The Emerald City Gala” Benefiting Young Patronesses of the Opera at The Four Seasons Brickell

Photography by World Red Eye on November 12th, 2022 in Galas, Lifestyle

Miami, FL – November 12, 2022 – More than 200 opera lovers and philanthropists walked down the yellow brick road into the magical world of OZ for the Young Patronesses of the Opera’s 67th annual fundraiser, “The Emerald City Gala,” at the Four Seasons Hotel Miami. After passing through the tornado tossed home that killed the Wicked Witch of the East, guests were met by a towering Glinda on stilts as they were sent down a 300-foot yellow brick road to the Emerald City. Attendees were treated to cocktails donated by Bacardi and sparkling wine donated by South Beach Wine as they bid on exquisite silent auction items. As they followed the yellow brick road into the ballroom, they found tables adorned with emerald wrap candelabras and lush green florals. Guests were also greeted by a flying monkey who gave an acrobatic performance on an emerald lit diamond. The fantastical décor and entertainment were imagined by Michele Reese Events. Guests danced the night away to the sounds of the Marica Mitchell Band and enjoyed two surprise performances by rising stars Annalise Wolfangerwho sang Somewhere Over the Rainbow, and Veronica Seibert, a recent YPO Voice Competition Finalists, who wowed the crowd with her renditions of Defying Gravity and The Wizard and I. YPO Co-Presidents, Laurel Auerbacher and Debby Magenheimer, presided over the night’s Gala Chairs – Renae Page, Kristyn Schwartz, Nancy Schwartz, and Ilene Zweig.

The funds raised for the gala support YPO’s opera educational programs that reach 20,000 school children every year in South Florida through YPO’s in-school opera program. Young Patronesses of the Opera would like to thank its sponsors, Ussery Automotive Group, Trish and Dan Bell, Swanee and Paul DiMare, The Morris and Anita Broad Philanthropic Foundation, The Wilder Foundation, Maurice’s Jewelers, Bacardi, American Queen Voyages, South Beach Wine, SeaDream Yacht Club, Royal Caribbean International, Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits, and The GreenwellFamily Foundation.