Sheila and Don Iodice with Barbara Lowry [Photo: Denise Ritchie]

Music filled the air despite raindrops and lightning bolts at the May Pops Season Finale Concert to benefit the Cleveland Clinic Indian River Foundation. The virtuoso performance by the Brevard Symphony Orchestra was held this year at the Indian River County Fairgrounds, with presenting sponsors once again being Helen Post and the Plansoen Foundation.

With Windsor currently renovating its polo fields and golf course, a change in venue was one note that had to be taken into consideration while planning the event. Nevertheless, the afternoon concert promised a spectacular celebration of “30 years of beautiful music with good friends for a great cause,” at what is fondly considered the final movement of the season.

Undeterred by afternoon storms, aficionados arrived fashionably early for a VIP reception, which was moved indoors due to the inclement weather. Guests sipped on cool drinks and nibbled on a lavish affair presented by Quail Valley Executive Chef Joe Faria and his efficient crew.

“We are beyond grateful for the extraordinary efforts of Chef Joe Faria, the entire Quail Valley team and our resilient volunteers,” said Liz Bruner, CCIRF president. “Our VIP reception was literally swamped until Chef devised a plan to move food and beverages to a dry space. His crew carried buffet tables through the rain, while our volunteers assembled chairs and tables for sponsors and supporters. I regret that our guests didn’t get to see the beautiful reception space created by Rhonda Lowe, Wade Baxley and the talented team at Rock City Gardens. And special thanks to the Brevard Symphony Orchestra for embodying the adage ‘the show must go on.’”

When the weather cleared, VIPs lounged under cabanas, ready to keep both the sun and looming storms at bay, while a smattering of picnickers set up camp in the lawn area with their own spreads atop blankets and under umbrellas.

“I want to thank all of you,” said Tony Woodruff, foundation board chairman. “In the last 10 or 12 years as a foundation and as a community we’ve raised over $100 million. As a result of that, we have centers of excellence.”

The Brevard Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of principal conductor and music director Maestro Christopher Confessore, proceeded to dazzle the audience along with guest vocalists Alli Mauzey and William Michals.

When the final note was played, guests gathered their belongings and went home a little waterlogged but with a song in their heart and the knowledge that proceeds from the afternoons entertainment will help to advance technology, enhance facilities and elevate patient care at CCIRH, benefiting all who need the hospital’s services.