(Pictured, left to right: CC of Mirasol GM Matt Lambert, Michael Israel and Mirasol Foundation President Kathy Savarese)

Five oversized canvases were painted live in the Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. club’s ballroom in just 40 minutes by Michael Israel in his unique style. The paintings were then auctioned off to raise more than $105,000 in support of the Foundation’s annual grant program. Art supplies and crafts used for decorations for the event were also donated to local schools.

More than 150 guests attended a truly ‘artsy’ fundraising event hosted by The Mirasol Foundation, Inc., the volunteer charitable organization established, directed, and supported by the residents of The Country Club at Mirasol in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.

At the event, Michael Israel, the “Original Speed Painter,” wowed the audience with his energetic, live painting performance. In just 40 minutes, Israel painted five oversized canvases—Lady Liberty, Marilyn Monroe, Albert Einstein, The Beatles, and John Lennon—which then were then auctioned off to attendees. More than $105,000 was raised during the lively event, which was held in the club’s vivid, colorfully decorated ballroom.

“We could not be more ecstatic about the success of this event,” said Foundation President Kathy Savarese. “It was as if we were transported to a Vegas-style Cirque de Soleil show, featuring Picasso as the performer. This was a truly fun-filled evening, and I’m humbled our guests helped us raise so much money in support of our Foundation’s mission.”

In addition to the funds raised, which will support the Foundation’s annual grant program, all of the art supplies and crafts used to decorate the reception and ballroom areas were donated to two local elementary schools, Timber Trace in Jupiter, Fla. and Grove Elementary in Palm Beach Gardens.

“Art teachers can always use supplies,” said Savarese. “Every little bit helps.”

Business Sponsors for the event included Braman Motors Palm Beach, Cheney Brothers, Hemco Landscaping Services of Florida, Inc., Paul Ittleman Realty, Jones Lowry, Leibowitz Realty, Majestic Home Management Services, Mirason Realty, and Perkins Tree and Landscape Services.

Chairpersons for the event were Kathy Savarese, Deborah Weinman and Joel Gazes, and Committee members were Len Shendell, Dan Lehrhoff, Lynn Doyle, Bob Male, Ron Heller and Jon Peisinger. “Art for the Heart” Event Sponsors were Bob and Jennifer Male, and Mirasol Resident Sponsors included the Bonders, Joel Gazes and Rise Vogel, the Savareses and the Weinmans.

The Mirasol Foundation’s mission is to raise, administer and distribute funds to the civic, cultural, educational, social, and health-related not-for-profit, section (c)(3) organizations in Palm Beach County and surrounding communities. Established in 2016, the Foundation has awarded more than $452,000 in grants to 27 different agencies to date. This year’s grants will be awarded in April 2020.

The Country Club at Mirasol is a private, gated enclave surrounded by natural preserves and lakes. The club features two championship golf courses designed by Tom Fazio and Arthur Hills, along with dining and social offerings, a family-friendly Sports Complex, a dedicated Tennis Center, and The Esplanade, a lushly landscaped destination for fitness, spa, and aquatics activities.

The Country Club at Mirasol is a five-time member of the prestigious group of Platinum Clubs of America, a certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary, and has been recognized as a Distinguished Emerald Club of the World.