To the Editor:

If you were driving down Bethany Road in the REAL Buckhead last Saturday evening you might have done a double take as you passed the Steffen Thomas Museum of Art. The glow of tiki torches, electric palm trees and lush tropical plants swaying to the beat of classic Cuban tunes was certainly enough to convince our 130 Havana Hideaway guests that they had time-traveled back to Old Havana for the night.
Thanks to the over-the-top entertainment by Sally Granadas and the Six Grand Band, Salsa dancing by Gwyneth Moody and Hugo Collantes of Salsa Athens, and Group Zumba lead by Ruth Porter from Madison Fitness Center. Everyone enjoyed the delicious Cuban buffet prepared by Hallie Jane’s Catering. The silent auction was filled with items that were varied, diverse, and eclectic. STMA extends a big “gracias” to all those folks who donated over 100 items to the auction! The ever popular “Plant Sale” was organized and executed by Linda Thoman and Chuck Conner with donations from dozens of local gardeners.
Donated by Whidby Jewelers, the beautiful first place raffle item, a white gold and diamond pendant worth $3,999, was won by lucky Julie Moore of Jackson, Miss. Thanks also to Jittery Joe’s Roastery in Athens for door prizes. 
Great thanks go to the balance of our event sponsors, without whose support our Havana Hideaway would not have possible: Amanda Martin, CPA, Bank of Madison, DreamTeam Technologies, Edward Jones Investment, HouseSmart, Jim Boyd and Associates, Inc., Macon Garment, Madison Rental, Madison Studios, Morgan County Citizen, Piedmont Recycling and Refuse, Smith Communications, Inc., S.T.A.R., LP. of GA, Yellowbook
Thanks to all our volunteers, including Ms. Pat Lemming’s Morgan County High School International Baccalaureate students, the Math and Science Academy students, and the ROTC cadets who were our volunteer wait staff for the evening. The money raised by this event is crucial to the continuation of our Arts Outreach Programs. We thank you all so much! 

Karen Strelecki
Arts Outreach Program Coordinator
Via e-mail

Printed in the April 12 2012 edition.