The Able Trust - Because people want to work.

News

Table of Contents | Return to Main Newsletter Page

The Florida Grantor, Fall 2001

Bella Bella! A Night in Venice is a Success!

In its fourth year and with an incredible new theme, The Able Trust's Annual Gala at Mar-a-Lago was more exciting than ever. This year's theme, A Night in Venice transported the over 300 guests to a magical Venetian experience and brought an Italian fantasy to life. Setting the stage for the social season, A Night in Venice was an unforgettable evening of opera singers, a five-course Italian feast, big band sounds, stilt walkers, strolling gondoliers, and hand-rolled cigars. The Gala, held on Saturday, October 27, 2001, raised over $250,000 for The Able Trust's Endowment Program that provides perpetual funding for people with disabilities in Florida.

Longtime champions of Floridians with disabilities, Jill and Bob Kuechenberg were Gala Co-Chairs. They were joined by the Gala Host Committee, Mr. Donald Trump, Honorary, Ms. Madelyn Passarella of JFK Medical Center, Mr. Bob Billingslea of Walt Disney World Co and Mr. and Mrs. Tom and Elizabeth Smith of the Wine News. The Gala Honorary Chairman was Lieutenant Governor Frank Brogan. Tiffany Kenney, Channel 25 anchorwoman, generously served as mistress of ceremonies for the evening's festivities and Jim Accursio was the auctioneer for the live auction. Special guest Clarence Clemmons, amazing saxophonist for Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band, also made a special appearance at the gala.

The evening began as guests arrived to serenades by strolling gondoliers amongst Mar-a-Lago's lavish landscapes. They enjoyed Bellinis and cigars while they bid high on fabulous silent auction gifts. As night fell, stilt walkers lured guests into the party pavilion where Michael Ereshna and his design team created an elegant Italian marketplace, with a center stage set amid an exquisite Grand Canal backdrop.

The fantasy continued as ballet dancers and opera singers entertained guests while enjoying a magnificent feast prepared by Executive Chef Gary Gregson. To coincide with a delicious repast, Paterno Imports donated an incredible selection of Italian wines that were served with each course.

After dinner, guests had the opportunity to bid on an incredible live auction featuring spa packages, a once-in-a-lifetime blimp ride and an authentic American flag donated by Governor Jeb Bush, which flew over Florida's capitol during Operation Enduring Freedom. The evening continued with guests dancing the night away to music from the Palm Beach Orchestra.

During the program, committee honorees were recognized for their outstanding support to these agencies serving people with disabilities: Mr. Gary Arenson, The Center for Florida's Children; Ms. Yolanda Camhi, FAAST; Ms. Mary Courim, The Arc of Palm Beach County; Mr. Henry Fong, Mental Health Association of Palm Beach County; Mr. and Mrs. Glen and Lisa Ladau, Victory Living Programs; Ms. Rosanna Lippen, Florida Council for the Blind; Ms. Jennifer Lynn, Children's Haven & Adult Community Services; Ms. Beverlee Miller, Palm Beach Habilitation Center; Ms. Jill Pando, Brain Injury Association of Florida; Mr. Robert Sanders, Epilepsy Foundation of South Florida; and Mr. and Mrs. James and Sally Spencer, Abilities of Florida, Clearwater.

In recognition of the underwriting contributions to support A Night in Venice Gala, we thank our sponsors: JFK Medial Center, Walt Disney World Co., AmSouth Bank, Guerlain, Paris, Paterno Imports, VIVE Magazine, and Kidd & Driscoll Advertising.

Next year will be the fifth anniversary for The Able Trust Gala, and plans are already underway to develop another incredible theme. For more information, contact Kristen Knapp at 888-838-2253 or kristen@abletrust.org.