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Able Trust Gala 2004

Under the Mandarin Moon a Smashing Success

The Able Trust’s 7th Annual Gala, “Under the Mandarin Moon,” was a monumental success, raising over $300,000 for Florida citizens with disabilities.

Upon arriving to the event, guests were immediately entranced by the opulence of Mar-a-Lago and the alluring traditions of Asia with a sushi bar, Japanese calligrapher and authentic Chinese flutist. As they entered the pavilion, attendees were astonished by the lavish décor, a shimmering gold, mandarin orange and green apple palette. The Asian-themed décor included fiery dragons, Ichi coins and custom built pagoda houses as centerpieces. Guests dined on a sumptuous, Asian-inspired four-course feast under a sunset inspired sky, and danced away to the amazing and unprecedented Clarence Clemons and his Temple of Soul band until the wee hours of the morning.

The enchanting evening included amazing performances by Geisha-inspired dancers under black light and the very talented Fushu Daiko drummers. An array of fabulous silent and live auction items added to the allure of the evening. The highlight of the live auction was a weeklong trip to the Orient, including stays in Bangkok and Singapore, with travel provided by the Orient-Express passenger train between the two destinations. Other exciting items included a private jet excursion to New York City, provided by JetCharter.com and a spectacular ten-day cruise on Holland America. Guests departed in true Asian style with a sleek silver set of chopsticks from world-renown metal ware artist, Michael Aram.

This exciting and mystical night was a wonderful success and couldn’t have been possible without the generous sponsorship of designer Michael Aram, Bloomingdale’s Palm Beach Gardens, Walt Disney World, The Gardens of the Palm Beaches, Lilly Pulitzer, Heavenly Cigars, JFK Medical Center, Palms West Hospital, VIVE Magazine and Wachovia Wealth Management.

Above: Walt Disney World Co. presented The Able Trust with a $10,000 check to benefit Floridians with disabilities

Above: Judy and Jim Saunders, Vice Chair of The Able Trust, with Diane Winnoker, all of Tampa

Above: Chair of The Able Trust Gala Jim Palmer with Able Trust President Sharon Griffith

Above: Chair of The Able Trust Florence Seiler with her husband Ron, of Palm Beach Gardens

2006 - Mojitos at Midnight Gala | 2004 - Under the Mandarin Moon Gala | 2003 - South Seas Shangri-La Gala | 2002 - Moulin Rouge | 2001 - Night in Venice |