The Friends of V.I. National Park’s seventh annual gala is set for Feb. 5, but anyone planning to attend has only until Jan. 31 to make a reservation.
“Have some fun for a good cause,” Friends Development Director Heather Ruhsam said.
The gala is hosted by Cheryl and Dave McDaniel at their Fish Bay, St. John villa, Butterfly Beach. The gala begins at 6 p.m. with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and steel pan music. Tickets are $200 each.
An evening of wining, dining and dancing under the stars will follow. Music will be by Lemuel Callwood.
According to Ruhsam, some of the dancing will be on the grass, so she suggested people wear appropriate shoes. Attire is island fancy.
Tickets to the Friends raffle will be sold at the gala and in advance. The evening also includes a silent auction.
Raffle prizes include a weekend in St. Thomas that includes a stay at Marriott Frenchman’s Reef Beach Resort, tickets to the ballet and dinner out, dining packages on St. John, a guy’s day out that includes fishing, lunch and drinks afterwards, and a “ladies who lunch” package that includes lunch and shopping.
Ruhsam added that a variety of artwork and jewelry will also be available.
Shuttle service will be provided from The Westin Resort and Villas. (Attendees are instructed to park on the villa side of the resort). The shuttle will also meet ferries arriving at the Cruz Bay ferry dock from St. Thomas at 6:20 and 7:20 p.m.
Money raised from the auction will go to support Friends and assist the organization in continuing its work on behalf of V.I. National Park. Last year’s gala brought in $20,000, Ruhsam said.
Tickets are available at Connections and the Friends of the Park Store or by calling Friends at 779-4940. Raffle tickets, which are $25 each or five for $100, may be purchased in advance at the same locations.
