Glamour Meets Giving at Harlan’s Place Foundation’s Gatsby Gala

A 1920s-Inspired Evening

By Caitlyn Burrus | Photography by Hunter Burgtorf

The warm glow of string lights, the shimmer of sequins, and the hum of conversation blend with the swell of live music. This October 4–5, Santa Rosa Beach will embrace the elegance of another era as Harlan’s Place Foundation invites friends, neighbors, and supporters to its most enchanting night of the year.

For Michael and Marina Carey, this celebration is more than a glamorous gathering; it is a love letter to their son Harlan, who was born with Down syndrome, and to the community they envision for him and others with intellectual disabilities. The foundation that bears his name was born from a family’s dream of a place where people with disabilities can live with independence, opportunity, and belonging. The Gala is another stride toward turning that dream into something tangible.

On Saturday, the Stock & Trade Design Co. showroom will be transformed into a scene Fitzgerald himself might have penned—flapper fringe and dapper tuxedos, strands of pearls swaying in time with the music, candlelit tables, and champagne flutes catching the light. Guests will drift between the dance floor while pausing to savor decadent bites or try their luck at the silent auction. “Our favorite part of last year’s Gatsby Gala,” Michael shares, “was seeing the community come together in 1920s style to support a cause so close to our hearts. The energy was electric, from the live music and casino tables to the joy on guests’ faces as they danced the night away, all while knowing they were making a tangible difference for individuals with Down syndrome and intellectual disabilities.”

The celebration will take over the entire Stock & Trade showroom and the adjoining Stock & Brew Café, offering guests an array of experiences to enjoy throughout the evening. International hip-hop violinist Josh Vietti will serenade the crowd before the band takes over to keep the dance floor lively, while casino games add a playful, Gatsby-inspired edge to the night. “This year,” says Michael, “we’re turning the volume up on everything! Guests can look forward to fresh ways to win big at the casino tables, live music performances, and the return of our breathtaking Gatsby-inspired garden scene. We’re also introducing an exclusive VIP section for a more glamorous experience.”

For those wanting to make an even greater impact, the Harlan’s Hero ticket sponsorship offers a way to directly contribute to the foundation’s mission while enjoying all the festivities in style. “Harlan’s Hero ticket buyers are champions of our mission,” Michael and Marina explain. “By purchasing a Harlan’s Hero ticket, you are directly providing a complimentary Gala pass for an individual with Down syndrome or an intellectual disability. Your ticket helps create a magical, inclusive night where everyone can celebrate together.”

The magic continues the following morning at the Birdies & Doubles Invitational at Burnt Pine Golf Club, where a friendly round of golf becomes another way to rally for the cause. “We wanted to extend the momentum of the Gala into a full weekend of giving and connection,” says Michael. “Golf brings people together in a relaxed, fun environment, and the Invitational is a perfect way for supporters to continue making an impact while enjoying a beautiful day on the course with friends.”

The Careys have set an ambitious goal for the weekend: to raise $100,000 between the Gala and the Golf Tournament. Every ticket purchased, bid placed, and toast raised brings them closer to their vision: a thoughtfully designed residential campus filled with fully furnished apartments, vibrant shared spaces, and opportunities for residents to thrive. And at the center of it all, the spirit of Harlan, whose joy, determination, and love inspired it from the very beginning.

“This weekend is more than an event—it’s a movement,” Michael and Marina emphasize. “Whether you attend in person, volunteer, sponsor, or donate, you become part of a vision to change lives. We invite everyone to dress up, tee up, and join us in making history for Harlan’s Place Foundation.”

This October, Gala & Golf: A Gatsby Affair invites you to step into a night of beauty and benevolence, where every sparkling detail carries a deeper meaning. The celebration takes place on the 4th and 5th, and the invitation to buy tickets is open: dress your finest, join the fun, and be part of a story that’s just getting started.

If you’re unable to attend, you can still step into this story in a meaningful way: by visiting HarlansPlace.org to support the cause. Your gift will advance the shared dream of building an inclusive, empowering home for adults with Down syndrome, a place where independence and community live side by side.

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To learn more, get tickets, or donate to this nonprofit and community, visit HarlansPlace.org.