24/SEVEN CULTURE
On with the SHOW FORT LAUDERDALE’S THE PARKER TRANSFORMS, WITH LOTS IN STORE FOR THE SEASON
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The Parker will reopen this month with a new look and new guest experiences.
the custom leis are made with either fresh florals or silk flowers in orange and aqua resembling the Miami Dolphin team colors and benefit the Tua Foundation.
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COMMUNITY
LEIS FOR A CAUSE For Tua Tagovailoa, wearing a lei is no mere accessory—the decorative accent bears great significance to his culture. “It can represent peace, love, honor, or friendship,” shares the 23-year-old Miami Dolphins quarterback. Leis have often been given to Tagovailoa by his parents after a big win or as a sign of support throughout his football career. Now, he’s partnering with Aventura-based South Florals (southflorals.com) to launch TUA Leis, with proceeds benefiting his namesake Tua Foundation. Established in February, the foundation’s mission is to make a meaningful impact in support of those in need, especially kids. “Helping others is a tenet of my faith and who I am,” he says. The foundation focuses on charitable endeavors in South Florida, Alabama, and Hawaii—the areas Tagovailoa says have “greatly impacted” his life. “These communities have helped to mold me, and I want to give back and help kids
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Fans of live performances can applaud the return of The Parker, which reopens this month in Fort Lauderdale. Besides its name change (formerly the Parker Playhouse), the theater will feature new guest experiences—including the Linda B. Haller Club, an all-new lounge outfitted in a retro design complete with a spacious bar and ample seating—and a lineup of not-to-miss artists for the 2021-2022 season. “While we’ve shortened the name, updated the facility, and upgraded the experience to cater to today’s audiences, the reimagined Parker is a love letter that pays tribute to the iconic venue we have come to treasure for more than half a century,” shares Broward Center president and CEO Kelley Shanley. Locals can expect a triple bill of Firefall, Orleans, and Pure Prairie League on September 22 followed by Rick Springfield on September 26, and shows are being added all the time. (parkerplayhouse.com)
who may just need an opportunity,” he says. So far, three grants of $16,667 were awarded to the Police Athletic League of North Miami; Big Oak Ranch in Springville, Alabama; and the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame in Honolulu. He also established a $300,000 scholarship endowment to benefit his high school in Honolulu. Four scholarships will be awarded to students from Hawaii over the next four years, each named in honor of his grandparents. Those interested in purchasing a lei can choose between options made with fresh florals or silk flowers in orange and aqua (resembling the Dolphins’ team colors); leis are available in all of the South Florals retail locations and online. “It means a lot to me to bring my Polynesian culture wherever I go, and luaus and leis play a big part in that,” says Tagovailoa. “It is our hope that TUA Leis will help in our charitable mission to support kids for years to come.” (tuafoundation.org)
FORT LAUDERDALE ILLUSTRATED
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