A lot has happened at Mar-a-Lago since it opened as a private club back in 1995
14ON THE MENU
Take your taste buds on a gastronomic journey with global flavors at The Mar-a-Lago Club BY KERRY SHORR
23 BETTER WITH TIME
Every perfectly aged bottle in the renovated wine cellar tells a story
24 FAMILY FUN
The Mar-a-Lago Club puts its own spin on classic kid-centric events BY MARY THURMAN YUHAS
26 POOL TIME
Water aerobics classes are now available at the Beach Club BY MARY THURMAN YUHAS
28 IN THE SWING OF THINGS
Director David Hugues continues to build The Mar-a-Lago Club’s tennis program BY MARY THURMAN YUHAS
30WEDDINGS
Four couples host their special day at the ultimate destination: The Mar-a-Lago Club BY LIZA SMITH 38 POSH PAPARAZZI
56 DIRECTORY OF SERVICES
The Jewel of Palm Beach
WELCOME
It is my great pleasure to welcome you to The Mar-a-Lago Club. The upcoming season promises to be yet another exciting one.
As we change our calendars to 2025, we are preparing to celebrate a very special anniversary: The Mar-a-Lago Club is turning 30 years young! Much has happened since Mr. Trump first opened the doors of the club back in 1995. I invite you to turn to page 11 to see some of the highlights from the past 30 years, including the awards we have won, the special events and guests we have hosted, and all the amenities we have added to make Mar-a-Lago forever young and truly the crown jewel of Palm Beach.
So many members and their families have commemorated their own special milestones at the club, which remains the premier location for celebrations large or intimate. This past season, we were honored to host multiple spectacular weddings (page 30), including that of Sydney Sadick Adams and Nicholas Adams. Mrs. Sadick Adams’s family has been part of the club since the beginning and has held numerous events here over the years, so celebrating the beginning of this new life together at Mar-a-Lago was only natural. To play a part in multiple generations’ memories is one of the great joys of our work here at the club.
As we look to the next 30 years, we continue to prioritize the development of our spaces and amenities. We recently completed the renovation of our wine cellar (page 23), which was once a spacious fur closet belonging to the estate’s original owner, Marjorie Merriweather Post. The transformed, historyfilled space houses an extensive collection of the finest wines, from oldworld classics to new-world treasures and, of course, selections from Trump Winery’s Presidential Reserve.
The club is proud to offer a variety of options to engage in physical activity as well, and we always are refining our options to give our members the best of the best. Our world-renowned tennis instructor has brought our tennis program (page 28) to the next level, offering more opportunities to practice drills, play in tournaments, and enjoy fun events. He is eager to help any interested member achieve their full potential out on the court. At the Beach Club, water aerobics classes (page 26) are now offered Tuesday and Wednesday mornings. The classes are a fun way to get some exercise while taking in beautiful ocean views.
I hope you enjoy all the amenities and programs, including our many familyfriendly events (page 24), that we offer at The Mar-a-Lago Club. Best wishes to you and your loved ones for a wonderful season!
With gratitude,
Bernd Lembcke Executive Vice President Managing Director
GIAN ANDREA DI STEFANO
MAKE YOUR HAIR GREAT AGAIN
Alan J. Bauman, MD, ABHRS
#1 Top Hair Restoration Surgeon In North America 8 Straight Years
Dr. Alan Bauman is a full-time board-certified hair restoration physician who has treated more than 34,000 patients, has performed more than 13,000 hair transplant procedures and more than 13,000 PRPs since starting his medical hair loss practice, Bauman Medical, in 1997. Bauman Medical is a 12,000 square foot, state-of-the-art “hair hospital” located in Boca Raton, Florida.
Dr. Bauman is one of approximately only 200 physicians worldwide to achieve the certification from the esteemed American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery (ABHRS), is a member of the International Alliance of Hair Restoration Surgeons and is recommended by the American Hair Loss Association. Dr. Bauman is a Fellow of the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery.
Dr. Bauman is known for pioneering numerous technologies in the field of hair restoration including minimally invasive Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE), VIP|FUE™ No-Shave Hair Transplant, Low-Level Laser Therapy, Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP), PDOgro™, Eyelash Transplants, Exosomes Therapy, and his needlefree, pain-free treatment for hair shedding and hair loss, TED (TransEpidermal Delivery).
Regardless of where you are in your hair regrowth journey, Bauman Medical has a personalized solution for you.
