The John’s Island Community Service League rocketed into the spotlight last Wednesday evening at Splash!, a special 35th Anniversary Birthday Beach Blast at the John’s Island Beach Club that party-goers won’t soon forget.
“We thought it would be fun to do something different,” said event chair Molly Butler Hart, who arranged to have human cannonball David “The Bullet” Smith as part of the entertainment, along with Smith’s fellow “America’s Got Talent” contestants, David and Dania, Quick Change artists.
The lovely breeze off the water led to a few anxious moments, with some overheard to speculate what the liability would be if he were blown off course. But thankfully, all went exactly as planned. As the sun began to set, the rocket lifted skyward and Smith blasted out, landing squarely in a high net set on the grassy area by the pool deck.
Prior to the launch, guests in colorful, comfortable beach attire had quickly gotten into the tropical ambiance, swaying to the sounds of steel drums and calypso music as they made their way down to the beach, shedding shoes and stress to enjoy a relaxed evening of beachside fun. Some lowered inhibitions under the limbo pole or tried their hand at corn-hole, while others sipped cocktails at the water’s edge or lounged on pillows surrounding low, round tables.
Committee members sold last-minute raffle tickets for a chance to win gorgeous earrings, valued at $10,000 and donated by Tiffany & Co. Worth Avenue, Palm Beach.
“They are most generous for our philanthropic efforts,” said Mary Ellen Brophy, smiling as she modeled the stunning jewelry. “They started with Breakfast at Tiffany’s three years ago and they’ve continued to support us.”
The 450 guests dined on a Caribbean-themed menu at poolside tables set with crisp white tablecloths and pastel napkins, tied up with brightly colored hibiscus flower napkin rings. Simple glass centerpieces filled with colored water and tropical flora, and candles floating in the pools complimented the casually elegant tone of the evening.
After dinner, music by Soul Survivors enticed partiers onto a sand-covered dance floor lit by twinkling lights overhead and lined with beach chairs, where they could give their pedicured tootsies a rest.
And while the League’s events are always festive and fun, there is a huge philanthropic effort behind them. This year more than $800,000 will be granted to local nonprofit agencies and through scholarships to children of John’s Island Club employees thanks to the efforts of JICSL members to meet an ever increasing need, especially among the children and families of the working poor.
