There was a whiteout at the tarmac outside the Sun Jet Aviation hangar recently – no snow involved – as a flurry of white-clad guests accumulated for the third annual Cinema de la Mer Super-Secret White Party, hosted by the Vero Beach Wine + Film Festival.
“This event is our gift to the community, inspired by our mission to connect artists with audiences. At Cinema de la Mer we’re able to bring together such a joyous collection of like-minded individuals to kick off the upcoming festival,” said Jerusha Stewart, VBWFF founder.
Nearly 300 attendees, who had received electronic missives revealing the secret location just 48 hours before, enjoyed dinner, entertainment and the East Coast premiere of the award-winning, independent film “SALYUT 7.”
Stewart explained that all the flight-centric entertainment was meant to uplift spirits and take everyone “up, up and away.”
Undeterred by high winds which grounded the planned hot air balloon, attendees posed for selfies in ‘mock’ rides in the Re/Max gondola as flames shot out of the burner. But the winds were perfect for kite puppets and illuminated kites, which rode on gusts of air, as belly dancers with lighted butterfly wings performed and lighted wands twirled.
Guests spent the first part of the evening milling about, gathering in plush screening lounges, visiting neighboring tables and bidding on an assortment of raffle experiences. Attendees either brought picnic dinners or pre-ordered bountiful meals from ‘Chef d’Fest’ Ashley Allison.
“We are inspired by the phenomenal success of this un-gala to raise money for the film festival. The funds that we raise at Cinema de la Mer support us in putting on the film festival,” said Stewart.
“The night is always magical. It’s amazing that 300 people can keep a secret like this. This is a community of like-minded people, whether they are creatives, film lovers or wine lovers. These are not strangers; these are just friends you don’t know yet.”
Stewart announced that special in-season screenings will be added this year and welcomed the Vero Beach Outlets as the presenting partner. “We’re thrilled to have such an ‘haute’ partner to dress up the Vero Beach Wine and Film Festival,” she said.
To celebrate the relationship a special ‘festival within the festival’ wine, film and fashion event will be offered. The full festival runs June 6-9.
For more information, visit vbwff.com.
Photos by: Denise Ritchie
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