Infusion Palm Beach

On Friday, January 30th, the first Infusion Palm Beach presenting The Blues Brothers Revue was held at the beautiful Borland Theatre, part of The Borland Center for Performing Arts in Palm Beach Gardens. This year’s event was to benefit Seagull Services and was presented by Douglas C. Lane & Associates. Douglas C. Lane and Associates underwrote the event allowing all profits from the evening to go directly to Seagull Services. Our Masters of Ceremonies for the evening, Jennifer and Bill, were brought to us by Sunny 107.9, Media Sponsors for the event. They introduced the audience to President and CEO, Barbara Nurenberg, who gave the audience a look into Seagull Services.
For the past 35 years, Seagull Services has worked to assist adults and students with various disabilities to find jobs, fulfillment, and success in their lives through their Charter School, Residential Services, and Skills-building Services. As I learned from discussing the organization with President and CEO, Barbara Nurenberg, what started out as a few parents meeting in a church basement has developed into a much larger organization benefiting more than 325 people throughout the greater Palm Beach County area.

Once the audience was able to learn more about Seagull Services and how Infusion Palm Beach was going to assist in carrying on their mission, the audience was turned over to The Blues Brothers Revue and the entertainment began. The band playing that evening was from the Original Blues Brother Revue at Universal Studios and they were bringing the audience alive. The show was entertaining and interactive as Jake and Elwood Blues involved the audience in their show. Each member of the audience was given a black pair of sunglasses on the way in to feel like they were part of the show. One particular audience member, Edgar from Peru, was chosen to perform a kick-line and song with the brothers as an “Honorary Blues Brother” for the night.

The most touching part of the evening for me took place during intermission when we were able to go upstairs to participate in the silent auction and browse pieces for sale. The pieces upstairs were completed by adults in the Seagull Art Program directed by Shelagh Dufault. Most of the artists had never even picked up a paintbrush before. There were refinished chairs painted with themes such as a little black dress and the ocean, as well as scarves, painted canvas, and framed art. My friend with whom I was there with that evening won a painted musical themed chair. I could not help but purchase a hand painted silk scarf.

Co-Chairs Cathy Ford and Laura Fowler, as well as the rest of the event committee, staff and friends of Seagull Services, put together a great evening for a great cause. I am very much looking forward to attending their next Infusion Palm Beach Event. To learn more about Seagull Services, please visit their website at www.Seagull.org.