High-priced galas are known for helping good causes, networking, and chicken dinners. They rarely serve up any surprises.

But when Tony Lima announced that dance diva and fierce LGBTQ supporter Deborah Cox would perform that night, you could feel the energy rise. Many if not everyone in the room had no idea she was there. It was a sign that this gala would be special.

Lima, SunServe’s CEO, welcomed guests to the annual Shine gala, which raises money for SunServe’s programs. Held March 29 at The Venue in Wilton Manors, a packed room was ready to party.

“Tonight we get to celebrate the work that we do, but also the community that helps us do this work,” he said during opening remarks at the pre-party cocktail hour.

Once the crowd moved into the Crystal Ballroom for dinner and the program, Athena Dion performed, descending the stairs in a stunning blue gown. Like so many of her performances, she had the crowd in her hand.

Getting down to business, Lima and his SunServe team introduced the night’s honorees. Nik Harris, a veteran of the fight for equal rights for all members of the LGBTQ acronym, got a lot of love from the crowd.

Hans Rood of Transcend Cruises may not be a household name, yet, but he and his travel company have been working with SunServe to raise money by organizing river cruises in Europe. The first was in December and visited German Christmas markets. Another cruise is planned for this summer. Rood and Transcend were also instrumental in bringing Deborah Cox to perform.

Perhaps the most heartfelt moment of the night was when Scott Bennett, board chairperson of the Our Fund Foundation, was honored. The crowd rose to their feet, giving an extended standing ovation.

For all the hugs and air kisses, the cloud that hangs over the LGBTQ community was omnipresent. As the national and state governments slash funding for important causes including mental health, the urgency of the moment was palpable.

“What unites us is our shared humanity and our deep love for our community,” Lima said. “In times like this that we’re living right now, when division feels louder than unity, we must choose to lead with kindness, with compassion, and with grace.”

With that, he turned the mic over to Wilton Manors Vice Mayor Chris Caputo and animal activist FayWhat?! for the hardest job of the night, “The Ask.” That’s when attendees, most of whom have already paid hundreds of dollars for tickets, are asked to give more. Caputo and Fay were more than up to the challenge.

“Mental health is one of the greatest challenges we face today,” Caputo said. “Priority populations including LGBTQ youth, seniors, and people of color, are more often the most impacted.”

Noting that SunServe helps more than 4,000 people every year, Fay added, “No one is turned away because we believe that mental health care is a right, not a privilege.”

Then they asked. They asked for people to pledge $10. Then $250, $500 and so on. Fay, who knows just about everyone in the room, went out into the crowd and got pledges. She wasn’t afraid to name check deep-pocketed donors, and she was successful. Fay and Caputo raised about $25,000 in about 15 minutes.

Once raffle winners were drawn (prizes included a gift package to the Seminole Hard Rock and a spot on this summer’s Transcend cruise in Europe) it was time for the moment Lima announced at the beginning of the night: Deborah Cox.

She came out and fans rushed the stage, phones in hand recording every moment. The way the night played out will work well for SunServe, as the videos will remind donors of a great time for a great cause, and hopefully bring them back next year.

Was anyone disappointed with the night? To quote Miss Cox: “Absolutely not!”

Photo by Stephen R Lang.