The spectacular Sandy Lane Estate listed with Cindy O’Dare and Clark French of Premier Estate Properties was the stylish setting last Wednesday evening for this year’s Arts Champagne Caviar event to benefit the Cultural Council of Indian River County.
“We’re in this absolutely magnificent home and we’re celebrating the arts with an auction of seven items that are experiences with art,” said Barbara Hoffman, Cultural Council executive director and chair of the event.
Guests wandered about the exquisite oceanfront home, sipping on wine and champagne, nibbling on passed hors d’oeuvres from Chelsea’s Market Catering and enjoying the honeyed sounds of harpist Gretchen Cover and classical guitarist Miguel Bonachea. Several of the spacious downstairs rooms had signage about the seven “Experiences with Art” items which were auctioned later in the evening.
John Stringer again volunteered his talents as master of ceremonies and auctioneer and, although the crowd was a small one, he did a superb job keeping everyone interested and elicited some active bidding.
“We found a home for every item and I got multiples on a couple, so that was nice,” said Stringer. “We had hoped for more people but the people who were there were quite enthusiastic. Everyone who came said they really enjoyed themselves.”
The donated art experiences included a guided Wildlife Photography Safari at Busch Wildlife Sanctuary; a Hot Air Balloon Ride from either Melbourne or West Palm Beach with a gourmet picnic lunch from Counter Culture upon landing; a QLOCKTWO Artfully Designed Clock where a typographic display shows the time in words; from John Stringer’s private collection, “River’s Bend,” a charming oil painting by Leonard Mizerek, Artist in Residence at the Museum Yvonne Jean-Haffen in France; a Chocolate Immersion Dinner for eight by chefs Anthony and Lisa Damiano of Counter Culture similar to that which he created as executive chef at Mar-A-Lago in Palm Beach; and a week-long vacation for up to six people at the Bordoli Family Villa on the shores of Lake Como in Sala Comacina, Italy.
“Hopefully next year we’ll get more people and we’ll build on it. It’s a work in progress,” Stringer added. “It’s a lovely event and raises money for the Cultural Council, so we’re happy about that.”
