7 Fascinating Events to Enjoy This February

Patriots for Puppies

This military-themed dance and show benefiting Dogs for Life, which trains service dogs for veterans, will take place February 3 at Pointe West Country Club (7500 14th Lane) from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Guests will enjoy live music, food, a 50/50 raffle, and more. Tickets are $125, and military dress is encouraged. To connect with Dogs for Life, call 772-567-8969 or visit dogsforlifevb.org.

Motor Car Exhibition

McKee Botanical Garden is proud to present its 15th annual Motor Car Exhibition February 10 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This year, it’s “Rods & Customs.” Each vehicle has its own story, which you can hear from the owners themselves as they show off the distinctive body styling, paint work, engines, and interiors they have put into their dream cars. Custom motorcycles will also be on display. Regular admission fees apply. For more information, contact McKee at 772-794-0601 or mckeegarden.org.

GYO Gala

On Monday, February 12, the Gifford Youth Orchestra will hold its 21st annual fundraising gala at Quail Valley (2345 Hwy. A1A) from 6 to 9 p.m. During cocktail hour, guests will be treated to a performance by GYO vocal instructor Muffy Charles, and GYO students will play during dinner. A guest speaker will also inspire the audience. Tickets are $250. GYO can be reached at 772-519-2710 and gyotigers.org.

MHA Rocks!

Do your hair up big, find some shoulder pads, and grab your neon harem pants—it’s time for the ’80s-themed MHA Rocks! event benefiting the Mental Health Association in Indian River County.

From 6 to 10 p.m. February 17, guests will gather at Oak Harbor Clubhouse (4755 South Harbor Drive) for dinner, dancing to live ’80s music, a premium open bar, photo booth, wine pull, silent auction, raffles, and a costume contest. Tickets are $225. For more information, call 772-569-9788, ext. 122 or go to mhairc.org.

Fashion Meets Art

On February 21, Vero Beach Museum of Art will welcome Tim Gunn for the 7th annual Fashion Meets Art event. FMA consists of a 4 p.m. presentation and a 5 p.m. cocktail reception; tickets are $200. Gunn is best known for mentoring contestants on the long-running television series Project Runway. His signature advice, “Make it work,” originated during his long career on the faculty of Parsons School of Design. For more information on the event, see vbmuseum.org or call 772-231-0707, ext. 111.

Hope for Families Gala

Follow the yellow brick road to the Hope for Families Center’s annual gala at 6 p.m. on February 21. Guests will meet at Oak Harbor Club (4755 S. Harbor Drive) for an evening of cocktails, dinner, live and silent auctions, and inventive entertainment. In keeping with the theme of “There’s No Place Like Home,” live characters from The Wizard of Oz will be on hand. Stations will also be set up with local artists in action. Tickets are $250. To purchase tickets or learn more, call 772-567-5537 or visit hopeforfamiliescenter.org.

Karl Rove

On March 4, Riverside Theatre’s Distinguished Lecturer Series welcomes Karl Rove, who served under President George W. Bush as senior advisor and deputy chief of staff. Rove is the author of two books: The Triumph of William McKinley: Why the Election of 1896 Still Matters and Courage and Consequences: My Life as a Conservative in the Fight. As always, lectures take place at 4 and 6 p.m. Tickets to hear the talk directly from the Stark Main Stage are $102; guests can view a simulcast in the Waxlax Theatre for $87. More information can be obtained from the box office (772-231-6990) or riversidetheatre.com.