Key West Valentine's Day Gala Slated for Feb. 14

The 31st Annual Valentine's Gala in Key West, Florida is scheduled appropriately for the 14th. A silent auction will benefit Wesley House Family Services.

The historic Curry Mansion Inn will light up with festivities as the 31st Annual Wesley House Valentine's Gala occurs within its walls. A Key West tradition, the event begins at 6:30 pm, ending at 9:30 on Friday, February 14th.

Hosted by renowned entertainer, Howard Livingston, the evening will include entertainment, music and dancing in addition to a full open bar and gourmet, southern style buffet created by favorite Key West restaurants, Sloppy Joe's, Rick's/Dirty Harry's and Hard Rock Cafe.

The musical entertainment for this annual evening of revelry and charity is Honey Mouth, featuring Bubba Low Notes performing some Island Swamp music sure to have attendees kicking up their hills. Raven Cooper and Friends will close out the evening of dancing.

The largest silent auction in Key West is the Wesley House auction at the annual gala. Featuring fine art and jewelry created by local, Key West artisans, gift certificates from the finest Key West restaurants and Lodging, gift cards for tourist attractions and activities, and many more items, the auction is hosted by Prudential Knight & Gardner Realty. All items were donated by Wesley House supporters and 100% of the auction benefits the services offered by Wesley House Family Services.

Founded in the early 1900's, Wesley House Family Services was originally created to aid Cuban settlers to the island. Expanding into a child care and family services non-profit organization by the middle of the 20th century, Wesley House has become one of few social service organizations accredited by the International Council on Accreditation (COA). On a mission to enhance the well-being of children and families in Key West, Wesley House has helped thousands of families over the past century and hopes to continue into the next.

"The gala is a wonderful way to not only raise donations," commented a spokesperson for Wesley House. "But also to increase awareness of the issues children and families have today. Plus, we get to kick up our heals a bit and feel good about it!"

For more information on the 31st Annual Wesley House Valentine's Gala, visit www.wesleyhouse.org

JD Arbuckle is a freelance journalist specializing in consumer education on a variety of topics including Florida, non-profit organizations and the Roof Top Cafe.