The Windy Hill Casablanca was a night to remember on November 23 at Salamander Resort & Spa. Greeted by the Honorary Chairs, Howard and Gloria Armfield, guests arrived at “Rick’s Café” to the sounds of Randy Martono of The Community Music School of the Piedmont playing the piano with tunes from Casablanca. Guest enjoyed cocktails and conversation, then entered the tent, adorned with white lanterns and tropical centerpieces. The auction was lively this year with the crowd getting off to a roaring start with not one but two “pop that vintage French champagne” bottles auctioned off and the auction went wild from there with gorgeous Elizabeth Locke earrings, trips to Morocco, Jamaica, Turks & Caicos as well as fun entertainment packages closer to home. The Raise the Paddle, the heart of the event, was also a great success surpassing last year’s donations.
This year the paddle raise donations will go toward the education fund, and specifically, a new initiative called “From Nest to Wings”. This new program for the youngest of Windy Hill residents will offer families a chance to pursue critical early childhood education for their pre-school age children. The hope is that by removing barriers such as attendance fees, transportation issues, and other obstacles, these children will be able to access early education that will make a lasting impact on their future. The scholarship funds for graduating students will also continue. After the auction, guests entered the ballroom, with a Moroccan inspired décor with tents, lanterns and gorgeous jewel-toned floras and fruit displays. Amazing larger than life palms adorned the walls. It was a special evening for Doc Scantlin and His Imperial Palms Orchestra as this was the final performance for Doc as the bandleader. He handed the baton to his wife, Chou Chou. Guests danced the night away to the orchestra and the swing songs of Doc Scantlin.
The event reached its fundraising goal for the Windy Hill Foundation. Executive Director Bob Dale notes “This fundraising gala is so well supported by our community. From sponsors to auction pledges, we are fortunate to live in a community that supports the programs and services of Windy Hill. We are especially excited to launch the new initiative “From Nest to Wings” which will hopefully make a positive, lasting impact on the youngest of Windy Hill residents.” The Gala Committee is already planning next year’s event and here’s a hint…Buckingham Palace will be rocking!
The Gala wouldn’t happen without the tremendous support from our community sponsors! Thank you to everyone who sponsored this year’s event! Read the program here: WH-Gala-Program-2019-Web
Be sure to see all the great photo moments from the event from the Tapsnap DC photo booth! and from Middleburg Eccentric photographer Nancy Milburn Kleck Photography, LLC Windy Hill Gala 2019 Gallery
