The Cherry Grove Community Association, Inc. (CGCAI) threw its first lavish benefit party of the summer at Craig Eberhardt and Julian Darcelien’s whimsical dream palazzo Belvedere Guest House on July 9. “Carnival in Venice” was the theme; expenses were entirely underwritten by Craig and Julian; and the event benefited the Save Our Community House campaign, raising $30,000. Refreshments were by SHK Catering.
Singer Lavinia Draper was the guest performer, who gave us “One Night Only,” from “Dreamgirls;” Amy Winehouse’s “Valerie;” Linda Eder and Frank Wildhorn’s “Big Time;” an original song “Hold Me,” treating us to a preview of Lavinia and Lynn Portas’ show “Five Minutes, Miss Draper …,” at the Community House, thanks to the Arts Project of Cherry Grove, on July 23 at 8 p.m.; Queen’s “Somebody to Love,” as a sing-along and with an operatic high note near the end; and Kander and Ebb’s “But the World Goes ’Round,” also a sing-along.

photos by Bruce-Michael Gelbert

(left top- Julian & Craig, left lower-Lavinia), YaNeeda, Beach, Marco & CJ

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Responding to the theme and the suggestion “inspired attire encouraged,” the 150 attendees came as festive maskers; elegant brocade-robed aristocrats; imposing dignitaries; gondoliers—and a gondola; and Venetian blinds. In a costume contest, Nicki, as a blind Venetian, beat out Lola and Maria for best individual, while Sue Panzer and Angela Smith, classically garbed, were deemed best couple, winning over the gondola boys, Chris Lacovara and Sam Green, CJ Mingolelli and Marco Herrera, and Beach DeBree and YaNeeda Dunes.
Later in the season, on August 13, from 6 to 9 pm, join Sam and Chris at their home Blueberry Hill, on Aeon Walk, for CGCAI benefit “A New Star Is Born.”

photos by Bruce-Michael Gelbert

(left top-DonnaPiranha,DianeRomano&LoganHard, left lower-Chris & Sam), Petra & Rick & friends

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