MICHELLE C.

Every single year I am more and more amazed at this event. How can they top a previous year? For seven year's we have gone to this amazing event for charity. The event benefits SOS Children's Village, Florida Special Olympics, and US Marines Toys for Kids. Last year they raised $425K, impressive. This event is $500 per person, well worth it. The Gala is in the Grand Ballroom, where every year they have a different theme. From the moment you pull up to valet, everything is so perfectly organized and executed. Honestly, it makes you feel like you are at the Grammy's. Always a very long carpet at the entrance where you walk in the long corridor. Once inside the large room is lined with auction items, bars both with spirits, wine and Champagne. When we walked into the ballroom, wow I could not believe my eye's. I looked at hubby and said "how is this possible?" Live performers on stages throughout each corner and the main stage. Gorgeous silver silky table clothes and napkins with bling decor as table tops. Lights falling from the ceiling with crystals hanging. Words can not describe the intensity of all the beauty and glamour that surrounded us. Around the entire perimeter was table after table of food. Oh my, more food than you can ever imagine, shrimp, sushi, beef, lamb, oysters, lobster, steak, clam chowder, salads, pizza, oh so many items to choose from. They never run out of food, it is crazy how they continue refilling all of the food which is fresh, hot and awesome tasting. Every single item I had was so good. The quality of the food is impeccable. Then off to the side is another two very large rooms with nothing but desserts. Candy, cookies, cakes, pies, jello, gourmet popcorn, a huge bar set up for milkshakes and sundae's. A coffee station. Geez, you could have gained twenty pounds just looking at these delightful creations. After the live auction, the music starts and they have professional dancers to get the crowd going. This year was so nice, everyone wanted to dance. Music was great, the DJ was spinning some great hip hop tunes. I saw a few gorgeous dresses that some ladies had on then of course you get the major gaudy, what were you thinking cocktails dresses and evening gowns. This is by far my favorite event to come to every single year, not only is it for a great cause, I have never seen so much talent and design so beautifully executed. Professional, gorgeous, organized, wow I can not say enough about how much fun this event is. Jay Di Pietro, the chairman and organizer, you outdo yourself. You obviously have an incredible staff, you are one of the most pleasant men, your wife is beautiful and such a delight to have met. Much thanks again for such a memorable evening of pure perfection at it's best! We look forward to next year.