It was an oceanfront wonderland of sorts at the third annual Art for Life Palm Beach benefit gala. Held at Casa Vita Serena, the home of Robert and Linnette Miller, the event raised more than $600,000 for Russell Simmons' Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation, an organization that promotes access to the arts for underserved youth in New York and Palm Beach County. "The party was over the top and the best of the year in Palm Beach," said event chairwoman Angie McNamara. "We were very lucky, with the help of a great team, to raise that much money in Palm Beach to help the kids."With more than 500 guests attending, a sense of whimsical elegance pervaded the evening, which honored Alonzo Mourning of the Miami Heat and his wife, Tracy; Grammy-winning rapper Ludacris; and Rena Rowan Damone, the founder of Jones New York. Produced by Sutka Productions International and sponsored by Anheuser-Busch and Wal-Mart, the event's theme—"an evening of sublime fantasy under the stars"—was evident in a variety of ways. Perhaps most telling was a unique lounge area situated on the property's expansive lawn, overlooking the ocean: the furniture—including oversize sofas, lounge chairs, low tables, and stools made out of a lightweight, padded material—was completely covered in a synthetic grass fabric. Specialty rum cocktails, sponsored by Tommy Bahama, were served at a nearby bar also covered in the same funky material. A playful, topiary-like sculpture spelling out "ART FOR LIFE" decorated the lawn from afar—each letter, made of foam, painted green and covered in real moss, was wired onto a metal back support.
The seated dinner, catered by Sandy James, took place in a tent provided by Premier Party Rentals Inc. Stations offered regional cuisine from the Caribbean, Southwest, New England, and the Pacific Rim, as well as a variety of vegan and raw foods. Some of the dishes included mahimahi with mango salsa; barbecued ribs; mini lobster rolls; tamarind-glazed scallops over coconut jasmine rice; and Mediterranean artichoke pate lettuce wraps. Bathed in shades of lavender and blue lighting by Hy-Lite Productions, the space took on an ethereal ambience, complete with towering centerpieces of white calla lilies in tall glass vases, sheer white curtains, and two oversize chandeliers, each made of hanging circles and silver letters (spelling "ART FOR LIFE" again) cut out of lightweight Gatorboard. Top patrons could also relax in their own tented bungalows, which framed both sides of the dining area (including the central stage and dance floor)—seven on one side, six on the other. Each was equipped with a white couch and two coordinating love seats from Nuage Designs Inc., a custom-made cocktail table, a plasma TV, a private butler, and a floral chandelier made of wired plexiglass tubes with inserted calla lilies and LED lights.
—Bobby Killgore
Giant chandeliers, colorful lighting, and tall centerpieces of calla lilies contributed to the whimsical ambience in the main tent, where dinner was served.
Furniture slip-covered in a synthetic grass fabric made for an unusual juxtaposition on the property's lawn.
The height of the centerpieces was enhanced by tall fluted glass vases.
An installation of hanging circles and silver letters that spelled out the benefit's name embellished the two oversize chandeliers.
Ice sculptures from So Cool Events adorned a bar also covered in artificial grass. Signature rum drinks were provided by sponsor Tommy Bahama.
Alternate centerpieces consisted of green cymbidium orchids, white roses, and green mums displayed in silver bowls with Lucite trays and white votive candles.
A series of tented bungalows reserved for top patrons framed the dining area in the main tent. Each came with a plasma TV and private butler service.
Chandeliers made of calla lilies inserted into clear plexiglass tubes and wired together with LED lights cast a warm glow in each of the 13 bungalows.
A quirky sculpture—covered in real moss—decorated the lawn.
