Arts in April closes out with mystery movie night

Organizers of the second annual Arts in April celebration closed out an eventful month with the Longboat Key Garden Club's popular Dinner and a Movie benefit on April 24 at Longboat's Bayfront Park.

The evening featured a meal prepared by Jean and Frank Caldwell, a live auction conducted by professional auctioneer Jim Smith, prize giveaways, music by Akiem Esdaile, and a showing of the murder mystery flick "Knives Out."

Susan Phillips, board chair of the Longboat Key Foundation and garden club member, thanked community members for supporting this year's events.

The club recently awarded its annual grants and student scholarships, programs supported through events like Dinner and a Movie.

Phillips noted that this year's movie night included an auction with even more prizes donated by area resorts, restaurants and more.

She said the garden club looks forward to pursuing beautification projects benefiting the entire Longboat Key community with support from these events.

"Every year, we do something to beautify this island," she said, noting that it was only possible through substantial community support.

Garden club President Melanie Dale encouraged attendees to mark their calendars for the club's next big event, the Fourth of July butterfly release at Bicentennial Park.