This original painting, “Boardwalk Reflection” by Paul Arsenault is being auctioned to help fund the Boardwalk Restoration Project.

The Friends of Fakahatchee, along with Paul and Eileen Arsenault will host a “Five Faces of Fakahatchee” gala Thursday, January 16 at the Arsenault Studio & Banyan Arts Gallery in Naples.

The event will honor Lavern Norris Gaynor, whose father Lester was instrumental in preserving the land for Big Cypress Bend Boardwalk. The Boardwalk has been maintained by the Friends of Fakahatchee for the past 20 years.

“There is no doubt that without the generosity and foresight of the Norris family, this National Natural Landmark would have been lost forever,” said Glen Stacell, President of the Friends of Fakahatchee.

Paul Arsenault will donate 100% of the proceeds from this auction of his original 20 x 24 oil on linen “Boardwalk Reflection” to the Friends of the Fakahatchee to benefit the Fakahatchee Boardwalk Expansion Project.

“My hope is that my artwork will inspire more people to visit the Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park, and support the Friends mission” said Paul Arsenault.

Admission to the Five Faces of the Fakahatchee gala is $150 per person and includes a service of hors d’oeuvres, wine and beer. All proceeds will benefit the Boardwalk Improvement Project. $90.00 of the ticket price qualifies as a donation.

For complete details and required reservation visit www.orchidswamp.org and click EVENT. For questions call 239.695.1023 or e-mail FOF_90@hotmail.com.