From our Dan’s Palm Beach Power List event supporting a suicide prevention program, to a dog rescue organization, to helping young people learn musical instruments, my week was filled with fun events raising money for great causes.
Our Dan’s Palm Beach Power List event put the spotlight on the power players in the “beaches,” but also raised critical dollars for 211, a suicide prevention hotline and more in Palm Beach.
The proactive group is raising money to build their “home” where they can provide more services. We were delighted to donate all the raffle money we raised to this critical cause.
Thanks to an invitation from Christina Wilson from Wilmington Trust here in Palm Beach, I attended a fundraiser at the historic Mar-a-Lago. The “Wine, Women & Shoes” event benefitted Big Dog Ranch Rescue, which is a no-kill shelter.
The Mar-a-Lago Club’s massive grand ballroom was packed with people supporting the cause and enjoying the fabulous fashion show presented by fashion icon Anne Fontaine. The models strutted the long runway with stunning outfits and accessories in bright reds, yellows, oranges and pinks with a splash of white.
The crowd roared when baretopped men had row after row of handbags across their chests as they strutted down the runway.
I had to leave early, but the doors had been locked and the security staff diverted everyone to the entry foyer. Within minutes, I learned why. Donald Trump made an appearance to support his daughter-in-law Lara Trump, who was one of the cause’s honorary chairs.
The crowd squealed with roars as Trump spoke for a few minutes. Luckily, he was in and out within 15 minutes, so the doors opened back up and we could leave the building.
But before I left, I had the chance to meet the charming Anne Fontaine, whose clothes I adore!
With a French accent, she warmly greeted me and posed for a photo. I have admired her clothes for years and it was fun to meet the woman behind the brand!
It was a perfect fundraising afternoon of people watching, tables after tables of merchandise for sale and the runway show, all for a great cause.
Last year, I met celebrity stylist Woody Michleb, who was a member of the International Intercoiffure, alongside my Bayside, Queens, friend Lois Christie, who was also a member. She told me to meet Woody while I was in Palm Beach, so I did!
His successful salon is tucked on the second floor of the Saks Fifth Avenue building just around the corner from The Colony Hotel, where I am staying.
Woody and his wife Amy are huge supporters of the HATT Foundation, whose goal it is to “provide a way out to Palm Beach needy families, at-risk children and seniors.”
The foundation created a symphony orchestra program that is professionally run in an effort to introduce children to musical instruments.
Woody and his wife created a “Celebration of Kindness” evening, during which some of the HATT students performed. There was electricity in the air as their music filled the mall and smiles on the performer’s faces were as bright as the sun!
We all mingled to the marvelous music and enjoyed drinks and bites and fashion trunk shows. I was happy to support the cause!
Palm Beach is a town filled with sun, palm trees and beautiful homes, but more importantly, beautiful and generous people.
