What does Bravo reality show “Below Deck” have in common with the Palm Beach Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation? Juno Beach resident Cindy Metzler.
Metzler, who’s a committee member for the local nonprofit, chartered the Fort Lauderdale-based megayacht Valor—on which this season’s show takes place—for a business retreat earlier this year. The connection led to a fun-filled fundraiser Sept. 6 for the season four premiere of the seafaring series. The event took place at the Wyndham Grand Jupiter at Harbourside Place.
“I got to know the captain and crew,” Metzler said of her time aboard. “They were so gracious and agreed to do this.”
At the premiere party, more than 80 guests enjoyed cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and music while mingling with cast members from a show that chronicles the lives of bosuns, deckhands and stews and how they mesh with each other in such close quarters. Capt. Lee Rosbach and Emily Warburton-Adams posed for photos with “Below Deck” diehards prior to a group viewing of episode one.
“We thought it would be a great opportunity to take advantage of the premiere and raise money for CFF,” Development Director Collette Bland says. “We also thought it would be a great opportunity to promote Jupiter.”
Money generated from ticket sales, as well as donations and 20 percent of the evening’s bar tab, was set to go toward research into drug treatments for cystic fibrosis, a disease that limits one’s ability to breathe.
Metzler said the cause is near and dear to her heart. When she was pregnant 11 years ago, she learned she had the gene that carries cystic fibrosis. Today, both mother and daughter are fine.
“When a friend of mine asked me to become part of the organization, I was thrilled,” Metzler said.
She has volunteered for more than one year and now is planning the chapter’s signature soiree, Arthur’s Jam, set for Oct. 15 at the International Polo Club Palm Beach in Wellington.
Check out photos from the evening, below:
(Photos by Amy Woods)
Facebook Comments