30 Years of The Mar-a-Lago Club
2025 marks 30 years since Donald J. Trump opened the doors of his historical Palm Beach estate to private club members. To commemorate the occasion, we took a stroll down memory lane to remember some of the key moments that have happened at the club since its opening in 1995.
1995 1996
After only a year in business, The Mar-a-Lago Club is honored with the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences’ Five Star Diamond Award.
1997
After adding red-clay courts in 1996, the club earns the title of “Outstanding Tennis Facility” from the U.S. Tennis Court & Track Builders Association.
A decade after buying the 20-acre Mar-a-Lago estate to be his personal residence, Mr. Trump transforms the property into a private club.
1996
The club installs a gigantic Japanese-style copper tub in the Trump Spa. It is still used for relaxing treatments today.
1999
Trump International Golf Club, the flagship property in Mr. Trump’s golf portfolio, opens in Palm Beach. The daring 27-hole course designed by Jim Fazio has undergone renovations in recent years to maintain its standing as one of the best courses in Florida.
The 20,000-square-foot Donald J. Trump Grand Ballroom opens on New Year’s Eve. The shimmering gold event space, which can accommodate 700 guests, features breccia marble flooring and 17 crystal chandeliers, all custom-made.
The Beach Club — complete with ocean views, a big outdoor pool, and poolside snack service — opens.
Sir Elton John plays for a small crowd at the club. Over the years, a number of stars — including Andrea Bocelli, Paul Anka, The Beach Boys, Donna Summer, Liza Minnelli, and Natalie Cole — have performed at Mar-a-Lago.
During the famous annual Cavallino Classic, Mar-a-Lago hosts a vintage-auto show. 2019
The Mar-a-Lago Club launches its junior tennis academy.
2012
The Florida chapter of the American Institute of Architects names Mar-a-Lago one of the state’s top five buildings.
Trump Winery’s 2014 blanc de blanc wins the coveted Sparkling Sweepstake award at the prestigious San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.
The club takes its grilling game up a notch with the addition of a Josper barbecue grill on the patio.
2007
Mar-a-Lago wins the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences’ Six Star Diamond Award (the club has won it every year since as well). Renovations get underway in the club’s suites and cabanas.
2022
Mr. Trump’s daughter Tiffany weds Michael Boulos in a stunning ceremony at Mar-aLago.
ON THE MENU
TAKE YOUR TASTE BUDS ON A GASTRONOMIC JOURNEY WITH PRAISEWORTHY DISHES ELEVATED BY FLAVORS OF INDIA, SOUTHEAST ASIA, AND THE MEDITERRANEAN
By Kerry Shorr
CARROT SALAD
Leporidae, or rabbits, would have a field day with this first-course feast. With a base of carrots, including a zesty vinaigrette and pesto sauce made with carrot greens, this vibrant salad balances baby arugula, toasted wild rice, spiced yogurt, marigolds, and a sprinkle of curry oil.
LAMB SHANK
Braised in a mixture of mirin, soy sauce, lemongrass, ginger, sake, and yellow miso until fork-tender, this bone-in USDA Prime lamb shank is then glazed with gochujang (a spicy Korean condiment made from red chilies), oven-roasted, and then presented with Thai eggplant stew.
Photos by Jason Nuttle
GRILLED OCTOPUS AND SCALLOPS
If ever there were a dish whose ingredients vied for the first bite, this seafood starter would be it. Perched on dollops of parsley oil and a Meyer lemon sauce, braised baby artichokes and Mediterranean quinoa surround a grilled Portuguese octopus tentacle and golden-crusted U-10 scallops harvested from the bays of Nantucket.
MISO COD
Nearly a half-century after Nobu Matsuhisa introduced miso black cod at his Beverly Hills restaurant in the 1980s, The Mar-a-Lago Club’s Executive Chef, Bogdan Boerean, reinterprets the Japanese delicacy by marinating the moist, flaky fish in a delicate miso dressing for 48 hours. Next, it is pan-seared, oven-cooked, and plated with carrot-mango slaw and foamy Thai coconut broth made from coconut milk, ginger, lemongrass, Thai chili, fish sauce, kaffir lime leaves, and other tantalizing ingredients.
PASSION FRUIT CHEESECAKE
Each bite of this passion fruit cheesecake tastes like a love letter to the City of Brotherly Love. Pastry Chef Chelsea Braswell layers the graham cracker base with a creamy concoction made from Philadelphia cream cheese, vanilla, sugar, and heavy cream. Once the plate is dotted with blackberry gel, the dessert is crowned with passion fruit crémeux and foam dollops, blackberries, red sorrel, and an edible floral garnish.
