Category: Gala

Alonzo and Tracy Mourning Celebrate It’s All Overtown One Night One World at Rusty Pelican Benefiting The Overtown Youth Center 7/19/12

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Alonzo & Tracy Mourning To Celebrate It’s All Overtown “One Night…One World” at Rusty Pelican, Benefiting The Overtown Youth Center
Thursday, July 19th, 2012, 6:30-10:00PM
Rusty Pelican
3201 Rickenbacker Causeway
Key Biscayne, FL 33149
To purchase tickets, starting at $125, and for more information, visit www.overtownyouth.org or call (305) 349-1204.
Limited self-parking. $6 valet service also available.

NBA Champion, Alonzo Mourning, and wife Tracy, will host It’s All Overtown, “One Night…One World,” a premier annual fundraiser to benefit the Overtown Youth Center. The recently redesigned Rusty Pelican, an iconic restaurant offering spectacular waterfront views of downtown Miami, will present the event, which raises much-needed funds to support the Center. Guests, alongside the Mistress of Ceremonies, Belkys Nerey, WSVN-TV News Anchor, will be transported around the world with entertainment, food, and specialty cocktails, all embracing the evening’s theme of multicultural inclusion. There will also be an auction and multiple opportunities to support the program founded by Mourning in 2003.

The Overtown Youth Center’s annual fundraising event, It’s All Overtown, raises much-needed funds to support various year-round programming initiatives and enrichment services offered to families and children confronted with a community overflowing with insurmountable socio-economic challenges. For a population of over 13,000 people with a majority minority population (62% Black, 28% Hispanic), an astonishing 49% failed to obtain a high school diploma versus 80% nationally. With a median income of only $15,363 and 36% reporting less than $10,000 in annual income, more than 41% of families, with children, and 46% of individuals lived below the poverty level. Not surprisingly, the public schools serving Overtown’s youth are amongst the poorest performing schools statewide.

Rigorous research has demonstrated that after-school and summer programs can reduce violence and dropout rates while improving the likelihood of education after high school. Every$1.00 invested in after-school programs yields $9.00 in public benefit due to the reduction in crime and juvenile incarceration and due to increased tax revenue from more productive communities. By reducing the current number of dropouts by half would yield almost 700,000 new graduates a year.

Dedicated to ushering in a new group of positive contributing citizens and future leaders, the Overtown Youth Center focuses on inspiring, and empowering youth and families through enrichment services. The Center engages in the constant provision of services (24-hour case management, in-school and after-school and summer services). Overall the program uses a developmentally age-appropriate approach to social, emotional and intellectual development.

The mission of the Overtown Youth Center (OYC) is to inspire and empower youth and families by fostering hope through enrichment services. Co-founded by real-estate developer Martin Z. Marguiles and Alonzo Mourning, the Overtown Youth Center is an academic and recreational state-of-the-art facility located in the heart of Miami’s inner city. Since 2003, OYC has provided services to youth from in grades 2nd through 12th and has offered in-school, after-school, weekend, and summer programs that include academic support, arts and culture, health and wellness, prevention, and character-building activities, including parent enrichment activities. For more information, visit www.overtownyouth.org.

Key Biscayne’s iconic waterfront dining destination, the Rusty Pelican, reopened in December 2011 after an extensive $9 million renovation. Executive chef Michael Gilligan, formerly of the W Hotel on South Beach, has created a fresh modern American menu that mirrors the cool, clean look and vibe of the new Rusty Pelican. Diners can expect a large selection of tasty small plates, perfect for sharing and plenty of freshly caught seafood on Gilligan’s versatile menu. The restaurant boasts breathtaking waterfront views and a vibrant energy that draws diners in, making it a perfect hotspot for dinner, drinks and special events, from a casual cocktail party to a formal wedding for 500. Catering menu options are flexible so that guests may customize them to fit any event or budget. The newly reconfigured restaurant seats 214 in the main dining room, 100 in the bar/lounge area and another 100 on the patio. The second floor features a separate entry for guests, an outdoor terrace and a ballroom, accommodating 60 to 500. Topping it all off is a beautiful new bar and lounge, offering a variety of signature cocktails, microbrews, wines by the glass and bottle service. A wine cellar showcases 1,500 carefully selected bottles. The Rusty Pelican is located at 3021 Rickenbacker Causeway in Key Biscayne. Telephone: (305) 361-3818. www.therustypelican.com

National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Sparkle the 16th annual Miami Recognition Dinner 10/6/12

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National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Sparkle the 16th annual Miami Recognition Dinner
Saturday, Oct. 6, 2012
Fontainebleau Miami Beach
4441 Collins Avenue
North Miami Beach, FL 33140

Tickets to the 16th annual Miami Recognition Dinner are $250 for general admission and $350 for VIP admission (which includes a private VIP cocktail reception prior to the dinner). For ticket information, Click Here or call 305.571.1924. Become a fan of the Miami Recognition Dinner on Facebook.

