A who’s who of sustainability and environmental finance attended the Dream in Green’s Anniversary fundraiser held on April 1st at the beautiful Palms Hotel & Spa, on Miami Beach. Dream in Green (South Florida’s largest environmental-education non profit) joined Sustainability 2011 with its party-of-the-year, Living the Dream.

The eco-fabulous Palms Hotel generously donated 3-hours of complimentary delectables and cocktails. The 2011 Green Innovators and community leaders who were honored that evening were The Heat Group, Miami-Dade County’s Office of Sustainability, DecoBike and Assurant. Roger Bustamante (of Miami Symphony) set the mood with his bossa nova trio while guests bid on the over-the-top silent auction items. This year, Dream in Green started the bidding early through the pre-event, online auction, at www.dreamingreen.org.

The evening was emceed by Emmy-winning weathercaster, Trent Monge. Dream in Green received a Proclamation from Commissioner Jerry Libbin and the City of Miami Beach and there was also a beautiful art installation of each guest’s ‘green dream’ written on leaves, swaying in the Palms bamboo grove. The beautiful winner of the Miss Green Earth pageant was also in attendance.

All proceeds from this event are going to be used to expand the Green Schools Challenge program in South Florida. The Green Schools Challenge is currently in over 100 schools (K-12) and fosters green citizenship in upcoming generations by promoting energy and water conservation, waste reduction and sustainable community principles.

It was for sure a very special and memorable evening.

Photographs by Betty Alvarez copyright 2011