WEST PALM BEACH, FLA. (March 5, 2025) – The West Palm Beach Library Foundation’s Yacht Cruise and Dream Auction had over 150 guests and raised tremendous funds to fuel the foundation’s mission of supporting the programs and services funded for the Mandel Public Library.

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Co-Chair Tina Munroe stated that “I am so honored to have had a role in raising significant funds for the Library Foundation, an organization I am so proud to be involved with and support. This success couldn’t have been achieved without the involvement and help of my Co-Chair, Sophia Stone, our wonderful event committee, and friends of the library.” She gave a shout-out to the committee that included Jules Aron, Josephine Bayard, Dianne Bernstein, Sebastian Clarke and Katherine van Dell, Heidi Dulebohn, Mary Ann DuPont, Stephanie Gates, Christine Horrocks, Petra Levin, Nancy Marshall, Rita Marteski, Margaret Moraskie, Alan Murphy, Daphne Nikolopoulos, Angela Reynolds, Adrienne Raptis, and Melissa Sullivan.

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“This was our fourth yacht event, and it continues to grow each year. To think that just three years ago in 2022 our first voyage set sail with only 36 passengers. This event is now generating significant funds that are supporting the life-changing programs and services offered through the Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach,” stated Dean Dimke, the Foundation’s Chief Executive Officer.

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The fundraising event was held Sunday, March 2, 2025, from 2 to 5 p.m. aboard the Sir Winston I as it cruised along the Intracoastal Waterway. The afternoon began with guests perusing the 60 luxury Silent Auction packages on Deck Three, while enjoying cocktails and passed hors d’oeuvres that included Vegetable Spring Rolls with Sweet Thai Chili Sauce; and bite-size Beef Wellington. Guests then adjourned to Deck Two to enjoy a lunch buffet featuring Slow Roasted Top Sirloin served with Natural Au Jus and Creamy Horseradish Sauce, and Cod Fish Filet.

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A brief program began with welcoming remarks from CEO Dean Dimke. Co-Chair Tina Munroe thanked the event sponsors that included: Benefactor Sponsors Key Private Bank and Related Ross; Captain Sponsors Josephine Bayard, Stephanie Gates, Petra Levin, and Melissa Sullivan; and Chief Officer Sponsors Dianne & Abe Bernstein.

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Co-Chair Sophia Stone introduced Sebastian Clarke, a veteran auctioneer and appraiser who frequently appears on Antiques Roadshow, to preside over the Live Auction of exclusive experiences. Live Auction packages included a Weekend Stay at The Colony Hotel, Sheriff for A Day with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, Custom-Framed Print of a Brown Bear and Cub, a Three-Night Stay at the Atlantic Inn in Rhode Island, and an Afternoon of Polo for Eight in a Private Box plus private polo lessons from legendary polo player Luis Escobar and his prodigy sons, Lucas and Nico.

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Proceeds from the Yacht Cruise and Dream Auction will support the Library Foundation’s mission to fund the programs, services, and resources of the Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach, making them accessible to the community at absolutely no cost.

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For more information about the event, click here.