Palm Beach Social: Paul Anka, Jay Leno & Other Stars Go Out in South Florida

The calendar says November but here for all of us it says “season” and with that, all the stops are being pulled out for what appears to be a banner year. With the pandemic in the rearview mirror, all the charities are sending out “save the dates” even for some of the Galas that are already (as an insider told me) sold out!

Well, while this might not be good for those who didn’t check their snail mail or email over the summer, it’s a good sign for fundraising and my fingers are crossed that it will be a record year.

I stopped by the Colony Hotel during the opening week to chat with some of the gala committee members who were attending an event in the Colony ballroom, and Sarah Wetenhall, the owner of the legendary oasis has made the Colony even better than before, if that’s possible since a brief closure to do some updates.

The lobby is glorious, the staff on top of every detail and she has plans for even more surprises over the season. I know for a fact that she has her creative and amazing hand in every area, and it shows!

Ballet Palm Beach has a a Venetian Masquerade Ball planned for February 12th at the Breakers and if it is anything like last year’s sold-out gala, it will be a not to be missed evening! I spoke to Chairs Erin McGould and Brandie Herbst who promised me signature cocktails, a live auction, decadent dinner, live music and performances by the Ballet company.

As someone who tripped the light fantastic on the dance floor with Erin and Anka Palitz, the Honory Chair at last year’s gala, I can’t remember a more creative and fun evening. You’ll want to grab a ticket or even more important become a sponsor for OUR ballet company before it’s too late. The website, balletpalmbeach.org has all the details!

I bumped into David McClymont, the CEO of the Palm Beach Symphony (where he gets his energy is something I would like to know and bottle) who told me Cathie Black and Tom Harvey (two of my favorite people here in town) have every detail nailed down for the Palm Beach Symphony 50th Anniversary Gala being held at the Kravis Center.

Of course, Patrick and Milly Park, Honorary Chairs will plan to be there to usher our symphony into its 51st year in style. I never, ever miss the Palm Beach Symphony Gala is it is sophisticated, elegant and absolutely a joyous evening. Every great city has a symphony orchestra, and we have one of the best who deserves our support!

Tickets and sponsorships are available, and I suspect it will be a full room — check out the detail at palmbeachsymphony.org or give David a call at the symphony office — he is always a boost to your morale!

In my opinion and that of many, many others the grand lady of galas in Palm Beach is the Lady in Red started by my dear friend Lois Pope more years ago than I can remember. We had Lois over to our home one night for dinner and I asked how she does all this with what appears to be so little effort! She told me it’s quite simple, she has a passion for helping people and for our community and boy does she!

This year is the 30th year and the headline is “The Lady in Red Goes Green” as it’s being held on March 17, St. Patrick’s Day at The Breakers! Not only is it the 30th year but she has secured not only Paul Anka but also Jay Leno! Now if that isn’t a double header, I don’t know what is? Where else but Palm Beach could you find two legends on the same stage on the same night?

Well, only Lois could make this happen! Proceeds go to the Pups4Patriots program and the Palm Beach County Food Banks Lois’ Food4Kids program both of which deserve every bit of support!

If you want to know more about this grand evening, give a ring to 561-582-8083! Be there or be green with envy!