School in the Nation!

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Youth Orchestra of Palm Beach County, Inc.

Dear Kathi:

Thank you for giving Youth Orchestra of Palm Beach County the opportunity to perform as part of the Music for the Mind series at the Harriet Himmel Gilman Theater last night. The venue is beautiful, and its location both convenient and exciting for our musicians, families and guests.

With several “false starts” this season and rehearsals lost due to the hurricanes, we were delighted to officially begin our concert season with such a lovely event. Now, life is truly back to normal for the Youth Orchestra of Palm Beach County!

Thank you for your dedication to music education, and for your support of all young musicians. Most especially, thank you for your continued support of the Youth Orchestra of Palm Beach County.
 

Best regards,

Kristen Cook Oliver
Development Director
Youth Orchestra of Palm Beach County, Inc.

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Michael Feinstein

Dear Kathi,

You are so sweet and thoughtful. I’m always so delighted at your constant thoughtfulness. If there’s anything I can do for you, please let me know. I appreciate your always taking such good care of me when I’m down in your neck of the woods. I truly wish you all good things, now and always.
 

Sincerely yours,

Michael Feinstein 

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Palm Beach Chamber of Commerce

 

A business leader goes to extraordinary lengths to make an impact on the future. Kathi Kretzer demonstrates this skill in her professional and charitable endeavors. Integrity and compassion have also been hallmarks of Kathi Kretzer’s career. Highly regarded by her peers, her true contributions come from her commitment to children, music and quality of life have woven a colorful tapestry for the community in music and education. “Kretzer Kids” perform at nursing homes monthly and the “Music for the Mind” concerts secure needed funds for school music programs. These are just a few examples of what distinguished Kathi Kretzer as the Palm Beach Chamber’s 2008 Business Leader of the Year.

 

Laurel Baker
Executive Director
Palm Beach Chamber of Commerce

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Palm Beach Dramaworks

 

Kathi Kretzer exemplifies community spirit, and enriches the cultural landscape of Palm Beach County through her continued leadership and generosity. She has dedicated her life to music education and appreciation, and has for decades influenced aspiring artists of all ages. Through her company, Kretzer Piano, Kathi has demonstrated unwavering support to numerous cultural institutions and arts organizations. Rarely is there any significant arts event in our community that does not have the good name Kretzer attached to it. She is the guardian angel of the Arts, and the local arts community is forever in her debt. Indeed, the Kretzer name is music to all our ears.

 

Sue Ellen Beryl
Managing Director
Palm Beach Dramaworks

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