The Young at Art Children’s
Museum hosted its fifth annual Young at Heart gala on May 2 at the Design
Center of the Americas (DCOTA) in Dania Beach.
The DCOTA, which houses boutiques and studios
of some of the Americas’ most skilled designers, served as a reminder
of the possibilities the arts can offer children, an inspired location
for the museum’s annual fund-raiser.
Silent auction items tantalized guests as they
entered the DCOTA, introduced to a grand atrium that rose several stories.
In the atrium, guests put in their bids and mingled in conversation
with cocktails in hand. Around 8 p.m., the guests wandered down a long
corridor to another atrium, this one with more subdued lighting, tables
decked with tall centerpieces that included colorful, oversized Etch-a-Sketch
and crayon recreations (perhaps you had to be there to appreciate the
clever centerpieces).
Eris Sandler, of SouthTrust Bank and treasurer
of Young at Art, spoke of the museum’s accomplishments and future
plans and introduced all the board members before handing the program
over for the live auction. The live auction offered – and sold
rather competitively – many trips, works of art, VIP tickets to
ball games, and – the most selfless auction item – art classes
for a child living in a homeless shelter.
Among the artists whose work was up for bid were
Romero Britto, LEBO and George Rodrigue. Among the featured items of
the night, a 10- or 11-night cruise on the Caribbean for two, donated
by Celebrity Cruise Lines, went for $3,500.
The Funkabilly Playboys provided the musical
entertainment, and guests stayed until well after the bidding ended
to dance to the band’s eclectic selection of cover tunes.
Major sponsors for the gala included the Leo Goodwin
Foundation and Craig Zinn Automotive Group.
The Young at Art Children’s Museum is in
Davie, at 11584 State Road 84. General admission is $5, seniors (62
and older) can visit for $4.50, and children under two get in at no
cost as do museum members. There are group rates available. [Dated material,
do not use for reference.]
The museum is open Monday through Saturday from
10 a.m. till 5 p.m., and Sunday from 12 p.m. till 5 p.m. Its web site
is www.YoungatArtMuseum.org
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