Some parties become legends.  The Palm Beach Wine Auction already is.

As a veteran of spectacular galas during Palm Beach’s golden era, I carry in my head a readily accessible template for a winning gala.  

It includes:  

An Inviting setting---all the beauty and ambience you can possibly muster.

Interested and involved people---individuals with a passion for what they’re doing who come to a party ready to have fun.

An original and carefully planned menu---safe and middle-of-the-road just won't cut it!

Wines that impress---and it doesn't hurt when you have the entire world from which to choose.

Last but not least…

A worthy mission.  Nothing means much unless it's contributing to a greater good.  

The Palm Beach Wine Auction for the Kravis Center scores top marks in all these categories.

Palm Beach Wine Auction Uncorks Another Winning Event

Returning in style for its third year, once again this knock-your-socks-off event will play to a packed house as top echelon wine collectors, lifelong connoisseurs and those new to wine acquisition co-mingle, reconnect, and socialize in the haute elegance of the five star Breakers Hotel.

The excitement begins with a convivial gathering in the Tapestry Bar where the conversation and champagne flow freely.  It's apparent, the appreciation of fine wines attracts those with similar qualities---people who know how to luxuriate in the moment and fully appreciate a unique experience.

Then there's the ensuing grand entrance to the breathtaking Circle Room, and the five-course wine dinner paired with hand-selected wines from all over the world including France and coveted, hard-to-find boutique wines from California.  

The live wine auction takes place throughout the dinner and includes wines presented during the evening as well as world-renowned and highly rated wines from California and elsewhere.

And, of course, it's all for the benefit of the award-winning education programs at the Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts.  The past two wine auction events have added a total of over a half million dollars in revenue for this extremely worthwhile program.

I found the Palm Beach Wine Auction a far cry from run-of-the mill charity functions. It was fun and fully engrossing.  Unlike some other charity events where attendees bolt for the door once the scheduled program is over, guests happily lingered to enjoy themselves well after the last gavel fell.

The Palm Beach Wine Auction is an unbelievable opportunity to wine and dine in a sumptuous environment, purchase unbelievable wine values, and walk away with the satisfaction of knowing you're doing something to improve the lives of young people throughout the Palm Beaches.

Nearly a hundred percent returning guests bolstered by what is certain to be highly favorable word-of-mouth ensure that this year's event scheduled for February 16th will attract record numbers, so be sure to make your reservations now.

The Palm Beach Wine Auction
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
6:30 p.m. - Reception
7:30 p.m. - Dinner and Live Auction
The Circle Room at the Breakers Palm Beach
Contact the Kravis Center at (561) 651-4320 or visit www.kravis.org

The vision behind the Palm Beach Wine Auction

Ted Mandes, Kravis board member and chairman and founder of the Palm Beach Wine Auction, was fortunate enough to grow up in an environment where music appreciation was a way of life.  Everyone in his family was expected to master a musical instrument, and if they had the vocal skills for it, learn to sing.  

At age nine Ted took violin lessons, and it paid off with time and practice, propelling him to the position of concert master.  In the singing realm, his rich voice lent itself nicely to performing in the choir leading him to study operatic voice for four years as an elective in college.  Ted points to  a school-sponsored invitation to attend a performance of world-renowned Eugene Ormandy's Philadelphia Orchestra for opening his eyes to the wider world of music.  

It is this same desire "to share the cultural wealth" with a new generation of young people which motivated Ted to found the Palm Beach Wine Auction as a fund-raising arm for the Kravis Center's youth programs.   

The organization's mission statement says it all: "To improve the educational experience of our youth today is not merely a cause, but an on-going obligation". Ted adds that..."It will not only enrich young people's lives, but eventually it will affect how they interface with society."

Ted is not the only one in his family who is involved in youth oriented causes.  Ted's wife Cindy takes an active role in and co-chairs the very successful Christmas Boutique at the Royal Poinciana Chapel in Palm Beach. She also sits on the board of the KIND Foundation. Both charities help fund education.

The Palm Beach Wine Auction

For information or reservations, please contact the Kravis Center at (561) 651-4320 or visit www.kravis.org.

Reviewer David Hamilton is a long-time resident of Palm Beach and the brother of well-tanned movie actor George Hamilton.

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