WEST PALM BEACH, FLA. (April 25, 2024) – The West Palm Beach Library Foundation’s Yacht Cruise and Dream Auction was a tremendous success, according to Board Chair Steve Mayans, taking the event to the next level.

Chief Executive Officer Dean Dimke said that this was a record-setting year for the fundraising event, still in its infancy. “We more than doubled attendance and proceeds from last year’s Yacht Cruise and Dream Auction, thanks largely to the selfless efforts and seamless planning of Co-Chairs Dr. Mary Ann DuPont and Daphne Nikolopoulos,” remarked Dimke. Laura and Jordan Rathlev were Grand Honorary Co-Chairs.

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Co-Chair Daphne Nikolopoulos stated that “I am so honored to have had a role in raising significant funds for the Library Foundation, an organization I am so proud to be involved with and support. This success couldn’t have been achieved without the involvement and help of my Co-Chair, Dr. Mary Ann DuPont, and our wonderful event committee. Our committee members were recruited from different interests throughout Palm Beach County, who sought out an amazing array of unique auction experiences.” She gave a big shout-out to the committee that included Max and Joseph McNamara, Jules Aron, Sebastian Clarke and Katherine van Dell, Katherine Lande and Kevin Condon, Gaby Viteri, Deborah Koepper, Petra Levin, Emily Pantelides, Terry Duffy, Tina Munroe, Sean Rush, Stephanie Gates, Angela Reynolds, Deborah Koepper, Mish Tworkowski, Michael and Theresa Drapkin, Lindsay Autry and David Sabin, Skye Sherman and Aaron Nosbisch.

 

The fundraising event was held Saturday, April 20, 2024, 2 to 5 p.m., aboard the Grand Princess as it cruised along the Intracoastal Waterway. The afternoon began with guests perusing the more than 40 luxury Silent Auction packages on Deck Three, while enjoying cocktails and passed hors d’oeuvres that included Vegetable Spring Rolls, Sweet Thai Chili Sauce; Coconut Crusted Chicken Tenders with Pineapple Mango Salsa; Spanakopita, Spinach & Feta Cheese in Phyllo; and Chimichurri Beef Skewers. Guests then adjourned to Deck Two to enjoy a lunch buffet featuring Caesar’s Salad, Slow Roasted Top Sirloin served with Natural Au Jus and Creamy Horseradish Sauce, and a White Fish Filet with Sweet Chili Sriracha Sauce.

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A brief program began with welcoming remarks from CEO Dean Dimke and Board Chair Steve Mayans. Co-Chair Daphne Nikolopoulos had the honor of introducing Sebastian Clarke, a veteran auctioneer and appraiser who frequently appears on Antiques Roadshow, to preside over the Live Auction of exclusive experiences. Live Auction packages included a Six-Month Wine Club Membership at West Palm Wine Company; a one-hour private polo lesson with Nacho Figueras and another with Hope Arellano; a Coffee Klatch with best-selling author James Patterson; Sheriff for A Day with Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office; Mish Fine Jewelry’s 18k gold Hibiscus Earrings with South Sea pearls; and a trip for two with front row seats at the Badgley Mischka fashion show during NY Fashion Week!

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A Call to Heart followed the Live Auction and Dr. Mary Ann DuPont’s inspiring message of thanks to those attending, raising $2,300 for the Mandel Public Library’s Summer Learning and Reading Program funded through the Library Foundation. Proceeds from the Yacht Cruise and Dream Auction will support the Library Foundation’s mission to fund the programs, services, and resources of the Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach, making them accessible to the community at absolutely no cost.

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For more information about the event, click here and for information on the WPB Library Foundation, click here.