WHITE CHOCOLATE RASPBERRY BRIOCHE PUDDING
Inspired by a brioche recipe by pastry legend Antonio Bachour, Braswell’s iteration requires two days to make, after which the bread is soaked in Valrhona white chocolate anglaise sauce and baked with fresh raspberries. Braswell completes the presentation with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and halved raspberries in a moat of white chocolate anglaise sauce.
Better with Time
EVERY PERFECTLY AGED BOTTLE IN THE RENOVATED WINE CELLAR TELLS A STORY
Nestled within the illustrious confines of The Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach, the wine cellar stands as a paragon of opulence and a tribute to the estate’s storied legacy. Originally a spacious coat closet belonging to the esteemed Marjorie Merriweather Post, this intimate enclave has been transformed into a sanctuary of exquisite taste and tradition.
The meticulously renovated wine cellar now showcases Presidential Reserve selections from Trump Winery and a thoughtfully curated collection of wines from around the world. Ready to open for just the right occasion are old-world masterpieces such as Bordeaux from Château Margaux, celebrated Super Tuscans like Sassicaia and Ornellaia, and new-world treasures like Opus One and Australian Shiraz from Penfolds. An exquisite selection of Champagne, featuring vintage treasures from Dom Pérignon, Krug, and Cristal, provides a touch of effervescence for life’s most cherished celebrations. The wine cellar’s precisely controlled temperature, humidity, and light ensure that each bottle ages gracefully, transforming over time, just as the winemaker intended. As the wines age, the richness, complexity, and character of each vintage deepens. A 2005 Bordeaux or a 1991 Burgundy transcends mere consumption;
it becomes a time capsule, a sensory odyssey that captures the essence of the year the grapes were harvested.
The true enchantment of a wine cellar lies in its capacity to bridge the past with the creation of future memories. It is a haven where bottles are not merely stored but revered, their contents poised to commemorate life’s milestones, both grand and understated. As the renowned wine writer André Simon eloquently proclaimed, “Wine makes every meal an occasion, every table more elegant, every day more civilized.” Whether it provides a vintage Champagne to mark an anniversary or a classic red for a peaceful dinner, the wine cellar stands as a testament to the fact that some treasures truly merit the wait. As wine expert Serena Sutcliffe eloquently put it, “Champagne, of all wines, is the anytime drink, the remedy for all troubles, the ideal choice for any event, and unquestionably the only answer when there’s a cause for celebration.”
With its carefully curated wine program and renovated wine cellar, The Mar-a-Lago Club is pleased to extend to its members and guests an unparalleled experience for oenophiles, reflecting the club’s unwavering commitment to excellence and luxury.
Photo by Jason Nuttle
Family Fun
THE MAR-A-LAGO CLUB PUTS ITS OWN SPIN ON CLASSIC KID-CENTRIC EVENTS
BY MARY THURMAN YUHAS
As soon as The Mar-a-Lago Club officially opens in the fall, it is filled with fabulous festivities, starting with Halloween and Thanksgiving. Later on, there is the extravagant black-tie New Year’s Eve Gala, the unforgettable Valentine’s Day Dinner, and the wonderful Mother’s Day Brunch that happens at the end of the club’s season. Interspersed with these events are other affairs of varying sizes, but the most memorable of all are the club’s family-centric events: Christmas, the Family Fair, and Easter.
Christmas at Mar-a-Lago
Mar-a-Lago’s December calendar is dotted with fun holiday events. The weekend before Christmas, the beautifully decorated club opens its doors like a family welcoming everyone home, and it’s all about the children.
Gingerbread house decorating and the children’s holiday show are two of the most beloved traditions at Mar-a-Lago. On the Sunday before Christmas, children gather to create their own gingerbread house masterpieces. “Their parents and grandparents love to watch them create their architectural designs,” says Bernd Lembcke, Mar-a-Lago’s Executive Vice President and Managing Director.
Later, the children enjoy a magical afternoon in the White and Gold Ballroom, where they watch a professional Christmasthemed production. Other fun activities include making stuffed animals, interacting with holiday-themed characters, and taking a photo with Santa.
On Christmas Eve, a shimmering Mar-a-Lago is the perfect place to create forever memories. Members and their family and friends enjoy a buffet in the elaborate Donald J. Trump Grand Ballroom, where the club serves an array of delicious appetizers, entrées, and desserts.
On Christmas Day, members enjoy a scrumptious brunch outside on the patio or inside the main house. Christmas dinner is an elegant, formal affair, and the chefs outdo themselves once again with menus offering only the finest cuisine.
