This article originally appeared on the Larmoyeux & Bone website.
President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago Club turned from gold to blue at a gala to honor Palm Beach’s finest.
The 12th annual Policeman’s Ball, hosted by the Palm Beach Police Foundation for the police department’s sworn and non-sworn employees, took place Jan. 6.
Jim and Gaye Engel were chairman and chairwoman of the “Bless the Blue” evening, which began with poolside cocktails, hors-d\’oeuvres and chat about politics.
Like it would be anything else. This is Donald’s house, after all.
After cocktails, the skirl of the Palm Beach Pipes and Drums led guests to the Grand Ballroom for a presentation of colors by the police Honor Guard and the national anthem sung by Officer Steven O’Leary.
Event designer Tom Mathieu incorporated blue lighting, police-themed visual elements and photographs — and the customary police hats and mirror-lens sunglasses at each seat — to carry out the theme.
The night continued with remarks from foundation co-founders John Scarpa and Tim Moran, a video welcome from POTUS, and the presentation of the 12th annual Palm Tree Award to U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross.
During dinner, officers Ryan Burgoon and Anthony de Jesse were announced as recipients of the Officer of The Year Award.
The high-energy live auction, conducted by Bill Bone, raised more than $1 million.
John and Monika Preston were honorary chairman and chairwoman.
More than 700 people attended.
Proceeds from the ball and auction remain in Palm Beach and benefit the Palm Beach Police Department.
*This article first appeared on The Shiny Sheet