The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force is proud to produce the 16th annual Miami Recognition Dinner, presented by Wells Fargo, at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach on Saturday, Oct. 6. This annual fundraising event honors individuals for their outstanding contributions to the social, cultural, political and humanitarian needs of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community.

This year the Task Force will be honoring advocate Matt Foreman, currently the director of Gay and Immigrant Rights Programs at the Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund in San Francisco, with the 2012 National Leadership Award. Local activist and attorney Elizabeth F. Schwartz will receive the 2012 Eddy McIntyre Community Service Award. The event will be hosted by actor/director LeVar Burton.

For the first time ever, the Miami Recognition Dinner will offer complimentary on-site childcare for all guests who have children in honor of Schwartz, who has dedicated her life to expanding and protecting LGBT families. (Childcare services must be reserved in advance).

Matt Foreman, the 2012 National Leadership Award recipient, has spent his adult life working for LGBT rights, as a volunteer, as executive director of local, statewide and national LGBT organizations and, most recently, as director of one of the most LGBT-supportive foundations in the nation. He headed up the Task Force from 2003 to 2008, where he was a tireless and outspoken advocate for fairness and justice, becoming the country’s most frequently-quoted LGBT rights leader.

In 2004, Foreman led efforts to ensure the Winter Party Festival and Miami Recognition Dinner stayed in community hands and continued to generate financial support to Miami-Dade LGBT organizations. While he was executive director at the Empire State Pride Agenda from 1997 to 2003, New York enacted a gay-inclusive civil rights law and a hate crimes law, repealed its consensual sodomy law and appropriated $12 million specifically for LGBT (non-HIV) health and human services. Foreman also co-founded Heritage of Pride, organizers of New York City’s LGBT pride events, and built the New York City Gay & Lesbian Anti-Violence Project into the nation’s leading LGBT crime victim assistance agency.

Elizabeth F. Schwartz, the 2012 Eddy McIntyre Community Service Award recipient, has devoted much of her life to serving the LGBT community. She is an attorney in her 15th year of law practice and has devoted much of her life to serving the LGBT community. Her practice emphasizes representation of LGBT people in family formation and dissolution matters, and she lectures locally and nationally about the importance of same-sex couples protecting their loved ones through estate planning and contracts.

Schwartz is chair of the Gay and Lesbian Lawyers Association of South Florida and a member of the National Family Law Advisory Council of the National Center for Lesbian Rights. She has served as pro bono counsel in several cases seeking to overturn Florida’s 1977 ban forbidding gays and lesbians from adopting children. She is a founding member of the Aqua Foundation for Women and has donated her time, money and expertise to many organizations serving the LGBT community on a local, state and national level. Her contributions have been recognized by many organizations, including Equality Florida, SAVE, SunServe and the Miami-Dade Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce.

Launched in 1997, the Miami Recognition Dinner has become a vital source of funding for organizations serving the LGBT community. Since assuming responsibility for the dinner and its sister event, Winter Party Festival, in 2004, the Task Force has donated nearly $1.4 million from the proceeds of the two events to the Miami-Dade community. The Task Force donates the majority of the proceeds to The Miami Foundation’s GLBT Community Projects Fund, which re-grants the money to local organizations.

At last year’s event, more than 35 sponsors and 775 guests contributed to another record-breaking year. The event’s coveted silent auction surpassed records from previous years raising more than $120,000, contributing to an event total of well over $450,000.

Photographs of Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce’s 90th Annual Dinner Gala on 6/2/12

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Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce’s 90th Annual Dinner Gala at the Miami Beach Convention Center on Saturday, June 2, 2012.  This year the following five key South Florida Business leaders were honored by the Chamber: Steven Sonenreich – President and CEO of Mount Sinai Medical Center; Gary Gerson – Founding Partner of Gerson, Preston, Robinson, and Co., Rosann Sidener – Principal at Miami Beach Senior High School, Jose Abreu – Director of the Miami Dade Aviation Department and Tony Goldman – Chairman of Goldman Properties.  The honorees each were given an award for their dedication and commitment to their industry and community.