Family Fair
In late February, 200 to 300 people of all ages show up for this fun-filled event, and what a party it is! Children, parents, and grandparents delight in the activities surrounding the Spa pool and nearby grounds — face painting, ax throwing, a zip line, and more. Guests also enjoy a lineup of ice cream, hot dogs and hamburgers, salads, seafood, and drinks.
“As Mar-a-Lago grows and changes, our membership has become younger, with some families now in their 30s and 40s,” says Niki Friedman, Mar-a-Lago’s Director of Catering and Events. “They want their very young families to be a part of it.”
Easter
Dressed in their Easter best, children with baskets in hand dart around the club’s grounds on Easter Sunday for the traditional egg hunt. Prizes for “special eggs” are awarded to the varying age groups, and photos with the Easter Bunny and other costumed characters add to the excitement. Staggering the egg hunt between early and late brunch served in the luxe White and Gold Ballroom allows all of the children to take part in the annual event regardless of the time their parents select to dine. Ice sculptures, beautiful floral arrangements, and a mix of new and favorite dishes all come together to create a memorable Easter at Mar-a-Lago.
Congratulations to the greatest President and First Lady ever on this magnificent and historic landslide victory!
Juan Carlos & Mirella Isaias
Pool Time
WATER AEROBICS CLASSES ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE BEACH CLUB
BY MARY THURMAN YUHAS
Basking in 87-degree water in the Beach Club pool while overlooking the ocean is how exercisers begin each water aerobics class now offered at The Mar-a-Lago Club. Swaying palms and the club’s signature canary-yellow-and-white-striped poolside décor further add to the location’s peaceful ambience.
Alisha Sorknes leads the semiweekly classes, which began in December and run from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. “I started at Mar-a-Lago in 2020, and I’ve been around the fitness industry for 15-plus years working with yoga and Pilates instructors, personal trainers, group fitness instructors, and athletes,” Sorknes says. “I’m excited and look forward to offering an upbeat, positive, and fun-filled class for all ages.”
Photo by Jason Nuttle
Water aerobics classes offer a full-body, low-impact workout that builds cardiovascular fitness while being easy on the joints and relaxing for the muscles. They’re also pretty fun; unlike participants in other sports who may be watching the clock and willing the painful hour to end, exercisers in a water aerobics class may not want to leave.
“After class, attendees will feel more energetic physically and positive mentally, as these exercises help release the natural ‘feel good’ chemicals of endorphins and serotonin,” Sorknes says.
While every class is different, each one accommodates beginner, intermediate, and advanced exercisers and incorporates a mix of mobility exercises and stretching, resistance training, cardio, and core strengthening.
“Increasing core strength helps everyone reduce lower-body injuries and increase one’s strength to perform better in other sports,” Sorknes says.
“This class makes it much easier for people who have back pain or sciatica to still get aerobic exercise,” adds Spa Director Andrea Erickson. “Participating in water exercise is very beneficial because the water supports your body, reducing the stress on your joints and muscles. Water’s resistance also helps build muscle strength and endurance.”
Towels and bottles of water are provided to attendees. After the session, some members elect to stay and swim and then maybe get something to eat or drink at the Beach Grill.
“Feedback and suggestions are always welcome, as we want to make the experience as fun and pleasurable as possible,” Sorknes says. “We invite you to join what will be a friendly and enjoyable group while improving your health.”
“Before you and your staff from Boca Nursing Services started taking care of Helen and I, we existed; now we are living again! Thank you, Rose.”
-Dr. K.D.
Rose Glamoclija, R.N. Founder & Administrator
In the Swing of Things
DIRECTOR DAVID HUGUES CONTINUES TO BUILD THE MAR-A-LAGO CLUB’S TENNIS PROGRAM
BY MARY THURMAN YUHAS
Growing and continually enhancing the already thriving tennis program at The Mar-a-Lago Club is David Hugues’s biggest goal in his second year as Tennis Director.
Those who have watched Hugues play on the courts at Mar-aLago know the passion and drive he brings to the sport. His love of the game, his years spent as a competitive player, and his experience administrating tennis programs make him exceedingly qualified for the undertaking.
