The cool night air put zero chill on the cozy vibes around Emilia Fanjul’s annual fundraiser for her western county charter schools.
“Cool” being a relative term, seeing as how Palm Beachers break out their sweaters when the temps drop below 75.
“A Night of Great Expectations” took place Jan. 16 at Cafe Boulud.
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Fanjul was chairwoman for the evening, which began with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres around the fountain, and near the heaters, before the crowd moved to the Michelin-starred dining room for dinner and a welcome from the chairwoman.
During dinner — tomato fennel bisque followed by prime filet or dover sole, pommepurée and spinach — three students spoke about their experiences at the charter schools. School principals, teachers and other students were also in attendance.
Palm Beach’s own Tom Quick led the live auction and used his ample Irish charm to coax nearly $2 million dollars from the crowd.
The evening continued with dessert and dancing.
Committee members were Annette Allen, Helena Cornell, Lourdes Fanjul, Kate Gubelmann, Michele Kessler, Helena Martinez, Talbott Maxey, Mimi McMakin, Grace Meigher, Ashley Miller, Emilia Fanjul Pfeifler, Pauline Pitt and Hilary Ross.
More then 160 people attended.
Because the expenses for the evening were completely underwritten by Pepe Fanjul, 100 percent of the proceeds benefit the Glades Academy elementary/middle school and the Everglades Preparatory Academy high school, both in Pahokee.
The money will fund a licensed mental health counselor, a middle school college tour, a Career & Technology Education instructional staff and other critical needs.
The schools educate approximately four hundred underserved children, K-12, from Pahokee, Belle, Glade and South Bay in western Palm Beach County.
Glades Academy Foundation will continue to fund any other necessaryacademic programs.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Daily News: Glades charter schools’ Palm Beach dinner dance exceeds expectations
Reporting by Shannon Donnelly, Palm Beach Daily News / Palm Beach Daily News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Shannon Donnelly, Palm Beach Daily News | USA TODAY Network
