Invitees started the evening by sipping Mumm Cordon Rouge champagne, nibbling on hors d'oeuvres and mingling, while bidders took advantage of the silent but not so quiet auction. Creating beautiful noise was guitarist Paco Fonta who strummed Spanish chords while spirited flamenco dancers from Ballet La Rosa entertained the crowd. Moments later, creating more musical melodies, the Eddie Trujilllo Jazz Trio performed tango tunes for seductive tango dancers.
Although the silent auction continued on, guests were moved into the Fountain Ballroom for the dinner portion of the evening. Tables were adorned in vineyard décor with small vine topiaries and grapes accompanied with several variously sized candles. Table decor was created by David Magaziner of Table Toppings and greenery was courtesy of Jenny's Flowers.
The Surf Club's in-house chefs catered dinner, which offered a choice of filet mignon, macadamia nut crusted chilean seabass or a vegetarian plate with couscous. For dessert, guests enjoyed a trio of chocolate mousse cake with chocolate ganache and were treated to a cabaret performance by two of Florida Grand Opera's young artists, Kat Mangemeli and David Crawford.
While guests ate, sommelier David Muise of Tantra shared his expertise and love of wine, and continually offered his commentary and suggestions during the live auction. Adding an extra selling point and purchasing incentive,several bottles were autographed by celebrities such as The Sopranos' James Galdofini, Julie Andrews, Ed Harris, Ricky Martin, and Florida's own Marlins. More than 75 bottles were auctioned off at a starting price of $200 and capping off near $2,000.
—Ceci Valdes-Shaw
All photographs by David Heischrek
