A magical evening under the stars was shared by friends from near and far to celebrate the grand unveiling of the Thomas R. Schidel Education and Event Pavilion on the campus of the Environmental Learning Center. And grand it was. The Restoration Gala combined vibrant colors, elegant decor, lyrical sounds, creative movement, and mission messaging to create an unmatched atmosphere of festivity for this special night.
Guests arrived in their most colorfully creative, environmentally themed attire and were escorted down a path lined with white palms and moon globes. At a photo wall, their photos could be snapped with their own cellphones, preserving the memory for posterity.
While enjoying cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, people perused an art display by the talented artist Josh McMiller, who would later create a painting live and on stage while dancing. And just around the corner was the magnificent pavilion, designed to host educational programs, musical concerts and special events for as many as a thousand guests.
The lively crowd mingled excitedly as they watched chefs prepare enormous pans of paella, which were consumed during the show’s intermission at comfortable lounging nooks, constructed from recycled pallets and enhanced with plush cushions.
Once seated, guests were treated to a unique performance by professional dancers and entertainers from around the world, telling a story through interpretive dance and original scores, of the devastation, hope and restoration of our planet.
“FW Productions’ Chris Foster and Mark Wygonik poured their heart, soul and sweat into this one and it was beyond magical,” exclaimed Barbara Schlitt Ford, ELC executive director, also thanking Vero Beach Outlets, the presenting sponsor.
“We appreciate all of our sponsors, our almost 400 attendees, our dedicated volunteers and staff, architect John Binkley of EDB Architects, John Blum from Carter & Assoc. Engineering, and Mike O’Neill from Barth Construction. Everyone’s hard work paid off in a grand success with this immersive outdoor experience,” said Ford.
She noted that the top-notch performers had hailed from Las Vegas, Los Angeles, New York City, the Bahamas and the United Kingdom to tell the story thorough original music and dance creations.
“We envision this to be the first of many community events in this versatile new venue, featuring educational programs, movies, festivals, concerts, theater and life celebrations,” said Ford, referencing occasions such as weddings, reunions, corporate events and nonprofit fundraisers.
“We extend our endless gratitude to generous Mr. Thomas R. Schidel for making our dream for the community a reality.”
She said the ELC was thrilled to add the Thomas R. Schidel Pavilion to their 64-acre campus, which is surrounded by the Indian River Lagoon. In keeping with their mission to educate, inspire and empower people to become active stewards of their environment and their own well-being, the ELC hosts programs and activities designed to immerse guests in the beauty and solitude of nature.
For more information, visit discoverelc.org.
Photos provided
