SunServe’s gala isn’t until March but they’re already building hype and excitement.
The kickoff party for the Studio: SHINE Gala went down at The Venue on Oct. 26. SunServe’s Executive Director Tony Lima was brimming with excitement.
“What a fantastic way to Kick Off SunServe’s Shine Gala Season than with a party to celebrate our strongest donors and supporters. We’re so thankful to all of those angels out there that make our vital services for our community possible.”
One hundred and sixty people sipped cocktails and munched on appetizers while Velvet Lenore and Aaliyah Jae set the mood with show-stopping performances that accentuated the upcoming gala’s disco theme. Studio: Shine will have a Studio 54 vibe, which means if you plan on attending, start to practice walking in your platform shoes and iron your formal bell-bottom pants now.
The main event is set for March 24, 2023, from 6:30 p.m. to midnight at The Venue in Wilton Manors. Tickets are $175 each and a table is $1750. David Jobin of Our Fund Foundation will be one of the honorees. Other honorees and headliners will be announced soon.
Wilton Manors City Commissioner Chris Caputo is a gala co-chair.
“I was absolutely honored to serve as one of the event co-chairs last year, and I am thrilled to have been asked back this year. Last year, the SunServe SHINE gala was the event of the year, selling out weeks in advance. The gala was incredibly successful in raising both critically needed funds and community awareness for one of our most important LGBTQ non-profits in South Florida.”
A Big Year
The kickoff event coincided with Lima’s one-year anniversary at SunServe and ended with a surprise. After his remarks and presentation, friends and coworkers came on stage and thanked him for his work. A cake with a picture of him and the staff on it was rolled out.
Lima got emotional at the surprise and the love in the air was palpable.
Afterward, Lima said, “We’ve experienced a renaissance over the last year and I’m so proud of the family my team and I have created together. I love them all dearly. They have my back and I have theirs and we are invested in each other's work, in the success of our clients and in our continued growth.”
Tickets for the Studio: SHINE Gala are on sale now at www.SunServe.org/gala.