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Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce 90th Annual Dinner Gala honors Steven Sonenreich, Gary Gerson, Rosann Sidener, Jose Abreu, and Tony Goldman 6/2/12

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Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce’s 90th Annual Dinner Gala to honor Steven Sonenreich, Gary Gerson, Rosann Sidener, Jose Abreu, and Tony Goldman
June 2nd, 2012 – 6:00 pm
Miami Beach Convention Center – Hall D

The Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce will CELEBRATE SUCCESS while marking a historic 90 years of the Annual Dinner Gala and Silent Auction. Five key South Florida Business leaders will be honored by the Chamber as 1200 attendees gather on June 2nd, 2012 at the Miami Beach Convention Center, and join in an entertaining evening of surprises along with a 200 piece auction, dinner, dancing, and much more.

This year’s honorees are names well known in the community – Steven Sonenreich – President and CEo of Mount Sinai Medical Center; Gary Gerson – Founding Partner of Gerson, Preston, Robinson, and Co., Rosann Sidener – Principal at Miami Beach Senior High School, Jose Abreu – Director of the Miami Dade Aviation Department and Tony Goldman – Chairman of Goldman Properties, who will each receive an award for their dedication and commitment to their industry and community, which assisted in the overall growth and development of the South Florida area.

The Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce will CELEBRATE SUCCESS while marking a historic 90 years of the Annual Dinner Gala and Silent Auction. Five key South Florida Business leaders will be honored by the Chamber as 1200 attendees gather on June 2nd, 2012 at the Miami Beach Convention Center, and join in an entertaining evening of surprises along with a 200 piece auction, dinner, dancing, and much more.

This year’s honorees are names well known in the community – Steven Sonenreich, Gary Gerson, Rosann Sidener, Jose Abreu, and Tony Goldman, who will each receive an award for their dedication and commitment to their industry and community, which assisted in the overall growth and development of the South Florida area.

Steven Sonenreich, President and CEO of Mount Sinai Medical Center, will receive the Citizen of the Year Award, which is presented to an individual whose selfishness, foresight, and guidance has contributed to the quality of life in the community. Steven grew up starting in the billing department at Mount Sinai straight out of college. Now, 30 years later, he is head of Miami Beach’s only remaining hospital and works tirelessly with his team to focus on keeping costs down by finding efficiencies in every aspect of health care delivery. He has grown Mount Sinai as a regional referral center, stabilized its financial outlook, and furthered its mission of quality health care, teaching, research and community service. Under his leadership he has achieved a host of accomplishments, most notably creating more locations where patients can access the care and services the hospital provides.

Gary Gerson, Founding Partner of Gerson, Preston, Robinson, and Co., will be awarded the City National Bank Hi-Tides Outstanding Achievement Award, which is presented to an outstanding local business professional, who is from Miami Beach and whose achievements have extended into assisting the greater economy. Gary opened his CPA practice in Miami Beach in 1958 and has achieved much success through talent, hard work, an unwavering commitment to his clients, and to his community. Not only has he run a very successful practice focusing on litigation support engagements and international taxation, but he is consistently giving back to the community by contributing time and financial resources to many charitable and civic organizations, including Mount Sinai Medical Center, as well as beyond, specifically supporting the University of Florida, where he has received the Distinguished Alumnus Award.

Dr. Rosann Sidener, Principal at Miami Beach Senior High School, will be honored with the Distinguished Service Award, which is given to a community leader who demonstrates extraordinary community involvement, sparks inspiration throughout the community, and helps mentor others to achieve greatness. Appointed principal in April 2007, Dr. Sidener has brought the school’s academic performance from a letter “D” to a letter “A” by the state of Florida. She has introduced new programs such as the International Baccalaureate School in March of 2010 and the Scholars Academy. These initiatives have given Beach High a new academic standing, along with a new image after the completion of a lengthy renovation process. Dr. Sidener has worked with her team to use creative tactics to tackle diminishing school budgets and continues to fulfill the schools vision “to develop a culture of success by nurturing life-long learning and values conducive to active participation in the global community”.

