DAVIE, FL -- The air was electric and the scene reminiscent of a superstar concert when more than 350 people attended ROCK the House with YAA!, Young At Art Museum’s 4th-annual Gala. The evening’s headliners Richie Supa (Grammy-winning songwriter and formerly with Aerosmith) and his special guests Hall of Famer Ricky Byrd (guitar, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts), Muddy Shews (bass, Southside Johnny & the Asbury Dukes) and Randi Fishenfeld (violin, Blue Fire Band) brought down the house with an hour-plus set of classic rock & roll and blues.
John DAmico Maya Ezratti Robin Levinson Jodi David Epstein
“When Richie Supa and his friends took the stage, the crowd went wild,” said Mindy Shrago, executive director and CEO of Young At Art Museum. “They helped us to throw the event of the season and we are so grateful to them, our event chairs, event committee, sponsors, guests and everyone who made this evening such a success.”
Co-chaired by David and Jodi Epstein and Ken and Eris Sandler, the star-studded event raised $231,000 for the Museum’s hands-on educational activities, which provide critical support for at-risk youth and families.
Opening for Supa and friends were teen rockers from the local School of Rock who warmed up the audience with covers of well-known rock hits.
Guests also took part in the Fun Photo Op sponsored by Greenspoon Marder, where a set was staged, complete with drums, guitars, mics, and rock fashion accessories, for guests to pose as their own versions of “garage bands.”
The fabulous silent auction included seven exquisite pieces of jewelry by Levinson Jewelers, the exclusive jewelry partner; a stay in Big Sky, Montana; a tropical catamaran charter for 12; an Xbox Bundle; a chef’s dinner for four at Lobster Bar Sea Grill and so much more.
Levinson’s also donated a breathtaking 2.18-carat diamond bow necklace set in white gold for which raffle tickets were sold. Robin Levinson drew the winning ticket and clasped the necklace on proud new owner Christina Ruggiero.
Just before Supa and friends took the stage, Co-chairs David and Jodi Epstein conducted a live auction for a beautifully crafted guitar signed by all four members of the band. This item was so popular that the musicians eagerly signed two more guitars and the trio raised a total of $3,000. Other live auction items included a custom luxury cruise on the Azamara Quest, which went for $7,000 and an exclusive golf experience for three with LPGA star Morgan Pressel, which netted $2,750.
Stunning décor by IKEA Sunrise featured a black and purple rock theme, and fabulous food, cocktails and desserts rounded out the evening.
“We are so grateful to everyone who went above and beyond to take this event over-the-top,” said ROCK the House with YAA! co-chair Eris Sandler. “This gala truly was one-of-a-kind and helped to support arts programs that will reach beyond the Museum’s walls and bring joy and learning to those who need it most in our community.”
ROCK the House with YAA! presenting sponsor The David & Jodi Epstein Family Foundation was joined by additional sponsors including Levinson Jewelers; The Hudson Family Foundation; PNC Wealth Management; Craig Zinn Automotive Group; Hoffman’s Chocolates; BBX Capital; Geenspoon Marder; Leo Goodwin Foundation; SHAPE Foundation; Francie Bishop Good & David Horvitz; Nelly & Brian Rice; JP Morgan Chase; The Marlins Foundation; Andrea & Barry Ridgway; JP Morgan Chase; NACR; SunTrust Foundation; Clifford Viner Foundation; Pierson Grant Public Relations; BankUnited; Advanced Insurance; FPL; Bilzin Sumberg; Jay Spechler & Mindy Shrago; Women’s Health of South Broward; Brad & Diane Weinbrum; Harold & Maria Gubnitsky; ProcessMap; Octagon Family of Recruiting Companies; IKEA Sunrise; Karma Seven Day Spa; Kaizen Beauty Academy; Recovery Unplugged, Jimmy Jam Productions and Toshiba.
Media sponsors included Gulfstream Media Group and Sun Sentinel.
For more information about Young At Art Museum, call 954-424-0085 or visit YoungAtArtMuseum.org.
