Letter: Chamber Thanks WinterFest Supporters

The Wellington Chamber of Commerce is delighted to announce another smashing success. WinterFest 2014 with Vanilla Ice drew record crowds on Dec. 6 and thrilled the audience with the best of performers, emcees and many surprises.

Presented by the Wellington Chamber of Commerce, Equestrian Sport Productions, the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center, Grand Champions Polo Club and ChukkerTV, the event provided a lineup of holiday performances, phenomenal food vendors, holiday shopping, business and service vendors, a visit from Santa and snow. Local celebrity musical sensation, philanthropist and DIY Network television star Vanilla Ice performed his iconic “Ice Ice Baby,” along with “Play that Funky Music” and several of his celebrated musical hits to an overflowing crowd. Presenting sponsor Mark Bellissimo emceed the time-honored event with the Grand Champions Polo Club players, local celebrity Michaela Paige from The Voice, Chamber President Dr. Randy Laurich and Co-Chair Johnny Meier of My Community Pharmacy.

The exceptional hard work and dedication of sponsors, vendors and the professionals at PBIEC allow us to celebrate the success of this event. Dr. Laurich and Mr. Meier believe bringing a “hometown” element to WinterFest is what makes it so successful. Family friendly events such as live, local musical performances, a reading of ’Twas the Night Before Christmas by Mark Bellissimo, a visit from Santa, the children’s area and a salute to the troops allow participation from the children and the families and make everyone a part of the festivities.

The chamber wishes to thank our sponsors, without whom we could not host such a spectacular event: Equestrian Sport Productions and the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center, the Grand Champions Polo Club, ChukkerTV, the Wellness Experience, My Community Pharmacy, the Law Offices of Greenstein & Associates, the Law Offices of Alexander L. Domb PA, Armand Professional Services/Armand Exterminating, Prescriptions Plus and Talk 4 Media. A very special thank you to Mark and Katherine Bellissimo, Michael Stone and the logistics team at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center, as well as Councilwoman Anne Gerwig, Craig Young, Mayor Bob Margolis, Debbie Crompton, Mimi Pastor, Monica Kallas, and Matthew Shoemaker of the School District of Palm Beach County.

Our exceptional WinterFest vendors were: Armand Professional Services/Armand Exterminating Photo Booth, Art Cellar, Bethesda Health, Bootz Culture Camp, Camicissima Milano, Chappy’s Food Cart, ChukkerTV, Doterra Essential Oils, Equestrian Sport Productions, Good Samaritan Medical Center, Grand Champions Polo Club, Hack Tax & Accounting Services, Harrington Law Associates, Hurricane Grill & Wings, India Grill + Bar, Jessie’s Girl, Jordan’s Steak Bistro, Kelk Phillips P.A., Kona Ice, Le-Vel Thrive Experience, Mar-J Medical Supply, My Community Pharmacy, Navarro Dermatology, Palm Beach Health Center, Palm Beach International Equestrian Center, Paradise Kettle Corn, Plastic Surgery of Palm Beach/Aesthetics at Spa Zen, Premier Family Health & Wellness, Psychological Wellness Center, Pure Barre, Roosters Men’s Grooming Center, Shullman Orthodontics, Talk 4 Media.Com, the Keyes Company, the Law Offices of Greenstein & Assoc., the UPS Store, the Wellness Experience of Wellington, Wellington Cosmetic Dentistry and Woof Gang Dog Bakery & Grooming.

We were thrilled to once again offer an amazing VIP Food & Wine Festival boasting the exceptional establishments of Brass Monkey Tavern, Hurricane Grill & Wings, India Grill + Bar, Jordan’s Steak Bistro, Starbucks, Stonewood Grill & Tavern, Trader Joe’s and White Horse Catering. If you have not yet visited these establishments or utilized their catering services, we strongly encourage you to do so!

Our performers could not have been more phenomenal. The talents of our local superstars are amazing. If you have not heard the following, please make it a point to check them out. Thank you to Michaela Paige, Ashley Barnes, Alyssa Marie Coon, Cheeky Fitness, Nicky Greed, Ki-Juan Minors, Kayla Raquel, Meghan Ritmiller, Sarah Spiritual, Shauna Sweeney, Stanley Toussaint, the Wellington High School Chamber Chorus and the Wellington High School Dance Team. A very special thank you to the U.S. Marine Corps Color Guard and David Lopez for his exceptional stage expertise.

Vanilla Ice astounds us each year. His spirit of giving and dedication to our community is outstanding. His efforts and those of his team make this event possible. Each is to be commended and thanked for their generosity and for giving back to Wellington. The chamber is grateful to have the privilege of working with them.

The chamber salutes all the exhibitors, sponsors and our gracious venue host Equestrian Sport Productions for making contributions to Wellington’s unique lifestyle, its economy and this spectacular event. Thanks as well to all our attendees for being part of this event and for being a part of our community. We look forward to seeing you all next year. Happy Holidays!

Michela Perillo-Green, Executive Director Wellington Chamber of Commerce