Jose Abreu, Director of the Miami Dade Aviation Department, will be awarded the Excellence in Tourism Award, which recognizes individuals or companies whose insight, leadership, and nobility have contributed significantly to the tourism industry in Miami Beach. As the director of aviation for over 7 years, Jose has been a strong advocate for positive solutions to South Florida’s transportation challenges in relationship to traffic congestion, parking issues, air quality concerns, and economic vitality. He is the former secretary of the Florida Department of Transportation and worked tirelessly to make travel in Florida safer and more efficient. Currently, he is oversees Miami International Airport (MIA) and four general aviation airports in the Miami area, MIA alone handling more then 38 million passengers and 2 million tons of cargo annually. Jose currently supervises one of the largest airport expansion programs in the US, a $6.4 billion capital improvement programs that will add new terminals, roadways, and other infrastructure at the County airports.

The final award is the Lifetime Achievement Award, which will be bestowed onto Tony Goldman, Chairman of Goldman Properties, who was instrumental in creating the beautiful Art Deco City of Miami Beach. For over 40 years, Tony Goldman has been recognizing the value in undervalued urban areas and has reconstructed and transformed historical districts into popular, thriving global destinations. He began his career developing residential brownstones on the Upper Westside of New York City and then was drawn to SOHO. In 1985, he took a quick trip to Miami and discovered South Beach. Tony saw miles of oceanfront property filled with run down hotels and empty and decaying buildings. Instantly, he recognized the unusual architectural significant of the Art Deco buildings in the community. He knew he discovered “The American Riviera” and purchased 18 properties while teaming up with others to lead the South Beach revitalization movement through preservation and economic development. He shaped the future of South Beach and was even referred to by the New York Times as the “granddaddy of South Beach”. He has served on many boards around the country and continues to give back throughout each of his developed communities, passing his legacy onto his daughter and son to grow in the future.

The 90th Annual Dinner Gala will be one not to be missed and there are only a few seats left. Tickets are available starting at $300, with sponsorship beginning at $3000. For more information, please contact the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce at 305-674-1300 or visit miamibeachchamber.com. A big thank you to the major sponsors of the evening, which include American Airlines, Duty Free Americas, City National Bank, Miami Beach Convention Center, Centerplate, Premier Beverage, Prestige Audio and Visual, Media Department II, CBS Outdoor, Warren Henry Auto Group, Waste Management, and Alliance Management.

The Black Hospitality Initiative of Greater Miami(BHI) 1st Annual Honoring Our Past and Celebrating Our Future Reception 6/28/12

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The Black Hospitality Initiative of Greater Miami(BHI) 1st Annual Honoring Our Past and Celebrating Our Future reception
Thursday, June 28th, 2012 from 5:30pm -7:30pm.
Kovens Conference Center Rooftop
FIU Campus
3000 NE 151 Street
Miami, FL 33181

To register to attend the reception and learn more about the Black Hospitality Initiative please visit www.blackhospitalitymiami.com.

BHI Continues to Support the Black Hospitality Industry of Miami

Entertainment for the reception will be provided by Caribbean Music Farm- Steel Drum Entertainment. Honorees include: Merrett R. Stierheim, Former Superintendent Miami Dade County Schools and Former President of Greater Miami Convention and Bureau (Tourism Pioneer Award); Attorney At Law H.T. Smith (Tourism Pioneer Award) Outstanding Contribution to Tourism: R. Donahue Peebles (Chairman & CEO Peebles Corporation; Distinguished Service Award (North Bay Village Commissioner Stuart Blumberg (Former President of Greater Miami and the Beaches and Former BHI Chairman); Dr. Larry Rice(VP Dean of Academic Affairs at Johnson Wales and Former BHI Chairman).

“We are excited about this event! It will honor those who played a significant role in establishing the foundation for African Americans and people of color to participate as owners, leaders, students, and professionals in the hospitality and tourism industry in Miami-Dade County. We will celebrate and say thank you to all who helped pave the way and change the face of our visitors and tourism industry. We will also recommit to advance economic participation and involvement of our constituents… this is indeed a special occasion and recognition to the quality of leadership that makes out city diverse and a world tourism destination,” states Executive Director Graylyn Swilley, Black Hospitality Initiative of Greater Miami.

The BHI initiative was established in 1991 as a non-profit 501© 3 organization by the Greater Miami Convention and Visitor’s Bureau (GMCVB) to advance economic participation and open doors of opportunity for African Americans and Blacks of African descent in the Greater Miami Visitors Industry. The areas of focus include: Advocacy, Talent Development and Career Coaching. Some of BHI’s impressive achievements include: BHI Minority Scholarship Endowment at Florida International University that is valued at more than $441,496.40; BHI graduates have emerged as industry leaders in hotels, cruise lines, restaurants, and entrepreneurs and as educators in Miami and across the country; and the 2012 Hospitality Open Golf Tournament(H.O.T. Challenge) and Silent Auction raised 125,000.00.

