Fundraiser planed at Bay Preserve in Osprey, with Michael’s on East catering
In celebration of its 20th anniversary, the Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast is introducing Party in Paradise, an updated take on a cocktail party that will begin at 5:30 pm on Saturday, Feb. 3, at the not-for-profit land trust’s historic headquarters, Bay Preserve at Osprey, the Foundation has announced.
The address is 400 Palmetto Ave. (34229), a news release notes.
Event proceeds will support the Conservation Foundation’s mission, which is to protect Southwest Florida’s land and water for the benefit of people and nature, the release adds.
Cornelia Matson will be the honorary chair.
“Party in Paradise is going to be unlike anything our community has seen before,” said Sam Valentin, the Foundation’s director of marketing and events, in the release. “We are celebrating our 20th anniversary, so we wanted to do something extra special,” she explained. “We are very excited to host this unique new fundraiser to save more land and protect our own Southwest Florida paradise before it’s too late.”
“Consisting of several distinct spaces, Party in Paradise is sure to offer an engaging experience for all,” the release continues. “Those looking to dance the night away will enjoy the upbeat sounds of Deleon Band in the tented Island Dream Disco,” the release adds. The Golden Hour Lounge will offer “a more intimate, laid-back experience with a backdrop of Little Sarasota Bay.”
Premium placement VIP sponsor tables — centrally located in the primary event space — “ensure quick and easy access to all the party has to offer,” the release points out.
“Catered by Michael’s On East, Party in Paradise will feature a variety of culinary delights, including passed hors d’oeuvres and rotating food stations inspired by tropical destinations near and far,” the release says. A dedicated dessert hour will be featured, the release notes, making certain that “no sweet tooth is left unsatisfied!”
Additionally, the release says, local distiller “Siesta Key Rum is generously donating rum for the signature cocktails and will host a rum-tasting bar in the Golden Hour Lounge during the event.”
Further, to help raise funds, the release notes, “partygoers will have the opportunity to purchase one-of-a-kind experiences in nature, and a fun and fast-paced paddle raise will take place following a brief program,” which is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
The event will end at 10:30 p.m., the release adds, “but that doesn’t mean the fun has to stop!” The Conservation Foundation’s neighbor, Evie’s on the Bay — located at 135 Bayview Drive in Osprey (34229) — will be staying open late to host the Party in Paradise After Party at its Tiki Bar. For guests’ convenience, a trolley will shuttle interested attendees from Bay Preserve to Evie’s on the Bay at the conclusion of Party in Paradise.
Tickets and sponsorships for Party in Paradise are available “and going fast,” the release says. General admission tickets are for unassigned, open seating, the release explains. High-tops, cocktail tables and lounge seating will be available throughout the event space.
To learn more, secure tickets and sponsorships, or to view the tropical glam meets modern disco Pinterest attire inspiration board, visit conservationfoundation.com/paradise.
Individual tickets are $300 each; however, the Conservation Foundation is offering a $50 discount to young professionals under the age of 40. To secure discounted young professional tickets, call 941-918-2100.