Elegant, romantic, extraordinary. That is Paris, the city of lights.
Also elegant, romantic and extraordinary is the historic Melbourne home known as Green Gables. The latter could use some restoration, and the corps of volunteers devoted to Green Gables are on it. They hope that a Paris-themed gala will help provide part of the funding necessary to bring the once grand old house back to its golden days.
“An Evening in Paris,” Green Gables’ major fundraising gala, invites guests to step into all that makes Paris delightful, from art and music to food and dancing. The formal/semi-formal event will be held on Feb. 27 from 6 to 11 p.m. at the Grand Manor in Melbourne.
Organizers promise to transport guests to the sights, sounds and flavors that make Paris unforgettable, but at the heart of the evening lies the purpose of uniting to save our shared history.
Not long ago, Green Gables was facing demolition. Grants for historic preservation are hard to find and the few that exist are typically matching grants that require the community to step up to help.
“The Florida Trust for Historic Preservation, which advocates for historic preservation in the state, had us on the ’11 to Save’ list twice before we actually became owners.” Said Sue Fallon, vice president of the nonprofit group.
The community took heed of the plight of the 1896 home and provided the financial support, together with a matching opportunity from the State of Florida, for the nonprofit Green Gables at Historic Riverview Village to purchase the property. Now comes the arduous task of transforming the house into a living history museum. The preliminary site plan has been approved by the city.
“At the same time, our architect is researching structural engineers who are knowledgeable and willing to look at our structure, while we do the site plan and consider what the next step should be,” Fallon added.
“Since building prices change often, we do not put a figure on what will be needed for the overall project. We can only estimate and realize this will be a long process.”
It will also be an expensive process, and the gala, foremost in the robust schedule of fundraising events Green Gables hosts each year, plays a critical role.
“The gala nets us the highest dollar figure,” Fallon said. “This year, we are working with many local businesses who have been willing to donate to our cause what their budgets can offer. We are so appreciative to each and every one.”
Absolutely Fabulous Event Planning and Rentals will fashion a Parisian fantasy inside the Grand Manor, complete with an Eiffel Tower, of course.
“You will definitely think you are in Paris,” Fallon said.
Guests at “An Evening in Paris” will dine as deliciously as the French do with abundant hors d’oeuvres and full dinner and enjoy the wine – and all the other drinks – at the cash bar. Dessert is provided by Creations by Joyce of Skewer’s Restaurant.
They can also dance the night away with the sounds of Phoenix with Ellen Onieal, the lead singer known for getting the party shaking.
As auctioneer, Channel 13’s Greg Pallone will tempt with items and fun adventures, such as helicopter flights or kayaking on the Indian River Lagoon. A silent auction will also be available.
When the dining and dancing is done, guests can still continue the glow with the knowledge that their Parisian sojourn will help a local icon.
“Every registration to this event will bring us closer to achieving our mission to restore Green Gables and preserve a part of Melbourne and South Brevard’s history,” Fallon said.
“Help us to make Green Gables truly Melbourne’s ‘bridge to the past.’”
‘Evening in Paris’ gala for Green Gables
Where: The Grand Manor, 1450 Sarno Road, Melbourne
When: Feb. 27 from 6 to 11 p.m.
Tickets: $85 per guest. Discounted tickets are available for groups of eight or 10.
Call: 321-306-8635
Website: greengables.org or zeffy.com
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This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Parisian glamor comes to Melbourne at Green Gables ‘Evening in Paris’ gala
Reporting by Maria Sonnenberg, for Florida Today / Florida Today
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
