Donald Trump hosted a New Year’s Eve gala at his Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida, where a freshly painted portrait of Jesus Christ was auctioned for an impressive $2.75 million. The event, held to ring in the new year, included a charity auction aimed at raising funds for a local children's hospital.
Attendees at the exclusive event included notable figures such as former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani and Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The auction featured a live painting performance by artist Vanessa Horabuena, who created the Christ portrait during the gala.
Key Takeaways
- Donald Trump hosted a New Year's Eve gala at Mar-a-Lago.
- A portrait of Jesus Christ was auctioned for $2.75 million.
- Funds raised were for a local children's hospital.
- Artist Vanessa Horabuena painted the portrait live.
- Notable guests included Rudy Giuliani and Benjamin Netanyahu.
Live Art Performance for Charity
The centerpiece of the charity auction was the live creation of the painting. Artist Vanessa Horabuena worked on a large black canvas in front of the assembled guests. A band played a slow rendition of "Hallelujah" as she painted, adding to the atmosphere of the evening.
Donald Trump personally requested Horabuena to create something unique for the auction. "Draw something really special. I don’t know what it is, but draw something really special," he reportedly told the artist.
Auction Details
- Item: Portrait of Jesus Christ
- Artist: Vanessa Horabuena
- Sale Price: $2.75 million
- Beneficiary: Local children's hospital
The Artist's Skill Highlighted
Trump spoke highly of Horabuena's abilities during the event, emphasizing her versatility as an artist. A video of the event, broadcast on Newsmax, captured his praise.
"To me, she’s one of the greatest…. She can paint, slowly, a beautiful portrait for the White House, or she can paint the most incredible painting in literally 10 minutes," Trump stated.
This statement highlighted Horabuena's capacity to produce both detailed, time-consuming works and rapid, impactful pieces, a skill that was clearly on display during the live auction.
High-Profile Attendees and Philanthropy
The Mar-a-Lago gala drew a crowd of influential individuals. The presence of figures like Rudy Giuliani, a long-time associate of Trump, and Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, underscored the event's high-profile nature.
The auction's proceeds were designated for a local children's hospital. This philanthropic aspect added a charitable dimension to the exclusive New Year's Eve celebration.
Mar-a-Lago as a Venue
Mar-a-Lago, located in Palm Beach, Florida, serves as a private club and resort. It has frequently been the venue for high-profile political and social gatherings hosted by Donald Trump since he purchased the estate in 1985.
The club is known for its luxurious amenities and often hosts events that attract significant media attention, especially during holiday periods like New Year's Eve.
The Unnamed Buyers
The portrait of Christ was ultimately sold to an unnamed couple for $2.75 million. The anonymity of the buyers adds a layer of intrigue to the high-value transaction.
The swift sale of such a significant piece, painted live, demonstrates the unique appeal of the event and the enthusiasm of the bidders.
Reflecting on the New Year
Beyond the auction, Trump also shared his New Year's resolution during the gala. His wish for the coming year was "peace on Earth." This sentiment resonated with the festive and hopeful atmosphere of the New Year's Eve celebration.
The event served as a blend of celebration, charity, and political networking, marking a memorable start to the new year for those in attendance.
- The gala combined entertainment with a charitable cause.
- Live art created an engaging auction experience.
- The high sale price indicates strong interest from collectors.
- The event showcased both political and social figures.
The successful auction of the Christ portrait at Mar-a-Lago highlights the unique blend of art, philanthropy, and high society often seen at such exclusive gatherings. The funds raised will undoubtedly provide valuable support to the children's hospital.