Tonight was an amazing evening of drinks, dinner, dancing, donations and devotion. Hubs and I were guests of Sissy and BIL's at a New Orleans style, jazzy fundraising event to benefit CCFA. (Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America) We spent the evening at a beautiful hotel on Hollywood Beach. The festivities began with a cocktail reception featuring some of the most delicious Hors D'Oeuvres ever! There were rice balls, and meatballs with ricotta cheese, rosemary chicken skewers, shrimp cocktail, mufellettas, oysters and more! There was a live orchestra, the boys orchestra from Broward County's University School, (the high school that Bossman attended), from the Nova Campus, (Mr. Gorgeous' school) and there were photographers galore!
At about 8:30 we ventured to the grand ballroom. The evening was transformed into a Big Easy extravaganza. A New Orleans themed affair to the nth degree. A beautiful black and gold room with about 20 tables, each flanked with huge lighted white vases filled with plumes, feathers, sparkles and masquerade masks. We feasted on filet mignon and had handmade decadent desserts from Cloud Nine Cupcakes. OMG. So delicious! Then there was a live auction. Guests bid on a Cartier watch, a David Yurman diamond bracelet, a signed Miami Heat Basketball, Barry Manilow tickets, and various trips, Key West, Aspen, South Beach and more...
After all the delicacies and auction fun, there were awards given and two very special speakers. My BIL and my big neph! BIL did a great job. Said he was getting old and shoulda used a bigger font, cause he couldn't read his notes! But his appeal came from the heart and he did a fabulous job. By far the most amazing address was made by my beautiful nephew. As all my avid blog readers know, my big neph has Crohn's disease. He was diagnosed 8 years ago, when he was only 10. Last night he spoke to the room. His words captured every person' s heart. Not a peep was heard. Nothing but the sound of his beautiful voice echoing throughout the room. Big Neph spoke of his life living with Crohn's. He told us all about his surgeries and his challenges, but the overall sound of his speech was positive and uplifting. He told us he was speaking out on living with Crohn's disease to give hope and promise to others that have been affected with this disease. He shared with us that although he couldn't start college in August as planned, and even though for the most part his "summer was a bummer", he stood before us this evening 30 pounds heavier than only 3 months ago!!! The room was on their feet. He received a standing ovation. He had a positive outlook, as always, and I was never prouder to be related to someone. What a fabulous role model. What a wonderful young man. What a super duper nephew! I love you Bran. I was bursting with pride and love tonight.
It was an elegant, fun, fabulous night!
Here are our generous hosts. Thank you both so much for inviting us to share this wonderful evening with you. Hubs and I had the most fun ever!!!
Here is a centerpiece.
Big Neph speaking
BIL speaking
Middle's friend Nick and Little
Rebecca and Steve
Debbie and Rick
Hubs and Me
No comments:
Post a Comment