Journey Back to a Paris Past

Caryn and Fred Buechel, Jenny and Tate Haire

David Lawrence Center is hosting its signature fundraiser, “Under the Eiffel Tower; A Journey to 1920’s Paris” on January 17th. The event is now in its 7th year and other destinations have included Monte Carlo, Rio De Jineiro, St. Petersburg (Russia), Hong Kong, Havana and Venice (Italy). The 2014 event will be held at The Ritz-Carlton® Naples Golf Resort.

The David Lawrence Center is Collier County’s only comprehensive, not-for-profit mental health and substance abuse treatment facility serving children, adults and families. All proceeds will benefit the mission, operations and expansion of the David Lawrence Center’s innovative, comprehensive prevention, intervention and treatment services for the one in four local children and adults who experience behavioral, emotional, psychological and substance abuse challenges.

The destination themed annual gala will transport guests to the world’s metropolitan center for spectacular cultural and artistic glamour during the Post World War I era when peace fell softly on the ‘City of Lights’. A time when soulful jazz played through the evening streets and gas lit, romantic promenades were filled with people dancing, dining and indulging in the economic prosperity and social and artistic dynamism of the roaring 20’s.

Suggested attire should be inspired by the decadent fashions of this iconic decade’s distinctive cultural edge. Think visually stunning flapper fashions with diamonds, pearls and crystal embellished dresses, headbands and feather boas for the ladies and the dapper “Great Gatsby-esq” three piece suits, bowties and, of course,… a hat for the gents.

Co-chairs, Caryn Hacker-Buechel and Amanda Jaron
Photo courtesy of Wilkinson Photography

Guests will be able to bid on French-inspired luxurious silent and live auction lots while dining on the finest French cuisine. To help set the mood, this soirée of elegance and vintage Paris proudly presents New York jazz singer Lainie Cooke and her trio: master drummer Ralph Peterson, Peter Zak on piano and Don Mopsick on bass for dinner entertainment with live band dance music provided by PowerHouse so guests can dance the night away under the Eiffel Tower.

Dedicated volunteers Caryn Hacker-Buechel and Amanda Jaron will bring their unique skillsets and unwavering passion for mental health serving as the co-chairs for this annual fundraiser.

“Caryn and Amanda are two highly professional and passionate women who have devoted their lives and philanthropic endeavors to the education and well-being of children and both have been longtime supporters of the David Lawrence Center and its mission to inspire and create life-changing wellness for every individual,” said Stephen Wheeler, chief development officer. “We are blessed to have these dynamic and enthusiastic ladies committed to helping us reach our fundraising goals so we can help more people at this time than in any other during our 45 year history and invest in new innovative programs.”

And hot off the presses, Jacques and Lysielle Cariot have been named honorary co-chairs. Tickets to the event are $500 per person, $1,200 per VIP patron, and $10,000 per premier sponsor table of 10; a variety of additional sponsorship opportunities also are available. For additional information or to reserve a ticket, contact Monica Biondo at

239.304.3505 or visit DavidLawrenceCenter.org. For more information about David Lawrence Center and Foundation call 239.455.8500 or visit www.DavidLawrenceCenter.org.