Florence A. Keesely Celebrates Second Annual "Pathway to the Stars"

"If you have talent, it's a gift from God. And if you use it, it's your gift to God." So notes Cambridge Who's Who® member Florence A. Keesely, a longtime patron of the arts. Nicknamed "Flossy," the 96-and-a-half-year-old heads her own nonprofit organization in support of emerging talent. Flossy's Dream Foundation, in cooperation with the Rotary Club of Boca Raton, encourages young students to continue in the fields of vocal, dance and acting performance through scholarships and variety shows. This month, the Flossy Dream Foundation hosted its second annual "Pathway to the Stars" musical showcase at the Mizner Park Amphitheater, featuring seasoned entertainers - including international singing sensation Doug Crosley, Ziegfeld Dancers and Jan McArt, to name a few - alongside students from the Future Stars Competition.

Ms. Keesely was on the board of directors for the Centre for the Performing Arts. Through the Centre, she commissioned the fountain and sculpture at the Count Adolph de Hoernle Amphitheater entrance of Mizner Park through internationally known sculptor Yaacov Heller. The seven-foot-tall bronze sculpture portrays Keesely triumphantly holding up a star. One of the first women to appear on daytime television on the DuMont Network, NYC on September 19, 1948, she is also the creator of "Alive and Well," a variety show geared toward senior citizens in Florida. "Alive and Well" features classic oldies and interviews with veteran entertainers and celebrities.

For her dedication to the field of fine and performing arts, she was named Cambridge Publishing's Professional of the Year in Philanthropy, chosen from out of 400,000 registry members. Most recently, her name was added to the Walk of Recognition, Boca Raton's version of the Hollywood Walk of Fame, for outstanding service to the community.