Wesley House Annual Valentine’s Gala – a Key West Tradition
Valentine’s Gala co-hosts Edith Amsterdam and June Klausing receive Sir Peter Anderson, Secretary General of the Conch Republic, at a previous Gala. This year, revelers will have the opportunity to register to run for Conch Republic “Royal Family” seats, which benefits the Conch Republic Foster Child Fund.
Wesley House Family Services presents its 31st annual Valentine’s Gala – a Key West tradition – Friday, February 14, 6:30 to 9:30 pm, on and surrounding the elegant grounds of the historic Curry Mansion Inn, 511 Caroline Street.
Gala highlights include abundant dining and libations included in the ticket price. General Admission tickets include open bars by Sloppy Joe’s and Rick’s/Durty Harry’s and complete Southern-inspired Hard Rock Café dinner buffet, featuring pecan crusted chicken, Shrimp Creole over rice, corn, green beans, ambrosia fruit salad, potato salad, rolls and buttermilk biscuits, home-made apple cobbler and ice cream, and pecan pie tart-lets;
VIP admission includes open premium bars, passed hors d’ oeuvres, the full Hard Rock Café dinner buffet and premier table seating close to the performance area.
With splendiferous feasting comes world-class entertainment – nationally acclaimed Trop-Rock entertainer Howard Livingston as Master of Ceremonies, music and dancing with the band Honey Mouth featuring Bubba Low Notes, Raven Cooper & Friends, and a silent auction extravaganza brought to you by Prudential Knight & Gardner Realty with fine and artisan jewelry; artwork; restaurant and lodging gift certificates; health and beauty items; tickets for local recreation and tourist attractions, and many more exciting items all donated by generous supporters of Wesley House.
An annual favorite that draws revelers by the hundreds, the Gala’s purpose is to raise money for multiple Wesley House programs that provide crucial support to child welfare and family preservation throughout the Florida Keys. 100% of proceeds from the 2014 event will benefit the Inez Martin Child Development Center new playground equipment fund and provide financial assistance for foster families in areas that statutory funding does not provide for.
To raise awareness of the organization’s essential role in the community, Mayor Craig Cates has proclaimed February 14 to be Wesley House Valentine’s Day. “Wesley House Family Services wants to develop and encourage a more child caring community,” commented Jeremy Wilkerson, Education Coordinator for Wesley House. “The Valentine’s Gala is a chance for people to gather for food, drinks, and fun while raising money and hope for the foster children of Monroe County.”
Hosted by founding sponsors Edith Amsterdam, Prudential Knight & Gardner Realty and Sloppy Joes Bar and Merchantile, the event is supported by generous contributions from Hard Rock Café, Four Star Rentals, Rick’s/Dirty Harry’s, Hogfish Bar & Grill, Square One Restaurant, Pepsi, Diamond Sponsor Mizel Holdings; Gold Sponsors John M. and Karen Lockwood; Old Town Dental, Richard and Norma Klein and Prudential Knight & Gardner Realty; Silver Sponsor’s Strunk Ace Hardware, Centennial Bank, and many more.
Ticket prices are $ 50 advance general admission, $ 55 general admission at the door and $ 100 reserved VIP seating. Tickets generally sell out in advance, so advance ordering through KeysTix.com is recommended. For more ticket information and locations visit wesleyhouse.org.
Wesley House Family Services is a nationally accredited, county-wide, 501 (c) (3), not-for-profit organization, working with children and families. Throughout the past year, the agency’s services have helped more than 2,600 children and families in Monroe County.