The Betsy Hotel, La Fenice Prosecco, Leatrice Damus, Maria-Rosa Lopez-Munoz & Barbara Reese hosted a Swanky evening of cocktails and hors d’oeuvres at the downstairs B-bar of the The Betsy on South Beach on October 5th, to celebrate the wonderful benefactors snd underwriters of the upcoming 59th Annual Young Patronesses of the Opera Gala “Hat Spats & Pearls… A Toast to the Roaring 20’s.” Guests received a favor of Satin Glow Gold dust by Prestige Cosmetics to carry the sparkle of the evening with them.

The annual YPO Gala – now in its 59th year – is considered among Miami’s oldest and most prestigious black tie affairs. This elegant soiree, organized by Lisa Wheeler, President of YPO and Gala Chairs Laurel Auerbacher, Amal Kabbani, Patty Scerpella, Lori Thomas and Lise-Marie Wertanzl, will feature a silent auction, live entertainment, dancing, and a three-course meal to raise funds for YPO’s music education programs.

The Gatsby-style party will evoke the excitement of the era and many spirited YPO members and guests will forego traditional ball gowns and black-tie for imaginative designs which reflect the era of flappers, starlets, gangsters and aristocrats. During a cocktail hour guests will enjoy an inspired silent auction, followed by dinner, dancing to the 8-piece band, Manhattan Music, and entertainment by the internationally-acclaimed singers Poperazzi.

Founded almost 60 years ago in 1955, YPO is a volunteer group of 100 dedicated women who advocate for music and opera education to children in South Florida. Proceeds raised at Hat Spats and Pearls will be used to fund 100% of YPO’s music and opera educational programs. Every year, YPO presents a workshop for more than 500 Girl Scouts, and a professional development Teacher Workshop on opera in the classroom for Miami-Dade and Broward County teachers. YPO also brings professional children’s opera performances to more than 30,000 elementary students annually. This year, YPO will expand its musical outreach program to children who are hospitalized. In addition, YPO also presents a national voice competition for aspiring young opera singers. This year it is slated for April 16-18 at the colony Theatre on Miami Beach.

For Tickets, sponsorship and underwriting information for Hats Spats and Pearls, please contact Lisa Wheeler at President@ypo-miami.org or at 305-794-1761.

Photography by Betty Alvarez

 

Photography by Betty Alvarez