Florida Center for Early Childhood invites guests to a "Castle By The Sea" gala

The Florida Center for Early Childhood continued its winter wonderland gala series with the "Castle By The Sea" fundraiser on Dec. 2.

The annual event — celebrating its 35th anniversary this year — brought hundreds of guests to Michael's On East for an elegant evening supporting the nonprofit's many educational and therapeutic programs for children with behavioral and developmental disorders. 

Guests mingled with one another and bid on silent auction items outside Michael's On East before heading inside to admire the day's castle-themed decor and iconography. 

The night's program started with words from board chair Michele Miller before Kristen Theisen thanked the donors and supporters for their support and attendance. 

CEO Kristie Skoglund then addressed the crowd before it was time for Florida Center parent Amanda Jacobson — who has been involved with the organization's Healthy Families program— to speak to the efficacy of the program and the impact it had on her family. 

The night ended with music and dancing.