An air of mystique charmed guests throughout the evening at the Hibiscus Children’s Center Illusions themed Winter Gala, co-chaired by Carole Casey and Sue Sharpe. From the moment cars approached the portico of The Moorings Club it was clear that the event would be special. Talented young acrobats from the Recreation Department’s Performing Arts Aerial Antics Circus were executing their graceful moves outside, while dangling from shimmering waves of cloth. Inside, colorful little spandex forms came to ‘life’, while several “calico cat” types lounged about in languid poses. (Click on read more for story and photos.)
Guests mingled during the cocktail hour and perused more than 150 donated silent auction items collected by members of the creative gala committee. Red was most definitely the favored color of choice among the guests, with numerous ladies sporting festive red evening dresses and gentlemen donning red cummerbunds and ties.
A wine lottery featured 100 bottles of fine wines valued between $20 and $250. The bottles were all tightly wrapped in silver foil, no peeking allowed, and for $20 people could put their name on what they hoped would be one of the more exceptional ones. The bottles went quickly and quite a few people were very pleased at the end of the evening when the labels were revealed.
Ladies were enticed by the Magic Keys lottery; five out of 100 keys sold throughout the evening opened the glass jewelry case which contained five stunning pieces of jewelry. Winning key-holders chose from Terri Lynn Warley’s freshwater pearl necklace, donated from her Festive by Terri Lynn Collection; a sterling silver pendant necklace from Wirewrapping by Alicia, donated by Alicia Quinn; a Kumihimo Sea Bead necklace designed and donated by Lisa Dufresne, a gold and silver beaded bracelet designed and donated by Mary Winters; and 14K gold and onyx earrings from John Michael Matthews Fine Jewelry, donated by Linda and Mel Teetz. Sheelah Black was elated to be the first one with a winning key and women quickly gathered around to see who would be next.
And, because the spirit of the event was truly all about the kids of the Hibiscus Children’s Center, sponsorship gifts that would give a child “safety, comfort, knowledge and self-esteem” were welcomed at various levels, from $100 for a year’s worth of baby diapers to $1,000 to sponsor a child for a month.
Carole Casey was bubbling with excitement, anticipating everyone’s reaction as they slowly moved from the cocktail hour into the dining room. The entire dining room was bathed in soft hues of amethyst from gauze covered lights. The lighting, combined with purple tablecloths and candle centerpieces set atop mirrors, gave the room an ethereal quality.
Diners were entertained by jugglers and performers from Orlando’s Private Stock Productions company, who also provided an outstanding band that had people out on the dance floor at every opportunity. Additional entertainment was offered in the form of a superbly supple circus performer who appeared on stage cocooned in white diaphanous fabric. Unfurling the fabric, she proceeded to use it to punctuate her fabulous Cirque du Soleil style acrobatic routine. Also during dinner magician Mike Futch wandered from table to table amazing and puzzling guests with his slight of hand card tricks.
Auctioneer George Blythe presided over the live auction items, which included trips to Cancun, won by Alan and Linda Romano; Las Vegas, won by Daisy and Cliff Whitehill; and New York, won by Jan and Mike Harrell. Closer to home, Mel and Nancy Goodes were the high bidders on the Dinner for 12 by Chef David Rodriguez and Peter and Maureen Kleinknecht were high bidders for the eye-catching diamond necklace donated by John Michael Matthews. And finally, Helen and Earl Robertson were winning bidders for Santa Claus, disguised as George Blythe (or is it the other way around) who donated his Santa services.
After a gourmet dinner of filet mignon and lobster cakes topped by Viennese desserts and cordials served in dark chocolate cups, guests finished out the evening making last bids on the silent auction items and taking turns on the dance floor.
Proceeds from the event benefit the programs and services of the Hibiscus Children’s Center. These include the Hibiscus Children’s Shelter which provides a safe environment to children infant to age 12 who have been removed from their home because of abuse, neglect or abandonment. The Hibiscus Children’s Village offers a safe haven for children up to age 17 where they can live in a family-like environment and interact with other children and teens. Each year, the Shelter and Village provide 16,000 safe nights to children. Additionally, the Child Development Center serves 77 children each day, preparing them for kindergarten and life. {igallery 115}
