Bubbles, Beats & Bites- A Night To Remember
When Paul, the owner at Art Avenue On Palm made the offer to host a fundraiser event at his beautiful art gallery in Downtown Sarasota we knew we couldn't turn it down. There was one catch, we only had about three months to organize this whole event.
After multiple board meetings, discussing our options, the risks, and the benefits, we finally decided to bite the bullet. That is how Bubbles, Beats & Bites- An International Art Experience was born, we wanted to offer people an opportunity to interact with different cultures through music, art, wine, and food.
(Paul, owner at Art Avenue On Palm surprised us with his violin skills.)
Planning an event in only three months was no easy task, from food to wine to entertainment to silent and live auction items, sponsors etc. our board members had some serious work to do. With some group effort, we managed to make the impossible happen, and with this occasion Project Light would like to thank the following board members for bringing this vision to life: Cheryl Evans (Vice President & Strategic Committee Marketing), Elena Farkas (Executive Director), Charlie Cunningham (Board President), Pamela Steen (Secretary) and Sue Birell (Strategic Committee).
On the evening of December 3rd, we all put on our holiday best and arrived at the venue early. Some Project Light students so gracefully volunteered their time to help at the event. We would like to extend our gratitude to Luis, Silkia, Gendry, and Elvia for helping our guests have the best time.
As 6 pm came around, bubbles and wine started flowing and the sound of the baby grand piano filled the room as our guests were checking in at the entrance. After some drinks provided by Sarasota Wine Co. and appetizers provided by Kojo, it was time to bring out the entertainment.
All the way from DC, international Opera sensations Olga Orlovskaya and Peter Slutsky accompanied by Tatiana Loisha on piano, proceeded to delight our senses with an unforgettable performance.
But the entertainment would not have been complete without a performance from our very own talented students. Magdala Ulysse, Junior Clerge & Drusille Alcide delighted us with some traditional Haitian music.
As our silent auction table was flooding with guests looking to get their names on the lists it was time to proceed with our coveted live auction art piece.
The 38X48 painting "Reflection" was donated by the artist and former Project Light board member Richard Monteleone. The imposing art piece was auctioned for $1.300.
As the evening was coming to an end it was time to announce the winner of the 50/50 raffle. The anticipation was high as we dug through the pile of tickets for the lucky winner who was none other than the sister of long-time teacher volunteer Deborah Thomas.
We are very grateful to Johncyna A. McRae for donating all her winnings to Project Light, so we can continue our vision.
Project Light Of Manatee would like to thank every single one of our guests who purchased tickets, participated in the auction, bought drinks and raffle tickets. All proceeds go towards our goal of closing the literacy gap and empowering adult immigrants to integrate into society and pursue their American dream!
A special thank you to our sponsor Sensenig Law Firm.
