Life's 28th Annual "Lady In Red" Gala Review

PALM BEACH, FL – January 14, 2022 – The moment I woke up and before I even put on my makeup, my stomach was full of butterflies. That was the night I would be attending the LIFE's 28th annual “Lady in Red” gala held at the historic Breakers resort in Palm Beach, FL. The proceeds of this noteworthy gala are to benefit “Pups4Patriots” at American Humane and “Lois’ Food4Kids” at Palm Beach County Food Bank.

The evening commenced at 6:00 pm and as the guests sipped on cocktails, the Palm Beach Symphony played classical music and show tunes. The Venetian ballroom was a spectacle of people dressed up in their finery, wearing all shades of red and glitzy attire. The guests looked as if they were waltzing to the symphony’s music as they mingled their way around the ballroom with grace and sophistication.

At 7pm, guests were led to the dining room, which was glowing in candlelight, gold accents and glorious flower arrangements. It felt so magical, I could barely contain my excitement to see who I would be seated next to. The energetic Danny Beck band performed as I took my seat next to a wonderful couple from New York. The lady was an established editor and her husband a doctor. 

Our conversation was fluid, intriguing and very entertaining. Lois Pope, founder and president of LIFE and one of America’s leading philanthropists, took the stage to talk about the charities that are set to benefit from the gala and to introduce the entertainment for the evening.

The food, drinks and conversation were a great summary to this fabulous night that was just about to enter another dimension as celebrated husband-and-wife duo, Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis, Jr. from the acclaimed 5th Dimension, took to the stage. They were nothing short of marvelous, dancing around with such vivacity as if they were in their 20’s. They were pitch perfect as they sang such hit songs like, Up, Up and Away and Aquarius. I felt exhausted and exhilarated just watching them, and I could see all the guests felt the same as I scanned the room.

Next up was the comedian Rita Rudner whose quick wit and hysterical society observations had people red faced with laughter. Her sketch was delivered with not one curse word and no cheap shots, a true professional that left her audience wanting more.

There was a brief break, and it was time for the final entertainer. The anticipation in the room was electric as five-time Grammy award winner, Dionne Warwick stepped onto the stage. In a glitzy pale blue gown, she looked every bit a star. At the tender age of 81, she delivered her songs in the only way that Dionne Warwick can: classy and with a smoothness so velvety, she wrapped the audience in the comfort of hits like, Anyone Who Had a Heart, Walk on By and I’ll Never Fall in Love Again.

It was getting late, and this working mom had to get home before I had that extra glass of wine. This action would undoubtably lead me to forget setting the alarm for the school run. So, reluctantly I said my goodbyes to my newfound friends and exited the ballroom to Dionne singing That’s what Friends are For. As I walked through the Breakers Renaissance Revival style corridors in all its Flagler glory, Dionne’s smooth voice carried me to the grand doors of the hotel. I smiled and said a little prayer for the kindhearted philanthropists who again helped raise money for these worthy causes and put on one heck of a show for all who attended.

Chairs of the gala are Lois Pope, Dr. Robin Ganzert, and Marti LaTour. Grand Honorary Chair is Christine Lynn and Honorary Chairs are Gail Worth and Frank Orenstein. Co-Chairs are Holly and David Dreman, Connie Frankino, Suzi Goldsmith, Patrick and Milly Park, and Suzie Sayfie. Inspirational Chair is Tova Leidesdorf and Entertainment Chair, Sunny Sessa.

Corporate Ambassadors are Valentino; Ambassador Realty Corp.; Van Cleef & Arpels; Walter J. Schwenk, AAMS, managing director and investment officer, Wells Fargo Advisors; and Gladys & Sy Ziv Foundation, Ronald S. Kochman, President.