Venus Williams Guest of Honor at Roche Bobois Charity Event

Online, March 10, 2014 (Newswire.com) - Recently 100 of some of Palm Beach's most noted and philanthropic residents gathered at the elegant furniture showroom of Roche Bobois for a reception and auction for the Mary Rubloff YWCA Harmony House. The facility, owned and operated by the YWCA of Palm Beach County, is one of only two state-certified Palm Beach County shelters for women and children who are victims of domestic violence. In addition to hosting the event, Roche Bobois donated several hundred thousand dollars in brand new home furnishings to the shelter, plus a signature, leather sectional sofa for auction. As tuxedo-clad servers passed gourmet delicacies and violin music filled the air, the guest of honor, tennis icon Venus Williams, made an understated but much-anticipated entrance.

Williams, who is also owner and CEO of Jupiter, Florida-based V Starr Interiors, singled out Harmony House as her charity of choice for this special event. As an unexpected "sports interlude," Williams and Julien Bigan, Communications Director, Roche Bobois USA, actually volleyed a tennis ball over the back of the sofa to liven up the auction and help spur bidding. And much to the enjoyment, and surprise, of guests, Bigan held his own against the multi-titled, world champion. Local dignitaries and other Village of North Palm Beach VIPs were also in attendance. Culinary delights were served by popular Palm Beach society caterer Christina's Catering. Karen Swanson and Sonja Stevens were co-chairs of this event.

Preceding the auction, Harmony House CEO Suzanne Turner made opening remarks, introduced the facility's Board of Directors and gave a heartfelt overview of the mission of Harmony House and the need for the community's continued support.

Originating in Paris, Roche Bobois' exclusive lines of European-made home furnishings are showcased in over 250 showrooms in 45 countries. Twenty-four of those are in the United States, with two South Florida locations - North Palm Beach and Coral Gables.

Julien Bigan noted, "This was one of the most gratifying events with which our company has been associated. And Venus' participation made it that much more meaningful. It is our sincerest hope that the challenges and emotional effects facing residents of Harmony House can be softened by the added serenity and comfort that comes with beautifully furnished surroundings."

He added, "Since our inception, our corporate culture has always included an on-going effort to give back to the communities in which our galleries are located. Palm Beach County is no exception."

For further information on Harmony House, visit www.ywcapbc.org or call (561) 640-9844. For information on V Star Interiors, call 561- 744-7177 or visit www.VstarInteriors.com. Roche Bobois has two Florida locations: Coral Gables (305) 444-1138, and North Palm Beach (561) 835-4982. Visit online at www.roche-bobois.com