Hugues grew up in Paris and began playing tennis seriously when he was 9. As a junior player, he competed in the French Tennis Federation prior to moving to the United States in 1995. He worked as an Assistant Tennis Director and a Junior Tennis Director at other distinguished private clubs until 2020 when he became the Tennis Director at Trump National Golf Club, Westchester, outside of New York City. In 2023, he was appointed additionally as the Tennis Director at The Mar-a-Lago Club and nearby Trump National Golf Club, Jupiter. He has been a certified Elite Professional with the Racquet Sports Professionals Association, formerly the United States Professional Tennis Association, for more than 20 years, he says.
“All of these experiences have helped me hone my teaching skills, which I am now thrilled to share with all of you,” Hugues says. “My earnest goal and deepest passion is to help each player develop a love of the game and realize his or her full potential. This is achieved by working closely with members, parents, and juniors to ensure measurable improvements. I aim to implement tried-and-true drills
executed with the individuality each player brings to the court.”
Prior to Hugues’s tenure, tennis drills were held one day a week. Immediately after starting at the club, Hugues ramped up the program to include drills Sunday through Thursday. Tennis events also have grown under his leadership, from one a year to 15 per season. The 2024–2025 season kicked off with a November welcome party.
Rosé Nights — during which members play tennis for a couple of hours in the evening — also began in November. After the matches, the congenial group enjoys a glass of rosé and appetizers together. “As a native Parisian, you will quickly find that French joie de vivre will be upheld on the court!” Hugues jokes.
Additional upgrades to the program include more interclub tournaments, frequent visits from a variety of tennis pros, and an end-of-the-season trip to a deluxe destination, which the Tennis Director plans to reveal later in the season. “It will be a very luxurious experience to play tennis with a high-level restaurant,” he says. “It will be interesting for the type of clientele we have in Mar-a-Lago.”
Hugues invites club members, regardless of skill level, to come to the court. Consistency is the key to improvement, he says.
“Mar-a-Lago is your tennis home, and I invite you to join us,” he says. “I want you to feel comfortable here. All of our players have a good time, and we will play and challenge everyone.”
Club Weddings
FOUR COUPLES HOST THEIR SPECIAL DAY AT THE ULTIMATE DESTINATION: MAR-A-LAGO
Honoring the bride’s cultural tradition, an Armenian band played while Sasha and Zac were danced into the reception by her many cousins and while family members showered them with money as a wish for prosperity during marriage. This kickoff moment instantly infused fun into the evening and was followed by the celebration of Zac’s Jewish culture with the hora.
To create visual continuity for the evening’s festivities, Sasha infused a through line with innovative paper goods from Amaryllis Paperie. Everything from the save-the-dates to the napkins to the reception menus maintained a harmonious theme thanks to a repetitive font and color scheme that played into the gold of the reception space and the black-and-white elements added for emphasis.
To give guests a visual focal point, Sasha and Zac placed their cake in the ballroom foyer with shiny gold mirrored pillars that held seat cards. They built out the space with single-stemmed white rose blooms in clear vases, cascading orchids, flowering branches, and candles in varying heights for a gorgeous and glowing end result. The addition of a love seat meant this spot became a stunning photo opportunity for guests who wanted to memorialize the evening. “The undeniable beauty that is Mar-a-Lago and the backdrop it affords truly speaks for itself,” Sasha says. “We didn’t need to do anything but lean into its beauty.”
But perhaps the most impactful moment came when the couple said their own vows at the ceremony. Sasha and Zac both felt it was important to let guests know why they were there. Ultimately, it wasn’t about pomp and circumstance; it was about the story of their love for one another and celebrating where that journey would take them next.
Golden Glow
Sasha and Zac Dweck
Serendipitous Ceremony
Alexa and Jarod Malnik
Despite a guest list that totaled 300, Alexa and Jarod knew they wanted to cultivate an intimate wedding experience. After plans to hold the event at Jarod’s parents’ Ocean Ridge home became cumbersome, the couple embraced the serendipity that their chosen wedding date was the only available day for months on The Mar-a-Lago Club’s calendar.
This was not the first time that serendipity had helped guide their path. The couple had met on Alexa’s very first day at the University of Miami. Now, five years later, they were ready to cross the threshold into married life.
With a goal of creating a calm and relaxing day for friends and family, Alexa opted for a lighter color palette that played on delicate pinks and whites. The romantically Zen space was also awash with light thanks to hanging crystal chandeliers, clear candles at varying heights, and light effects that dotted the floor, evoking the impression of scattered petals.
