The Jake and Elwood Blues Revue brought down the house at the inaugural Infusion Palm Beach event benefiting Seagull Services. More than 250 people enjoyed the rollicking show that had guests “putting their hands up and shouting” to the music made famous by the original Blues Brothers.
The evening at the Borland Center for the Arts in Palm Beach Gardens included a VIP cocktail reception and after-event meet-and-greet with “Blues Brothers” Jake and Elwood. In addition, a silent auction of artwork created by the talented clients of Seagull Services helped to raise nearly $40,000 for the organization.
“We are so excited about our inaugural Infusion Palm Beach event,” Seagull Services CEO Barbara Nurenberg said. “The Blues Brothers were fantastic! Everyone loved the show, and I’m already looking forward to next year’s event.”
Jake and Elwood, accompanied by a six-piece band, entertained the crowd with musical classics, including “Shout,” “Gimme Some Lovin’” and “Soul Man,” with the comic antics inspired by the original Blues Brothers, Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi.
Infusion Palm Beach is the first signature fundraiser for the 35-year-old nonprofit that provides an array of services to individuals with disabilities across the greater Palm Beach area.
Clients in Seagull Services’ skills-building workshop participate in art classes from which they produced the beautiful hand-painted scarves, two-dimensional pieces and painted furniture in the silent auction.
Seagull Services also provides educational, vocational, job-placement and residential services. In addition, it assists those with barriers to entry or re-entry into the workforce.
The presenting sponsor of the event was Douglas C. Lane & Associates. Platinum sponsors were Margaret Donnelley and the Lillian & Joseph Schwartz Charitable Trust. The event was co-chaired by Seagull Services board members Laura Fowler and Cathy Ford.
Seagull Services’ headquarters is located at 3879 Byron Drive in West Palm Beach. It also operates a charter school, Seagull Academy for Independent Living, in West Palm Beach, Seagull Place group home on Singer Island and the Seagull Ranch in Martin County.
For more information, visit www.seagull.org or call (561) 842-5814.
ABOVE: Seagull Services CEO Barbara Nurenberg and Ned Deweese with Jake and Elwood.