Bachannal backers: (in front)John Frezza, Joanne Mancari, Lisa Vander Ploeg, Mike and Amy Kazma, Al and Joni Goldberg, Robin and Charles Deyo, Joyce and Thom DeVita, Susan Whelchel, Mary Csar (in back), Mark Nichols, Kelly Loudermilk, Cynthia McDonough, Timothy Loudermilk, Ed McDonough, Guy LaFerrera, Suzanne Spinner and Mindy Nichols. Photo provided
By Amy Woods
How does a night of wine from around the world, Ferrari and Maserati presentations, a Saks Fifth Avenue fashion display and food stations offering some of South Florida’s finest fare — all within a decked-out aviation hangar — sound?
Organizers of this year’s Bacchanalia, the first of two events kicking off the Boca Raton Historical Society & Museum’s Boca Bacchanal, promise an evening of elegance and excitement, along with an element of surprise.
“We’re working in different types of interactive entertainment,” said Joyce DeVita, the society’s board president. “It’s going to have a whole different feel about it.”
For the past 12 years, Boca Bacchanal has been a three-day event comprising Friday-night vintner dinners in private homes, a Saturday-night auction at the Boca Raton Resort & Club and a Sunday “Grand Tasting” in Mizner Park. The board decided to streamline the activities into two nights — March 27 and 28 — with the goal of boosting attendance.
“Friday [March 27] is combination of Saturday and Sunday in the hangar, in the evening,” DeVita said. “We’re going to be able to accommodate a lot more people.”
Six vintner dinners were planned originally; a seventh has been scheduled. Each will seat between 35 and 50 guests and feature a vintner and chef with national and international pedigrees.
“There’s been a lot of buzz about the Boca Bacchanal because of the changes,” DeVita said. “People are inquiring, so we’re very happy. This is our biggest fundraiser. We really depend on it.”
Adding to the buzz is an appearance by Kathy Lee Gifford, co-host of NBC’s Today. Gifford, under the GIFFT label, has produced two new California wines — a 2012 chardonnay and 2011 red blend.
“We’re really excited to have her as a celebrity,” DeVita said.
As many as 2,000 guests are expected participate in Boca Bacchanal to help generate funds for the society’s programs. Last year, a total of 1,600 guests raised $327,000.
“The programs are expensive,” Boca Raton Historical Society & Museum Executive Director Mary Csar said. “They take a lot of staff time and research.”
Programs include ongoing lectures and tours, two permanent exhibits and two rotating exhibits.
“It’s just very important that we keep these things going,” Csar said. “We’re raising money in the community so we can give back to the community. W e’re all about history, but we’re really about the future of Boca Raton.”
If You Go
What: Boca Bacchanal to benefit the Boca Raton Historical Society & Museum
When: 7 p.m., March 27 and 28
Where: Boca Raton Airport, 3700 Airport Road (Bacchanalia) and private homes throughout the city (vintner dinners)
Cost: $125 for Bacchanalia and $325 for vintner dinners
Information: 395-6766 or bocabacchanal.com
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