In a foreshadowing of the commitment that lay ahead, the couple made a promise to stay by each other’s side during the entire celebration so all the memories of the night would be shared. The ketubah signing was followed by a formal ceremony, where their French bulldog and long-haired German shepherd served as “flower girls.” The cocktail party progressed into the reception, where the band was so engaging that it was tough to clear the dance floor for the bride and groom’s grand entrance. As the evening progressed, a light show by Liquid Sky Laser Show signified it was time for the after-party, during which the dancing continued and Alexa and Jarod remained side by side, surrounded by their loved ones.
“I don’t know if nothing went wrong or everyone was just amazing at keeping it from us so we could have the best day,” Alexa says, “but it was seriously perfect.”
A Generational Celebration
Sydney Sadick Adams and Nicholas Adams
Given her family’s long history of hosting celebrations at The Mar-a-Lago Club, Sydney knew exactly how she would create an unforgettable night now that it was her turn to design the festivities. She even had an idea for a unique wedding showstopper: a wedding arbor that allowed visuals of the intracoastal backdrop from all angles. Giant, cumulous-shaped bunches of white flowers topped transparent columns to create the statement piece, which was accompanied by floral sculptures floating in the pool. The couple made sure to incorporate nods to the Palm Beach location as well in the form of palm trees on the table number cards and throughout the décor.
“My family has been members of The Mar-a-Lago Club for 30plus years, and my grandmother was hosting events there since before there was a ballroom, so it is a venue that is very close to us,” Sydney says.
To retain the glamorous look and feel of the ballroom, the couple adhered to a white-and-gold color palette and included formal elements like candelabra. They even added touches of customization with their new initials, including on the dance floor. They also blocked off certain areas of the ballroom to ensure intimacy and added long dining tables and an overarching floral drop over the dance floor.
For dessert, Sydney and Nicholas requested a hallmark Mar-aLago offering: the classic baked Alaska. This was the first time the dessert had been featured at a wedding at the club.
Guests were ushered into the after-party, where Sydney’s brother was DJing in a transformed space with disco balls, lounge couches, and a favorite saying — “Music is better with you” — lit in neon and hung on the wall. The night took a relaxed turn, and guests ultimately departed with a boxed piece of the couple’s wedding cake to take home.
A Night of Music and Dancing Renata and Andrew Daneshgar
For Renata, live music at her wedding (from beginning to end) was nonnegotiable. The lineup didn’t disappoint. It started with violinists interspersed among seated guests at the ceremony. They filled the air with music by modern artists like Cher as well as classical pieces so the 16 bridesmaids and 20 groomsmen could dance their way down the aisle followed by Renata’s procession.
The music set an upbeat tone for the couple’s 600 guests. “We attended a friend’s wedding at Mar-a-Lago when we first started dating and felt so special,” Renata says. “We wanted to make sure that every one of our guests felt that special.”
A live band was followed by the arrival of “hype girls” — two dancers who kept the vibe going and cued the introduction of the renowned DJ headliner, Claptone, who orchestrated the after-party. Guests were given masquerade masks in tribute to the DJ’s signature look. They also enjoyed upscale comfort food like mini grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup dippers to help keep the dance floor pumping into the wee hours of the morning. When Clapton finally spun his last track, a smaller group of celebration warriors stayed until 4:30 a.m. to hear the couple’s friend flex his own DJ prowess. It was a once-in-a-lifetime night for Renata and Andrew and the perfect way to start their new life together.
PAPARAZZI Posh
BY MARY THURMAN YUHAS
Giving back has been part of The Mar-a-Lago Club’s legacy since the club opened in 1995.
“Mr. Trump was instrumental in giving opportunities for charities, and we still do everything we can to accommodate them,” says Bernd Lembcke, Mar-a-Lago’s Executive Vice President and Managing Director.
Each year, approximately a dozen charitable events are held at Mar-a-Lago. Hosting such events, which draw hundreds of attendees, hasn’t always been easy. Prior to the opening of the Donald J. Trump Grand Ballroom on Dec. 31, 2004, the club used a large, luxurious party tent for big events. Without a kitchen, the staff had to carry everything back and forth from original estate owner Marjorie Merriweather Post’s small, personal kitchen. Today, the Grand Ballroom boasts a huge professional kitchen and space to accommodate 700 attendees for a traditional sit-down dinner.
Because Mar-a-Lago is a private club, all events must be sponsored by a club member. Naturally, everyone has a favorite charity, and Mar-a-Lago’s idyllic setting is in high demand among members who want to support a valued cause. Here, we highlight a few of this past year’s spectacular events that helped raise awareness and funds for charities doing important work.
