The Historic Preservation Association of Coral Gables (HPACG), a 501c3 nonprofit whose mission is to promote the understanding and importance of historic resources and their preservation, hosted a spring fundraiser recently at the Venetian Pool to raise funds that support preservation projects in the City.

“What a lovely evening,” wrote a guest afterwards. The evening was lovely. Close to 100 guests enjoyed a grand time at one of the most magnificent local landmarks in Coral Gables. Guests included local historian Arva Moore Parks, whose documentary, Parallel Lives was recently screened. Arva attended with her husband Robert McCabe. Other notables in the field of preservation included Ellen Uguccioni, founding HPACG board member, past president and recipient of the 2013 Carl Weinhart Award for Lifetime Achievement in Historic Preservation; Dolly MacIntyre, HPACG board secretary and founder of Dade Heritage Trust; Vice Mayor William Kerdyk and his lovely mother, Marlene; representing the Coral Gables Museum were Chris Rupp and Ellen Dyer. Several Coral Rock homeowners were also present. A photo exhibit titled “Walk among the corals” featured many of the homes built from the same coral rock quarried from this historically-designated landmark included in the National Register of Historic Places. HPACG President Karelia Martinez Carbonell photographed each home.

Live cello music and iced Limoncello kicked-off the evening as VIP guests began to arrive! A special wine-tasting presentation by Myrna Mayor, U.S. Manager of the Zamora Group, followed. Guests tasted wines from the most renowned regions of Spain such as a white wine from Galicia’s Rias Baixas DO then three red wines were introduced for a comparison taste of the complex expression of the Tempranillo grapes. The wines were complemented by delicacies donated by Cipriani and Trader Joe’s. Thank you to committee members Jane Maranos and Joan Thompson for procuring these goodies.

Seafood paella cooked al fresco by Chef Luis of Paella Grill was a culinary success. Delicious desserts were donated by Liberty Caffe, Misha’s, and Ann Goodman (HPACG immediate past president) who underwrote the gourmet coffee experience. Also on the menu: dancing under the stars with music by a duo of talented guitarist and percussionist.

And while the paella was cooking and music was playing, models fashioned colorful island resort wear by Calypso. And a fundraiser cannot be without a silent auction! The items were displayed beautifully by HPACG member Amy Kutell. Item highlights included several original art works, “Gifts of the Gables” and an antique map of Cuba.

Carolina Vester, manager of the Venetian Pool, spoke briefly about the rock quarry that became a landmark. She also appealed to the group and thanked guests for their support of historic preservation and specifically mentioned several restoration projects pending at the Pool.

From rock quarry to historic landmark, the Venetian Pool opened in 1924 as the “Venetian Casino,” which was part of the Grand Plan George Merrick had for the City of Coral Gables. Completed in 1925 it was designed by Phineas Paist with Denman Fink. The pool’s original rich history can still be observed as you walk through the entry fountain room and gaze upon its historic photographs, reminding patrons of an era long gone by.

We thank the City of Coral Gables and the event’s other top sponsors: Keyes Real Estate and the Elizabeth Perez Team; and Myrna Mayor Santos of the Zamora Group. Additional sponsors who joined in support of historic preservation in Coral Gables included: Coral Gables Museum; Realtor Cary Avila/ EWM; Joan Thompson/ Summer House Interiors; Ann Goodman/ Jack Thomas Real Estate.

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Gables News May 27-June 9, 2014

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