Sponsors for this event include: FIU Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management, Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, Kovens Conference Center, Academy of Hospitality & Tourism, Office of Commissioner Dennis C. Moss, Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners-District 9, Office of Commissioner Audrey M. Edmonson, Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners-District 3, Johnson & Wales University, Office of Spence Jones City of Miami District 5, Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA), National Association of Black Hotel and Operators, Little Havana To Go, Miami-Dade County Commissioner Joe A. Martinez District 11, Miami-Dade Black Affairs Advisory Board and etc.

Grey Goose Celebrates the 10th annual FedEx/St. Jude Angels and Stars Gala 5/19/12

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Grey Goose Celebrates the 10th annual FedEx/St. Jude Angels and Stars Gala
Saturday, May 19th
JW Marriott Marquis
255 Biscayne Boulevard Way
Miami, FL 33131

RSVP: To purchase tickets, get information on sponsorship opportunities or donate items for the silent auction, call (800) 278-3383, email paola.cassana@stjude.org or visit www.stjude.org/miamigala.

On Saturday, May 19th, the 10th annual FedEx/St. Jude Angels & Stars Gala, presented by the Mosteiro Family, is the 50th anniversary celebration of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital led by Latin power couple and event chairs Juanes and Karen Martinez. This year’s honoree is Latin Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter Juan Luis Guerra who will receive the 2012 “Al-Rashid Hope Award” for his unwavering commitment to providing resources to needy children in the Dominican Republic and Latin America, particularly in the areas of health, sports and education. Gala founding chair, television personality and entrepreneur Daisy Fuentes also will be recognized for her support of this gala since its inception. The festivities will include a cocktail hour, elegant dinner, cocktails – courtesy of GREY GOOSE® Vodka, a silent auction and after party.

*The Gala After Party will take place on the 19th floor.

Art of Found Objects The Education Fund’s Charity Children’s Art Auction 5/24/12

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Art of Found Objects The Education Fund’s Charity Children’s Art Auction
May 24th from 6:00 to 10:00 pm
The Moore Building
4040 NE 2nd Ave
Miami Design District

Purchase tickets online in advance through May 18 or by calling 305-892-5099, ext 23. Tickets start at $100.
Follow the excitement on social media. Like The Education Fund on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @EducationFund; “The Art of Found Objects” Hashtag is: #FindArtHere

Christie’s and Sotheby’s may have the corner on auctioning Reniors and Monets, but on May 24th from 6:00 to 10:00 pm, The Education Fund’s Charity Auction is the place to be if you want to bid on masterpieces by Albert, Ivan, Christi and hundreds of others – all 5 to 18 year olds who are poised to be the next Picasso. Guest participation also ensures these talented kids receive the support they need as 100 percent of the proceeds from art sales are donated back to their classrooms in order to help their teachers purchase supplies for next year’s lessons.

Given recent research that shows art classes teach critical problem solving skills needed for success in business, attendees may also be helping to develop Miami’s future CEOs like the ones being honored that night as The Education Fund’s Public School Alumni Achievers, including Rick Hirsch, managing editor of The Miami Herald; Stephen Bittel, Founder & Chairman of Terranova; and Representative Michael Bileca, Florida House of Representatives, Rachael A Sapoznik, President & CEO of Sapoznik Insurance & Association, Inc., Albert Dotson, Jr., Partner at Bilzin Sumberg, and 15 others (see page 2 for complete list).

Held in the historic Moore Building in the epicenter of Miami’s art and design community, The Education Fund’s ‘Art of Found Objects’ Charity Auction will showcase more than 150 one-of-a-kind pieces of artwork created by Miami-Dade County public school students and teachers representing nearly 50 schools. This exclusive event has raised more than $722,000 since it began by combining the power of a child’s imagination with the ultimate recycling program. Much of the artwork is crafted from materials “found” at The Education Fund’s Ocean Bank Center for Educational Materials, a “free supplies for classrooms” program. Stocked with supplies donated by businesses, the Ocean Bank Center is where 15,000+ teachers have shopped free-of-charge since 1993, garnering $6.4 million in supplies needed for student lessons.

