Social Seens... Photography by Gram
New Year’s Eve at MFA
NYE@MFA, the inaugural Mid-Century Magic-themed New Year’s Eve party at the Museum of Fine Arts in St. Petersburg, began
with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in the gardens and the first of two fireworks displays, compliments of 400 Beach Drive Seafood &
Tap House and the Annex. The seated dinner portion of the evening concluded with Paul Wilborn, his wife Eugenie Bondurant and
the Blue Roses musicians performing classic music from the American songbook. As additional guests arrived, diners moved into
the museum’s conservatory for dancing and to admire the Jean Schlumberger exhibits “Jewels of the Imagination” and “Drawn to
Beauty.” Guests then welcomed the new year with fireworks and champagne toasts to end the evening.
166 TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE | MARCH/APRIL 2019
Marianne and Mark Mahaffey, who provided
financial support for the Jean Schlumberger
exhibit, enjoyed the fireworks displays
at 8 p.m. and midnight.
Chloe Firebaugh, who co-chaired the evening
with Christina Majeed (not pictured),
was thanked by the museum’s Director of
Development Daryl DeBerry for their efforts.
Arthur Denner, his mother MFA Director Kristen
Shepherd, and Todd Berman were excited that
the benefit was such a success.
Mark and Dimity Carlson, who
were sponsors of NYE@MFA, enjoyed
the formal dinner, which was followed by
the after party.
Elizabeth Elmeer and Bob Schmidt
enjoyed viewing the Jean Schlumberger
“Jewels of the Imagination” and “Drawn
to Beauty” exhibitions during the party.
Debbie Baxter and her husband George,
an MFA board member, enjoyed
strolling through the museum’s
glamorous, bejeweled exhibits as
part of the entertainment.