The Venice YMCA will host the 36th Annual Black Tie Gala on Saturday, February 15 at 6 p.m. in the transformed gymnasium located at 701 Center Road. This year’s theme, “Le Cirque,” is meant to honor and celebrate both the heritage of the Venice YMCA and the rich history of the circus in and among the Venice community: past, present, and future.
“The Black Tie Gala will help the Venice YMCA to continue serving children and families in our community,” said executive director Kathryn Custer. That includes providing scholarships for camps, attending preschool at the Early Learning Academy, swimming lessons, and other valued programs, she added.
Special guest and legendary trapeze artist Tito Gaona will take the stage, introducing the evening's "Big Top" performance. For 17 years, Tito captivated audiences with the Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus, the Big Apple Circus, and more. Now, his daughter Victoria, a seventh-generation Gaona, carries on the family’s performance legacy.
Tito and his family, “The Flying Gaonas,” are a beloved Venice legacy. His wife, Renatta, and daughter, Victoria, also run the Venice dance studio, Attitudes in Dance. Victoria will join guest artists in a spectacular performance, embodying the family’s storied tradition of excellence in the circus arts.
“I wanted to be a part of this event as we need the circus to continue, just as the community needs the YMCA to continue their efforts,” said Tito.
In addition to the Gaona family performance, The Gala features a lovely dinner catered by Michael’s on East, music and dancing with the Actual Bank Robbers Band, a display of capes and memorabilia from the Victoria Gaona family along with circus photographs from the Venice Historical Society, and live and silent auctions.
A key moment during the evening will be honoring the founder of the Venice YMCA, Jeanette Hanchey-Flokstra, who passed away in March of 2024. “We are thankful for Jeanette’s legacy. What she helped build in the past is now serving families in the present. Her advocacy and support of the Venice YMCA was steadfast,” said Custer.
Tickets and sponsorships are available at https://onecau.se/_5wmfy1.
The Black Tie Gala is held in support of the Venice YMCA’s vision and mission. That mission is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. Its vision is to build better future for all.
For more information, please contact Kathryn Custer, executive director, at 941.492.9622 or email kcuster@ymcaswfl.org.