In the wake of massive school district budgets cuts, the budgets for local schools have been slashed. “These cuts have a direct impact on schools’ supplies, making classes like art, which depend on hands-on materials, much more difficult to teach,” said Linda Lecht, president of The Education Fund, a 26-year old non-profit, that works side-by-side with the private sector in Miami-Dade to ensure every child has the education needed to reach their full potential. “How can you teach a child to paint if you don’t have paint brushes?”

“We have long supported ‘The Art of Found Objects,’ because we understand the intricate connection the arts play in the overall development of a child,” said Modesto Abety, President/CEO of The Children’s Trust. Indeed, The Children’s Trust houses one of the largest collections of artworks purchased from the event.
In addition to the silent auction, the event will feature live music, an open bar by Bacardi, an epicurean feast provided by Whole Foods, as well as the opportunity to bid on luxury items like vacations, jewelry, dining experiences and more. “Key sponsors like Ocean Bank, The Children’s Trust, Whole Foods, DACRA and Bacardi make it possible to hold this unique fundraiser to help our public school students,” said Lecht.

Yearly, an A-list crowd turns out for the epic evening, comprising notable art collectors, artists, community and business leaders, as well as politicians. Past attendees include: Artist Xavier Cortada, Emmy-Award winning anchor of CBS4 News Shannon Hori; Myrna Palley, whose world-class glass art collection is on display in its own wing at the Lowe Art Museum; Federal Reserve Regional Executive Juan del Busto, Pinnacle Housing CEO Louis Wolfson, the Ziffs, School Board Member Raquel Regalado, TV & Radio Personality Jimmy Cefalo, Real Estate Executive Hank Klein, and many more.

At the event, The Education Fund also honors local leaders who are all products of local public schools. This year, the organization will recognize 20 alumni achievers.

Receiving The Education Fund’s Public School Alumni Achievement Awards:
· Linda Slote Quick Bernstein, President, South Florida Hospital & Healthcare Association
· Brett Beveridge, Founder & CEO, The Retail Outsource
· Representative Michael Bileca, Representative, Florida House of Representatives
· Stephen Bittel, Founder/Chairman, Terranova Corporation
· Maria Del Busto, Chief Global Human Resources Officer, Royal Caribbean Cruises, LTD
· Albert E. Dotson, Jr., Partner, Bilzin Sumberg Baena Price & Axlerod LLP
· Jose M. Hevia, Jr., President/CEO, Aligned Partners
· Rick Hirsch, Managing Editor, The Miami Herald
· Kimberly Hutchinson, Director, Casa de Campo
· Alina T. Hudak, Deputy Mayor/ County Manager, Miami-Dade County
· Fedrick Ingram, Secretary/Treasurer, United Teachers of Dade
· Ralph Gonzalez Jacobo, Executive Vice President, Ocean Bank
· Basil T. Khalil, Vice President, FedEx Express
· Roberta Kressel, Senior Vice President, TD Bank
· Aletha Player, Area Manager, Florida Power & Light Company
· Stan Rubin, Executive Vice President/Chief Financial Officer, Ocean Bank
· Adalio Sanchez, General Manager, IBM Corporation
· Rachael A Sapoznik, Sapoznik Insurance & Association, Inc., President and Chief Executive Officer
· Victoria E Villalba, President, Victoria & Associates Career Services
· Carol Wyllie, Executive Vice President, Graham Companies

Miami-Dade Gay and Lesbian Chamber Of Commerce Presents The 11th Annual Gala Awards Celebration The Orange Gala 6/23/12

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Miami Gay Chamber Announces Gala Honorees
Saturday, June 23, 2012
6:00 p.m. – VIP Champagne Reception, Cocktail Reception & Silent Auction
7:30 p.m. – Grand Buffet
9:00 p.m. – Awards Celebration
10:00 p.m. – Dancing
Hilton Miami Downtown
Symphony Ballroom
1601 Biscayne Blvd.
Miami, FL 33132

$1,750 VIP tables of 10
$175 VIP individual tickets
(includes VIP champagne reception, reserved seating, gift bag, valet parking)
$100 general admission tickets
Tickets available by:
Phone: (305) 673-4440
Email: RSVP@gaybizmiami.com
Web: www.gaybizmiami.com

Miami-Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber Of Commerce (MDGLCC) Presents: “The 11th Annual Gala Awards Celebration: The Orange Gala” Honoring corporate and individual leaders of the Miami-Dade LGBT Community.

