VERO BEACH — The Vero Beach Museum of Art took on a decidedly Spanish flair for its Tango y Tapas gala fundraiser Saturday night. Guests were greeted by a matador who presented single red roses to the ladies and ushered everyone into the courtyard where they were serenaded by a trio playing traditional Spanish folk music. Tapas stations offering a variety of tasty morsels were set up along the walkways, decorated with greenery to give the feel of a Spanish “jardin.” The lobby of the Museum was bathed in soft red lighting, and rose petals were scattered about the floor and filled the delicate blown glass globes that were hung from the ceiling. An elegant “menú de la cena” prepared by Elizabeth Kennedy Catering, featured pimentos rellenos, tender braised short ribs and a selection of luscious desserts, and was served in the tastefully adorned Holmes Great Hall, Schumann Gallery and Stark Rotunda.
Two presentations by Studio West in the Leonhardt Auditorium gave guests the option of first dining or watching a performance, where they were treated to talented professionals showcasing an assortment of dances, including the Tango, the Paso Doble, the Bolero, the Mumba and the Rumba. A trio of couples gave a stirring presentation for the grand finale, Encore: The Tango Revisited.
Finishing out the evening, guests took to the floor themselves to dance the night away and try out a few of the moves they’d seen on stage, getting a tips from the Studio West dancers and professionals Asya and Oleg Dmitrov from Vero’s Royal Ballroom.
Proceeds from the event, which was co-chaired by Alice Beckwith, Barbara Neubarth, Judy Schneebeck and Connie Webb, support the Museum’s mission based programs. Major sponsors included “Presentador” Sponsor, Barbara Becker Hurley, on behalf of the Richard and Lillian Becker Foundation; Tapas Sponsor, John’s Island Real Estate Company; “Invitación” Sponsor, The Hill Group; “Cóctel” Fiesta Sponsor, PNC Wealth Management; “Revista” (program) Sponsor, Northern Trust; and “Jardin” Sponsor, Rock City Gardens. {igallery 144}