VBMA Gala 2025—La soirée était magnifique

Posted February 7, 2025

On January 31, a sold-out crowd of more than 470 guests celebrated at GALA 2025: A Moveable Feast, the Vero Beach Museum of Art’s annual gala, arguably the season’s most iconic and anticipated philanthropic event.

The evening began with “Cocktails in Paris,” where guests sipped Bordeaux and sampled French delicacies at an outdoor Parisian Street Market replete with artists, an accordion player, and vendors such as Les Bouquinistes, La Fromagerie, La Charcuterie, and Patisserie storefronts. The spectacular weather provided excellent photo opportunities at Le Tour Eiffel.

Inside, Gala Chair Pat Thompson and the Gala Committee worked with VBMA staff to transform the Museum’s interior spaces into a Parisian Bistro and a Parisian Cabaret, where guests mingled, ate an exquisite dinner catered by Elizabeth D. Kennedy & Co., and enjoyed live music and dancing. They also enjoyed an exclusive preview of the internationally touring exhibition French Moderns: Monet Matisse, 1850–1950, which features 59 paintings and sculptures from the Brooklyn Museum’s esteemed collection of European art.

“We are grateful for the leadership and creativity of Gala Chair Pat Thompson and her committee for creating such a special evening in support of VBMA’s education and community programs,” shares VBMA Director of Development Melissa DePriest. “Thanks to their commitment and the generosity of our event sponsors and attendees, we are on pace for a record-setting season of philanthropic support.”

Vero Beach Museum of Art serves more than 39,000 annually through its education and community programs alone.

Gala 2025 was made possible by Season Sponsor John’s Island Real Estate Company; Supporting Sponsors JoAnn and Paul Bourdeau, Connie McGlynn, and Emily and Ned Sherwood; Premier Sponsors Beth and John Werwaiss; and Patron Sponsors Susan Bouma, Lisa and Willie Bullock, Priscilla and James Morphy, and Caroline and Thomas Vandeventer