“AT&T Business of the Year Award” IKEA
“Wells Fargo Business Person of the Year Award” Steve Haas
“Non-Profit Organization of the Year Award” Miami Beach Visitor & Convention Authority
“Office Depot Special Recognition Award” Daniel Spring

The Miami-Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber Of Commerce (MDGLCC) will honor corporate and individual supporters of the Miami-Dade LGBT community at its 11th Annual Gala Awards Celebration, “The Orange Gala,” on Saturday, June 23, at the Hilton Miami Downtown Hotel, 1601 Biscayne Blvd., Miami. The honorees were selected for their long-term commitment to fostering diversity, as well as for their efforts in contributing to the overall well-being and quality of life in South Florida.

“As the voice of the LGBT business community, the Chamber is especially proud to have such an exemplary group to recognize this year,” said Steve Adkins, MDGLCC president. “From a global LGBT trailblazer to hometown heroes, this year’s gala honorees are as diverse as the LGBT community itself. ‘The Orange Gala’ is particularly significant this year in light of the Chamber’s achievements in growth and influence as well as the success of the LGBT Visitor Center in Miami Beach.”

The 2012 Honorees:
“AT&T Business of the Year Award” — IKEA
This award is presented annually to an organization whose commitment to diversity is unwavering in its inclusion of LGBT and allied community issues.
“IKEA has been on the leading edge of LGBT inclusiveness the world over”, Adkins said. “In 2007, IKEA produced what may have been the first television commercials depicting a gay male couple in a completely normal setting and they have been portraying same-sex couples in their advertising and openly courting the community as customers ever since. Closer to home, the IKEA store in Sunrise graciously donated all new furniture for the LGBT Visitor Center and the Chamber’s offices – including a new kitchen! For its acknowledgment of the LGBT community throughout the world and for its significant support of the Chamber, we are pleased to present the AT&T Business of the Year Award to IKEA.”
Charles Wing, IKEA Business Manager, will accept the award.

“Wells Fargo Business Person of the Year Award” – Steve Haas
This award is given annually to an individual who embraces diversity in all forms and demonstrates excellent management and leadership skills.
“They say you can’t fight City Hall, but when it comes to City Hall, the Restaurant, the only fight is for a spot on the reservation list,” Adkins said. “Steve is a five-star restaurateur who leads his team with dedication to the culinary arts and passion for customer service. Throughout his career, he has supported numerous LGBT events and organizations by hosting fundraisers and networkers at his establishments. He was also the chief architect for the Miami Spice promotion, a favorite pursuit of the LGBT community.”
Steve Haas, owner of City Hall, the Restaurant, will accept the award.

“Non-Profit Organization of the Year Award” – Miami Beach Visitor & Convention Authority
This award is given annually to a non-profit organization whose philosophy embodies the highest standards of outreach to the LGBT and allied communities.
“The Miami Beach Visitor & Convention Authority” has long recognized the power of LGBT tourism and actively promotes Miami Beach to LGBT travelers throughout the world,” Adkins says. “In fact, the VCA’s recent Impact Analysis report concluded that LGBT tourism initiatives accounted for the highest number of hotel room night bookings out of the 11 categories studied. LGBT tourism is so important to Miami Beach, that the VCA allocates more than a third of all grant distributions to LGBT-related events and activities, including funding for Winter Party Festival, Miami Beach Gay Pride, the Miami Gay & Lesbian Film Festival, Aqua Girl and the LGBT Visitor Center”.
Jeff Lehman, VCA Board Chair, will accept the award.

Office Depot “Special Recognition Award” – Daniel Spring
This special award is given periodically to recognize individuals or companies that embrace diversity, dedicate themselves to the betterment of the community, demonstrate superior leadership skills and consistently support the MDGLCC.
“Daniel is a pillar in the LGBT community,” Adkins said. “Through his South Beach Insurance agency, he has insured many of the area’s LGBT events and activities. Personally, he has volunteered countless hours of his time and expertise chairing the City of Miami Beach’s LGBT Business Enhancement Committee and Miami Beach Gay Pride.” For Daniel’s service and efforts supporting the LGBT community and MDGLCC member businesses with their insurance needs, we are pleased to honor him with this special recognition award.”
Daniel Spring will accept the award.

For the past several years, the MDGLCC Gala Committee has selected a different color of the rainbow flag for the Gala’s theme and has encouraged attendees to wear a splash of that color to the event. The theme for this year’s event is “The Orange Gala” featuring a color which represents optimism, warmth, happiness, adventure and risk-taking. This annual event, MDGLCC’s principal fundraising effort of the year, helps sustain operations and the ever-increasing demand to expand programming.

