Oil-paper umbrellas hung along the Sawgrass Marriott ceiling as the Ponte Vedra resort hosted “A Night in Shanghai,” the River Garden Foundation’s 27th annual gala, Nov. 16, where drinks were had, donations were made and Chinese lion dancers enchanted the evening.
It began outside of Marriott’s convention center, where a red carpet welcomed everyone inside and the culinary staff served light bites to accompany the open bar centering the room.
“We’re looking to show everyone our vision of ‘A Night in Shanghai’ and give them a taste of what we were working on so hard for so long,” said 2019 Gala Chair, Talie Zaifert, who worked with Rebekah Selevan to put on not just a lively party, but a charitable event.
“It’s our job to also remind everyone that this is for a cause,” Selevan added.
“It’s fun, but we’re still trying to raise funds.”
The Gala Chairs set up a silent auction that awaited guests in the lobby, with proceeds going back to River Garden. Prizes, ranging from Star Wars autographed posters to extravagant trips abroad, lined up in the main area and at the very end, a green-screen photo opp presented itself for a memorable photo and souvenir.
Drums beating in the distance announced guests to move to the dining area, where the Chinese lion dancers awaited on the dance floor for a fiery performance before dinner. Steamed Cantonese grouper was served with bok choy stir fry, along with an almond sponge cake for dessert. Vegan guests were welcomed with sweet, soy and ginger-grilled butternut squash, with Udon noodles, peanuts and veggies.
“The tuna rangoons were my favorite, as well as the scallion sauce on the grouper,” said Chef Melanie Cuartelon, who said her Filipino heritage helped craft the night’s dishes. “The menu was Chinese forward and with Filipino cuisine having Chinese influence, it was a familiar cuisine for myself and the team.”
Cuartelon said seeing the guests’ smiles throughout the dinner was one of her favorite sights of the night. “It helps us know they enjoyed it and we did our jobs,” she gushed.
After, the smooth sounds of The Voltage Brothers serenaded gala guests and brought them to the dance floor before the final event of the night, a “post-pizza party,” according to Goetz, with even more dessert and champagne.
“Not-for-profit community agencies like River Garden exist for one reason,” said River Garden CEO Marty Goetz. “And it’s to provide care. I don’t answer to stockholders. I answer to stakeholders, and all 630 guests tonight are stakeholders. It makes a difference.”
“A Night in Shanghai” was a night to remember; but it’s hard to not already wonder what the organization will have in store for next year.
