SunJet Aviation was strikingly transformed for a high-octane, glitzy Wine Women and Shoes fundraiser last Thursday night to benefit the Humane Society of Vero Beach and Indian River County.
The remarkable décor was highlighted by a cloud formation formed by hundreds of white balloons suspended from the hangar ceiling, while illuminated plane wings served as the framework for auction items.
Later in the evening, shoe guys and models in a fashion show presented by Seahorse Lane, Vine and Virtue, and Sara Campbell worked a raised, lighted runway surrounded by beautifully decorated tables and four special ‘diva dens,’ where VIPs were served by their own personal butlers.
Jennifer Downes, HSVBIRC events coordinator, credited Michael Naffziger, owner of East Coast Encore and director of the Indian River Charter High School Theater Department, with creating the custom art installations with assistance from IRCHS students.
Chef Dean Evans, owner of Vero Ice Sculptures, carved an elaborate ice bar out of eight enormous blocks of ice, each about 350 pounds, which even included a carved high-heel shoe that dispensed drinks.
“This is so not Vero Beach,” said Sally Fusco. “It’s so out of character but it’s awesome!”
Before sitting down for the show and dessert, the sold-out crowd of 500 glammed-up, stiletto-clad guests nibbled on tapas-style offerings from local chefs who donated their culinary expertise and delicious goodies. They also perused numerous auction items, using their cellphones to bid, and purchased chances for a Key to the Closet drawing valued at $10,000 and other raffles.
“We wanted to do something totally out of the ordinary,” said Michael Mandel, HSVBIRC executive director. Canines and kittens are stars at every Humane Society event and this was no exception. Mandel pointed to a particularly handsome pup that was clearly loving all the attention, saying, “That’s Tucker; one of our Shoe Guys. He was adopted but the owner gave permission to bring him. He’s raised almost $5,000 for the shelter.”
Tucker was one of 17 Shoe Guys who raised more than $40,000 for the cause; newly crowned King of Sole Chris Sullivan raised $8,000.
Organizers expected to raise $150,000 to help the shelter fulfill its mission of accepting all animals, regardless of age, health, behavior or adoptability. Humane Society programs and services, from adoption and veterinary care to education and outreach, are all geared toward finding and keeping animals in loving homes.
Photos by: Denise Ritchie
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