Palm Beach Galas 2017

Gala a Feast of Music, Laughs

PALM BEACH, FL – It starts by the pool with the classical music of a Russian virtuoso and ends in the ballroom with dancing to the sounds of the Sultans of Swing. In between, “Tonight Show” host Jay Leno will crack wise on current events, and the 60-member Mormon Choir will sing Broadway show tunes.

One thing’s for sure: there will be no shortage of entertainment at LIFE’s 19th annual “Lady in Red” gala at The Mar-a-Lago Club, Dec. 1, 2012.

Lois Pope and Suzi Goldsmith are chairwomen of the gala. Proceeds benefit LIFE’s partnership with the American Humane Association (AHA), which includes a program to protect abused and neglected children and animals. Programs that will be served are in Palm Beach County, including a pet-adoption mobile and rescue service during times of emergency.

The gala will begin poolside with the Russian pianist Lola Astanova, who will be joined by the Palm Beach Symphony under the direction of conductor Daniel Alfred Wachs. Next, guests will make their way to the Grand Ballroom, where they will be serenaded by the Mormon Choir singing Broadway hits. Comedian and “Tonight Show” host Jay Leno will entertain, and will be followed by the Sultans of Swing dance band.

Honorees of the “Lady in Red” gala are Mary Ann and Walt Schwenk; the grand international chairwoman is Hermé de Wyman Miro; LIFE’s hero grand patrons are Patrick M. Park and Elizabeth and Jeffrey E. Bateman (in loving memory); honorary chairmen are Ari Rifkin, Veronica Atkins, Maude Emerson Cook and Mary Virginia and Henry Fong; LIFE’S hero ambassadors are Toni Holt Kramer and Robert Kramer, Terry Ebert Mendozza and Joseph Mendozza; co-chairs are Sally and Dick Robinson; and junior chairmen are Maria Pope Kessel and Kerry R. Kessel and Gail Worth.

Sponsors of the “Lady in Red” Gala include Tiffany & Co., Wells Fargo Advisors and Braman Motorcars.

Tickets are $700 per person. For more information, call LIFE at (561) 865-0955 or visit www.life-edu.org.

LIFE (Leaders in Furthering Education) provides aid, assistance and awards for disabled veterans, medical research, college scholarships, humanitarian relief, the performing arts and animal welfare.