Salvation Army gala recalls the golden age of Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach
The first chatelaine of Mar-a-Lago was remembered and honored at a dinner dance to benefit the Salvation Army of Palm Beach County.
The Paradise Ball took place Dec. 10 at the Mar-a-Lago Club and, in addition to the homage to Marjorie Merriweather Post, also honored the 100th anniversary of the Salvation Army in Palm Beach County.
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Author and interior decorator Holly Holden was chairwoman for the white-tie evening, which began poolside with cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, and a performance by a team of synchronized swimmers.
After cocktails and a splash or two, guests made their way to the Grand Ballroom, passing life-size standup photos of the ball's past chairwomen.
The ballroom was decorated in keeping with the night's pink theme, with pink cherry trees flanking the dance floor, pink lighting, and tables set in pink and gold, centered with high and low glass vases filled with white orchids and pink and white flowers.
The chairwoman spoke briefly, noting that the centennial of the Salvation Army coincided with the 100th anniversary of Mrs. Post's purchase of the land where Mar-a-Lago would rise. She also recognized honorary chairwomen Lady Henrietta Spencer Churchill and Emma Manners, the Duchess of Rutland.
Salvation Army Maj. James Hall and his wife, Maj. Leisa Hall, also spoke, updating guests on the future of the changing Salvation Army.
The night continued with dinner, square dancing (yep, just like the Post days), a live auction and dancing to the music of Equinox. More than 400 people attended the gala, which raised more than $1 million for the Salvation Army of Palm Beach County.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Daily News: Society: Gala recalls the golden age of Mar-a-Lago, but with mermaids
