The Environmental Learning Center introduced un poco de Cuba to Vero Beach at its Vintage Cuba – Circa 1951 Gala last Friday evening at the Orchid Island Beach Club. The theme of the 26th annual gala was inspired by a recent ELC fundraising trip to the island nation.
“We had so much fun connecting with Cuba’s people and their culture and wanted to bring this lively atmosphere to our gala this year, but with a historical flair remembering Cuba as it was in the 1950s,” explained ELC Development Director Camille Yates.
The Cuban eco-tour had focused on the environment, gardens, art, music, architecture and the people of the country, which has undergone little change since 1961 when the U.S. cut diplomatic relations.
“Many of our supporters remember Cuba in 1951,” shared Nance Hatch, marketing and communications director. “So the theme was a perfect fit given the recent lift on travel restrictions and our visit to Cuba.”
The committee did an excellent job blending a Cuban essence with the ELC mission to educate, inspire and empower everyone to be active stewards of the environment and their own well-being.
Co-chair Sara Lloyd noted that they made a successful change to digital invitations last year, noting, “It just made sense to be more environmentally conscious and cut costs at the same time.”
The oceanfront garden was abuzz as the sellout crowd of 210 guests enjoyed cocktails and hors d’oeuvres while perusing the selection of incredible silent- and live-auction items. Gentlemen in fedoras and women adorned in tropical colors sipped on mojitos and enjoyed balmy ocean breezes and a full moon under colored streamers reminiscent of nights in Havana.
Upstairs, guests dined at tables set with napkin rings accented by antique cigar labels, tropical centerpieces and chocolate cigars. The décor and Orchid Island’s architecture enhanced the feeling of being transported to our island neighbors to the south. The Cuban-themed dinner of mojo pork loin with black bean rice cakes and dessert of flan with guava created a festival of flavor before guests danced to music by The Killer Wails.
Auctioneer Wesley Davis kept things lively as he auctioned off a host of unique items, including trips and adventures, and, of course, Cuban Havana Club Rum and cigars.
“This is our biggest fundraiser of the year and proceeds help us educate people, showing them how to interact with nature to improve their own well-being, but also to conserve and protect our precious environment including the Indian River Lagoon,” said Yates.
They hoped to raise $140,000 to help sustain and grow the 64-acre lagoon island nature preserve, and its educational programs and facilities.
“The ELC is near and dear to my heart,” said event co-chair Allison Varicchio, who was drawn to the organization 10 years ago. “All three of my children went to the camps, and we always go to the Ecofest. The ELC is a big part of the community, and I believe we need to educate everyone about the importance of the lagoon.”
The ELC has recently added new EcoVenture boat trips, an EcoTalk series and Adventures in Learning with prominent speakers, and they are currently laying out plans for campus improvements and a capital campaign.
The Amazon Center for Environmental Education and Research Foundation has lined up another special ELC trip; this time to the Peruvian Amazon Rainforest, Andes Mountains, Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. The trip is scheduled for May 1-11 and the registration deadline is Feb. 10. For details visit DiscoverELC.org.
