The moon shone faintly through an overcast sky as guests arrived for an elegant evening of Opera on the River, hosted by Kurt and Marilyn Wallach at their stunning ‘Palacio Del Rio’ home in Grand Harbor. The philanthropic couple opened their home and hearts to nearly 100 sophisticated opera lovers as a benefit for CASTLE (Child Abuse Services Training and Life Enrichment), which strives to prevent child abuse by “Teaching Safe Parenting.”

Attendees enjoyed cocktails in the outdoor pavilion overlooking the lagoon, while listening to a jazz trio led by Grammy Award-winner Robert Navarro. That was just a preamble to what awaited them inside the residence, where they socialized while partaking of champagne, wine and a lavish spread of hors d’oeuvres.

The highlight of the evening was an unforgettable operatic performance by soprano Shirley Wang and tenor Mark Steven Schmidt accompanied by pianist Ryan Blakemore, as well as special guest singer Rose Lopater, who sang Puccini’s “O Mio Babbino Caro.” Lopater is married to a cousin of Wallach’s, an indication that the love of opera and charity is a deep family trait.

“We are always thrilled to host this event and raise money for CASTLE,” said Kurt Wallach, who serves on the CASTLE board.

He noted that the majority of children who lose their lives to abuse are under age 5 and are often murdered by their parents or a mother’s boyfriend.

“Often there is an addiction to alcohol or drugs that leads to the abuse of these innocent children,” said Wallach. “We have got to stop the cycle. Unfortunately, we aren’t able to prevent many of the tragedies, but if we can save just one child then it is all worthwhile.”

CASTLE was founded by Exchange Clubs in 1981 to prevent child abuse and neglect through education and awareness. Recognizing that 97 percent of abuse is committed by parents or someone known to the family, they saw a critical need for education on safe parenting methods and non-violent discipline. Their studies have indicated that for every dollar spent on child abuse prevention, $100 is saved in more expensive measures, such as foster care and adoption.

“We offer parenting classes once a month for parents in need of a little extra help and guidance, whether they are first-time parents or parents going through conflict and divorce,” said Chris Robertson, CASTLE’s executive director.

“We also have in-home parenting assistance and 100 percent of the funds raised tonight will go directly into those educational programs. We are very grateful to the Wallachs for their continued support.”

On April 2 at 5:30 p.m. CASTLE will plant 101 flags during a somber Memory Field dedication ceremony at Riverview Park in Sebastian. Each flag represents a Florida child who died last year as a result of child abuse or neglect. Their hope is to raise awareness, “because even one flag is too many.”

For more information visit CASTLE.org.