BIG DOG RANCH RESCUE’S ‘WINE, WOMEN & SHOES’
PHOTOS BY TRACEY BENSON PHOTOGRAPHY
Hundreds of attendees turned out once again for “Wine, Women & Shoes,” held at The Mar-a-Lago Club on March 2 and 3, 2024. The annual event benefits Big Dog Ranch Rescue, which is the largest cage-free, no-kill dog rescue in the United States. Its mission is to save 5,000 dogs a year that otherwise would be euthanized or abandoned. The 2024 event included a gourmet luncheon, the famous doggy and designer fashion shows, and plenty of entertainment.
“The Mar-a-Lago Club is the only venue choice for this event,” said a Big Dog Ranch Rescue representative in a written statement to The Jewel of Palm Beach. “The level of service, the grounds, ambience, and history add to the elegance and excitement of this event.”
DANCE EVENT TO SUPPORT CANCER PATIENTS
PHOTOS COURTESY OF JANET LEVY
On April 6, 2024, The Mar-a-Lago Club was the setting for a dance event aimed at raising critical funds to support local cancer patients and their families. Spearheaded by long-standing club member Janet Levy and co-chairs Joseph and Max McNamara, this charitable event paired local celebrities with professional dancers in a spirited dance competition. Inspired by Dancing with the Stars, the event featured celebrity judges Karina Smirnoff, Gleb Savchenko, Artem Chigvintsev, and Daniel Baldwin. More than 400 guests attended the event and cast their votes for the best performances.
The Palm Beach Ray of Hope Foundation is set to host a follow-up dancing competition — featuring celebrity judges and surprise special guests — on April 5, 2025, in the beautiful Donald J. Trump Grand Ballroom at Mar-a Lago. Tickets will be available starting Jan. 1.
MOMS FOR AMERICA’S MOTHERS OF INFLUENCE AWARDS
PHOTOS BY ALBERT TING, NICK BRUNO (BRUNO PHOTOGRAPHY), AND MICHAEL HOPKINS PHOTOGRAPHY
In a celebration of patriotism and cultural influence, Moms for America hosted its third annual Mothers of Influence Awards luncheon on Dec. 8, 2023, at the prestigious Mar-a-Lago Club. The event honored individuals who have significantly impacted American society and family values. The 2023 Mothers of Influence Award went to an impressive trio: country singer RaeLynn, whose music resonates with themes of resilience and family; Lindy Blanchard, known for her advocacy in education and family policy; and Dr. Alveda King, a civil rights leader continuing her uncle Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy. Dr. Sebastian Gorka accepted the Champion of Freedom Award, recognizing his steadfast commitment to American liberties. The highlight of the event was the inaugural presentation of the Founding Fathers Award to President-elect Donald J. Trump, acknowledging his foundational contributions to conservative values.
GREY TEAM MILITARY COMMUNITY’S AMERICA FIRST GALA
PHOTOS COURTESY OF GREY TEAM MILITARY COMMUNITY
On April 11, 2024, Grey Team Military Community proudly hosted its annual America First Gala at The Mar-a-Lago Club. This grand event, dedicated to celebrating American patriotism and honoring U.S. military heroes, attracted more than 500 attendees from across the globe, including current and prior military service members. The gala also raised crucial funds and awareness for Grey Team, a nonprofit organization recognized as one of Florida’s top military suicide prevention organizations.
Attendees enjoyed poolside drinks, a three-course dinner in the Donald J. Trump Grand Ballroom, live performances, and a lineup of distinguished speakers. This was the second time Grey Team has hosted its gala at Mar-a-Lago, which organizers say is the perfect setting thanks to its unparalleled ambience and service.
THE GOLDEN ROSE FROM CURETIVITY
BY
CAPEHEART PHOTOGRAPHY
Curetivity held its seventh annual Palm Beach gala, The Golden Rose, at The Mar-a-Lago Club on Feb. 1, 2024. Founded by Eric Trump, Curetivity has a mission of creating hope and curing kids in the fight against pediatric cancer by supporting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The 2024 gala included a Texas-inspired cocktail party complete with dancing and a frozen-margarita truck. Tuxedo-clad cowboys welcomed guests with individual golden roses as they entered the beautiful ballroom, where they enjoyed a delectable meal prepared by Mar-a-Lago’s phenomenal chefs. “Mar-a-Lago offers an unparalleled experience for our guests and is the perfect backdrop to showcase the generosity of the Curetivity family,” says Paige Scardigli, Curetivity’s Executive Director. “Its stunning setting and prestigious atmosphere create an inspiring environment for philanthropic giving and support for critical causes such as Curetivity and the patients of St. Jude.”
