18th Annual "An Evening at the Palace" Gala Raises $300,000 for UCP of Central Florida
Online, April 19, 2011 (Newswire.com) - UCP of Central Florida released final details today about their 18th Annual Gala 'An Evening at the Palace' which took place on Saturday, February 26, 2011, at the Buena Vista Palace Hotel & Spa.
Ilene Wilkins, UCP's president and chief executive officer, said that this year's event was one of the organization's most memorable, due in part to the event's theme, Together We Can Remember, where organizers recalled important milestones in the non-profit's 55-year history of service in the Orlando, Florida area. "This year's gala was very special because we turned back the clock and revisited our past," said Wilkins. "Guests were reminded of just how far we've come and how important they are to preserving our future here in Central Florida."
Last year alone, more than 2,400 children and their families received services provided by UCP of Central Florida, said Wilkins. The annual gala helps the organization raise awareness and generates critical funds that are needed to continue their work year after year.
According to event organizers, this year's event raised $300,000 which helps further UCP's commitment to providing the best support, education and therapy to children with and without disabilities in Central Florida. In addition, UCP received approximately $450,000 of in kind donations including all wine & spirits.
"There many sponsors that helped make our 18th Annual Gala a success," said Wilkins.
Event sponsors included Southern Wine & Spirits and Coastal Wine & Spirits (presenting sponsors), and Fishback Dominick (creative sponsor). Production sponsors included ABC Fine Wine & Spirits, Baterbys Art Auction Gallery, Buena Vista Palace Hotel & Spa, Disney, Freeman, PRG, PSAV Presentation Services, and VER.
Ranked by readers of Orlando Magazine as one of the best charity events in the city, "An Evening at the Palace" took guests on a journey back in time to reflect on UCP's telethon which was so popular in the 70s, 80s and 90s. In addition to recreating the old telethon set complete with phone banks and a tote board, the event organizers treated guests to a silent auction featuring more than 200 auction items; complimentary champagne and cocktail service; and a four-course gourmet meal.
Emmy-nominated actress and passionate UCP supporter, Cheryl Hines, as well as local news anchor Bob Frier served as hosts for the event. Variety-style entertainment kept the night full of energy, which was complemented by moving stories of hope from families past and present of UCP.
Special awards were presented to Freeman, the world's leading provider of integrated services for face-to-face marketing events, and also to Ed Bookbinder and John White of Visual Impact Communications, Inc., a video and events productions company that has assisted UCP for over 30 years. Both were honored for their outstanding support and commitment to UCP and the children they serve.
Over the years, "An Evening at the Palace" has grown into a highly anticipated Orlando event-not just for its great food, presentation, and entertainment, but also because of its important purpose. Event organizers are already looking forward to begin planning next year's gala scheduled for March 10, 2012.