Aesop’s Tables at Summer in Paradise in West Palm Beach for charity.

WEST PALM BEACH, FL – July 19, 2017 – Heart and art will meet at the Waterfront on Thursday, August 31, when the City of West Palm Beach takes its final “sip” of summer during Clematis by Night. Summer in Paradise (S.I.P), the annual summer-long promotion of free events, will go out with some good will, as the summer star of the show, Aesop’s Tables, will be auctioned off for charity. Aesop’s Tables is a whimsical art installation of 25 painted picnic tables, with each one depicting one of Aesop’s fables. Each table was painted by a local artist and has been assigned a corresponding charity beneficiary.

A direct tie to Mayor Jeri Muoio’s pledge declaring West Palm Beach as a City of Kindness, the storybook setting provides an opportunity for all to connect, explore local art, share their own stories and enjoy family-friendly activities on the West Palm Beach waterfront. Aesop’s Tables is presented by the City of West Palm Beach Art in Public Places and celebrates the talents of local artists. The tables feature depictions of “The Jay and the Peacock,” “Tortoise and the Hare,” “The Lion and the Mouse,” and more.

“Aesop’s Tables are about connecting the community,” said Mary Pinak, Community Events Manager for the City of West Palm Beach Department of Parks and Recreation. “And the impact so far has been truly inspiring. We have heard from artists, nonprofits, locals, visitors – and even communities in other states that are replicating our idea – that the tables have been the catalyst for new connections, family bonding without tech distractions and as a lifeline to improve cities impacted by the opioid crisis.”

Just as Aesop’s fables have reached across centuries, continents and cultures, Aesop’s Tables invites visitors to enjoy light-hearted lessons, laughter and conversations on the waterfront. The summer-long outdoor art installation made its waterfront debut on Thursday, June 1, 2017 during the S.I.P kickoff at Clematis by Night. Additional programming for the art installation includes nightly music and pop-up performances, storytelling, Wacky Wednesday trivia nights, poetry readings, games and interactive programming.

“While the tables have already been an incredible success, the auction during the Summer in Paradise finale will be an additional opportunity to spread good will – and good fortune - in our community,” continued Pinak. “If you have a cause – or a favorite table – come out! The live auction is sure to be exciting – and for twenty-five great local causes.”

Benefitting nonprofits include: Adopt-A-Family of the Palm Beaches, Inc., American Cancer Society-Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, Autism Speaks, Children Seen and Heard, Cultural Council of Palm Beach County, Dress for Success Palm Beaches, Gulfstream Goodwill Industries, Habitat for Humanity, Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition of Palm Beach County, Legal Aid of Palm Beach County, Inc., Life’s Changes Palm Beach County, Inc., Little Smiles, Meals on Wheels of the Palm Beaches, Nonprofits First, Pathfinders Scholarship Fund, Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League, Quantum House, Resource Depot, Seagull Services, Sister Cities of Delray Beach, Inc., Susan G Komen South Florida, The Arc of Palm Beach County, The Take Heed Theater Company, Inc., United Way of Palm Beach County and Urban Youth Impact.

SUMMER IN PARADISE Sponsors as of date include: City of West Palm Beach Art in Public Places Program, The Palm Beach Post, Palm Beach Daily News, Coca-Cola, West Palm Beach Marriott, WPBF News 25, 97.9 WRMF, 103.1 WIRK, SUNNY 107.9, X 102.3, 850 AM, 640AM, Beatz, Discover the Palm Beaches, Visit Palm Beach, Downtown Development Authority, Northwood Village, the Historic Northwest, the West Palm Beach Community Redevelopment Agency, the Hilton West Palm Beach, Best Western Palm Beach Lakes, All My Sons Moving and Storage, Jet Ride and the Cultural Council of the Palm Beaches. For updates and promotions, like https://www.facebook.com/CityofWPB

More About City of West Palm Beach Summer In Paradise

SUMMER IN PARADISE is a partnership between The City of West Palm Beach, the West Palm Beach Community Redevelopment Agency, the West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority, Visit Palm Beach, Northwood Village, Historic Northwest Neighborhood, the Cultural Council of Palm Beach County and Discover the Palm Beaches showcasing West Palm Beach as an international destination full of events, activities, art, entertainment and fun. Summer in Paradise collectively includes 90 days of nonstop events and happenings in the Northwest Neighborhood, Northwood Village and Downtown West Palm Beach starting June 1, 2017 through the end of August.