PHOTOS
PALM BEACH POLICE & FIRE RESCUE BALL
PHOTOS BY CAPEHEART PHOTOGRAPHY
The 18th annual Palm Beach Police & Fire Rescue Ball took place on Jan. 13, 2024, at The Mar-a-Lago Club, drawing more than 700 guests and raising more than $3.3 million, surpassing last year’s record. The theme of the black-tie gala was “La Dolce Vita,” and the festivities included live entertainment, poolside cocktails, the presentation of annual awards, and a live auction. All funds raised remain in Palm Beach and benefit the Palm Beach Police and Fire Rescue departments.
HOLIDAY CABARET LUNCH FOR A SAFE HAVEN FOR NEWBORNS
PHOTOS BY SEAN ZANNI
Guests felt the love at the Holiday Cabaret Lunch held in December 2024 at The Mar-a-Lago Club. The annual event, created by club member Lexye Aversa, benefits A Safe Haven for Newborns, whose mission is to eliminate infant abandonment. Safe Haven’s decal is visible on firehouses and hospitals throughout Florida, and at press time, the organization had helped 412 newborns.
The 2024 celebration featured multiple vendors; a sensational lunch; and entertainment, including a performance by Ballet Palm Beach, a couture fashion show, and a sizzling live auction. In addition, a proclamation from the pope honoring founder Nick Silverio’s humanitarian endeavors was presented to Silverio at the event.
PLACE OF HOPE’S LIGHT IN THE SHADOWS ANTI–HUMAN TRAFFICKING LUNCHEON
PHOTOS BY COASTAL CLICK PHOTOGRAPHY
Place of Hope held its second annual Light in the Shadows Anti–Human Trafficking Luncheon at The Mar-a-Lago Club on Dec. 7, 2023. Seven hundred people attended the event, which raised awareness and funds to help Place of Hope continue its mission of supporting survivors and providing them with safe housing, therapy, education, and life skills development.
“Place of Hope chose Mar-A-Lago to host this event because it is a prestigious landmark in our community that resonates with our donors and supporters,” said an event organizer in a written statement to The Jewel of Palm Beach, noting that Place of Hope would host the 2024 event at the club as well. “We chose to return for our second year because MarA-Lago’s space and layout are perfect for this massive event’s needs.”
FURRY FRIENDS’ WAGS TO RICHES GALA
PHOTOS BY TRACEY BENSON PHOTOGRAPHY
Furry Friends hosted its annual Wags to Riches Gala on April 13, 2024, in The Mar-a-Lago Club’s Donald J. Trump Grand Ballroom. More than 550 guests enjoyed an evening filled with glitz, glamour, and generosity, all in support of cats and dogs in need. This was the first year the event was held at The Mar-a-Lago Club, chosen for its timeless elegance. Chaired by Furry Friends board member and ambassador Kimberly Guilfoyle and Jackie Siegel, aka the Queen of Versailles, this extraordinary event featured synchronized swimmers, exclusive silent and live auctions, and a 10-piece band that kept guests dancing all night. Furry Friends is thrilled to return to The Mar-a-Lago Club in April 2025 for another unforgettable gala.
The Mar-a-Lago Club
DINING HOURS
• Breakfast: 7 a.m. to 11 a.m., Tuesday through Sunday
• Lunch: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday
• Sunday à la carte brunch: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Dinner: 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday
THE BEACH CLUB
• Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
• Dining: Poolside and The Bistro, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
THE TENNIS CLUB
• Opening hours: Court play and Pro Shop, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed Monday.
• Rules of the court: Proper attire is strictly enforced. Members and guests are required to wear all-white attire, collared shirts, and appropriate soft-court tennis sneakers. Running shoes damage the court surface and are not permitted. Please utilize the gates on the north and south side of each court when entering and exiting. This will prevent players from having to stop play to allow people to walk across the court.
• Guest policy: Guests (maximum of 10 visits a season) must register at the Pro Shop. Fee is $25 per person.
FITNESS CENTER AND LOCKER ROOMS
• Daily: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Holidays: 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
SPA AND SALON APPOINTMENTS
• Tuesday through Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Sunday and holidays: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed Monday.
SPA STORE
• Tuesday through Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Sunday and holidays: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed Monday.
SPECIAL EVENTS
• Tuesdays and Wednesdays: Bridge
• Wednesday evenings: Seafood Buffet
• Thursday evenings: Prime Rib Night
• Thursdays and Sundays: Croquet Clinics
• Select weekends: Live entertainment at The Beach Club
