The Pink Diamond Affair Gala
Benefitting The Young Patronesses of the Opera, the "Rendezvous at the Paris Opéra ~ The Pink Diamond Affair Gala" at the Ritz Carlton Coconut Grove was an absolute 'Triomphe!'
The Young Patronesses of the Opera’s Rendezvous at the Paris Opéra ~ The Pink Diamond Affair Gala at the Ritz Carlton Coconut Grove was an absolute Triomphe! Gala Chairs Maria Fernandez Gomez, Lisa Coots, and Jae Lofton, along with their dedicated gala committee, orchestrated an evening of unparalleled elegance, weaving together music, singing, and dance to support the noble cause of raising funds for opera music programs and education. This enchanting night of music will undoubtedly linger in our memories for years to come. Even the iconic Phantom of the Opera made a surprise appearance and treated attendees to a show-stopping performance.
The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Coconut Grove ballroom underwent a stunning transformation into a replica of the opulent Palais Garnier Opera House in Paris. Bathed in pink and jewel tones, crystal candelabras, roses, opulent three-foot-tall gold tower tablescapes, enormous chandeliers, and stunning immersive LED visual stage displays. Guests were transported to the City of Lights, showcasing iconic Paris landmarks including the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, and Notre Dame Cathedral, all courtesy of Galaxy Productions.
The Pink Diamond Affair sparkled not only with artistry, but also with philanthropy, embodying a celebration of arts and culture. Heartfelt thanks go to everyone who supported the gala, with special gratitude to Benefactors Trish and Dan Bell, Swanee Dimare, and Miami-Dade County Commissioners. Sponsors and donors included the Dunspaugh-Dalton Foundation, Gaston Lifestyles Magazine, ShepardBroad Foundation, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, Negril Tree House Resort, South Beach Wine, LLC, Amal Solh Kabbani, The Powell Family Foundation, Excel AG, Home Financing Center, Mercedes Benz of Coral Gables, and Starbucks.
Esteemed YPO President Lisa Hogan dedicated the year to centering on expanding accessibility to music education to all, including autistic and neuro-diverse children, while championing the creative and diverse community of composers, singers, and music educators. The year’s Executive Board officers are Marta Alfonso, Anna Fateeva, Maria Elena Perez, Beverley Cardona, and Bea Schmied.
About YPO
The Young Patronesses of the Opera is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to cultivate, promote, foster, sponsor, educate and develop the taste, understanding and love of opera in our community. YPO’s programs supplement the diminishing musical arts programs in schools and expose youth to opera and classical music to ensure the appreciation of these arts thrive in future generations. www.ypo-miami.org
