The Evening Celebrated Committee Members and Junior Committee at Palm Beach Hot Spot Le Bilboquet with
Jewelry by Faraone Mennella, courtesy of Via Coquina
On Wednesday, February 1st, 2023, Hope for Depression Research Foundation (HDRF) hosted a kick-off cocktail and dinner in the two-week countdown to its fifth annual Race of Hope to Defeat Depression, a 5K Run/Walk that raises awareness and funds for cutting-edge, mental health research.
The celebratory cocktail and dinner took place at — and completely took over — Palm Beach’s beloved French bistro, Le Bilboquet. The entire evening, consisting of over 120 guests, was underwritten by an anonymous donor, allowing 100% of all funds raised by the Race of Hope to go directly to HDRF’s breakthrough depression research.
The evening started in the restaurant’s enchanted outdoor courtyard, with beautifully lit vitrines showcasing a selection of jewelry from Faraone Mennella, the iconic Capri boutique represented exclusively in Palm Beach and Hamptons by Via Coquina. Guests were thrilled to meet Faraone Mennella co-founder and jewelry designer Amedeo Scognamiglio, who flew in from Italy to showcase his latest collection, including a custom necklace he designed specifically for this event: a pendant with the Goddess of Hope “Spes” in 18K gold and surrounded by diamonds. This stunning piece was available for custom order at the event and is being sold exclusively at Via Coquina (www.viacoquina.com). Located on Via Mizner, Via Coquina will donate a portion of Faraone Mennella sales to HDRF. Via Coquina owners, Cara and Kevin Ferro, were also in attendance, showing their support for the cause.
After the first course, Audrey Gruss and Scott Snyder once again thanked their guests for their generosity to the Race of Hope. To the surprise of a packed room, Scott Snyder gifted HDRF’s founder Audrey Gruss with a gold and diamond Goddess of Hope “Spes.”
At the end of the night, guests departed with colorful tote bags donated by The Hamptons filled with gifts including Tammy Fender’s Bulgarian Lavender Body Oil, Ortigia Corallo olive oil soap courtesy of Via Coquina, Hope’s custom Hand and Body cream and perfume sampler, and Frances Valentine signature keychain.
Photos by Capehart Photography
