Craig Schlitt, Steve Schlitt and Linda Schlitt Gonzalez. PHOTO BY KERRY FIRTH

As some 225 guests strolled along a path illuminated by twinkling lights, they were enveloped in the captivating Latin rhythms of the night during the Environmental Learning Center’s Mangrove, Moonlight and Mambo fundraiser, held under the stars at its Thomas R. Schidel Education and Event Pavilion.

From the joyous greetings to the bittersweet farewells, every moment in between was woven with an enchanting tapestry of memories, making the night truly magical.

Arriving guests were greeted with complimentary Mojitos and Cuba Libres, and had their photos taken in front of two classic cars. And over cocktails at high-tops glowing with illumination, friends and acquaintances shared their excitement for the evening.

Bidding was swift at the silent auction, which featured golf, entertainment and travel packages, and ticket sales for the 50/50 raffle exceeded $10,000.

An authentic Cuban dinner, complete with a 1905 salad, Ropa Vieja, Spanish Chicken Stew, Congri, Yucca con Mojo and Key Lime Pie was served as Cuban Mambo dancers entertained.

A brief call to the heart video highlighted the numerous activities taking place at the ELC and the impact they have on everyone who visits, especially children, who are the future stewards of our environment.

“We have more than 25,000 visitors each year and the majority are children,” said Barbara Schlitt Ford, executive director of the ELC.

“Every third- and fourth-grade student in Indian River County visits our campus during Lagoon Days for hands on adventures in the outdoors, homeschoolers meet once a week with our Lagoon Academy, and we’ve got Lagoon Island Adventures summer camps to keep children engaged with nature. We even offer paid college internships for college students with a passion for nature to assist in field experiences in conservation and education. We have environmental programs for all ages from toddlers to retirees.”

Generous donors raised their paddles to donate thousands of dollars in the lively paddle-giving appeal with proceeds going toward ELC programing. One anonymous donor who anted up a generous $20,000 to the cause was rewarded with a huge round of applause.

Revelers concluded the evening by dancing to the lively beats of traditional Latin music performed by Cache Live, a Miami-based band, with energetic Salsa and Mambo rhythms filling the air.

“We are immensely grateful for the generosity of all who helped to make a positive impact on the work we do at the Environmental Learning Center,” said Ford.

“Through ticket sales, raffle, auction and generous donors, this event netted over $200,000 to support your ELC.”

The ELC mission is to “educate, inspire and empower all people to be active stewards of the environment and their own well-being.”

For more information, visitDiscoverELC.org.

Photos by Kerry Firth