The 11th Annual Gala Awards Celebration: “The Orange Gala” will feature a VIP champagne reception and silent auction beginning at 6:00 p.m., followed by dinner at 7:30 p.m., the awards ceremony at 9 p.m., and then dancing beginning at 10:00 p.m.

Tickets are $1,750 for VIP tables of 10, $175 for individual VIP tickets and $100 for general admission. Tickets are available by calling (305) 673-4440, emailing RSVP@gaybizmiami.com, or online at www.gaybizmiami.com.

“The Orange Gala” is produced by the MDGLCC. Royal sponsors of the Gala include American Airlines, AT&T, GREY GOOSE Vodka, Hilton Miami Downtown, and Wells Fargo. Loyal sponsors include FVR Group, GMCVB, and The Murry Agency public relations.

MDGLCC is the largest not-for-profit corporation in the county for gay and lesbian businesses. With membership on the rise, the Chamber’s mission is to promote a unified and thriving, gay and gay-friendly, business and professional community throughout Miami-Dade County. Its goals are to promote networking within the existing gay and gay-friendly business and professional community, to promote business opportunities for Chamber members, to promote Miami as a year-round, gay and gay-friendly tourist destination, to provide resources for its members, and to provide outreach from our community to other organizations.

The Lost Beatles and Rolling Stones Photographs Exhibit 5/24/12

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The Lost Beatles and Rolling Stones Photographs Exhibit
Thursday, May 24th from 6:00pm to 9:00pm
The Art and Culture Center Galleries
Hollywood, Florida.

More Info & Tickets

South Florida resident Lori Gold has created this event to raise scholarship dollars through the Grace Gold Scholarship Fund, created in memory of her sister.

The Grace Gold Memorial Scholarship Fund was established to honor the short but significant life of Grace Gold. Grace, a college freshman at Barnard College who died tragically when a brick from a building stuck her. Her death was the inspiration for New York City’s Local Law 10 (11), which requires periodic inspection of building structures. Grace’s legacy will continue by providing scholarship support to students pursuing writing and journalism.

The Grace Gold Memorial Scholarship Fund will be hosting “Not Fade Away: Lost Beatles and Rolling Stones Photographs”. Lost for over 40 years, photos taken by their American road manager in the early 1960s were recently discovered. Rock and roll memorabilia expert, historian and author, Larry Marion, will share his multi-media exhibit for an exciting evening. All proceeds will benefit the Scholarship Fund.

Cleaning for Cancer Gala 5/24/12

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Cleaning for Cancer Gala
05/24/2012, 7:30 pm
FontaineBleau Miami Beach
4441 Collins Avenues
Miami Beach, FL 33140

www.cleaningforcancer.org

Four hour open bar, dinner, dancing and a silent auction

Entertainment includes singers, Daniel Bouchet, and Melissa Burnos

Special guests including well known sports and TV personalities: Michael “The Grinder” Mizrachi, Davone Bess.
Master of ceremony Charles J.Kropke , CEO & Author

Special Guest Speaker: Astrid Nicastri , Cancer Survivor

We expect a great turnout for food, fun and charity for all!

The Gala will be a night to celebrate and to spotlight cancer patients and survivors.

Miami Dolphins Legend Jason Taylor to be Honored at 15th Annual Cuisine for Art Fundraiser 5/17/12

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Miami Dolphins Legend Jason Taylor to be Honored at 15th Annual Cuisine for Art Fundraiser
Thursday, May 17, 6 p.m.
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
1 Seminole Way
Hollywood, FL 33314
artandculturecenter.org

Miami Dolphins legend and former National Football League All-Pro Jason Taylor will be honored for his contributions to South Florida at this year’s Cuisine for Art fund-raiser slated for Thursday, May 17 at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. Benefiting the Art and Culture Center of Hollywood, this event features elected government officials and community leaders serving as celebrity waiters.

The party kicks off at 6 p.m. with wine and vodka cocktails courtesy of Southern Wine and Spirits and hors d’oeuvres. Following will be a sit-down dinner, the awards presentation, a silent and live auction of one-of-a-kind items and a raffle for prizes. Entertainment will be provided by Rock With U.

This year’s celebrity waiters are: Hon. Patricia Asseff, City of Hollywood commissioner; John Benz, senior vice president and chief strategic officer, Memorial Healthcare System; Hon. Richard Blattner, City of Hollywood commissioner; Hon. Peter Bober, mayor, City of Hollywood; Marc Cannon, senior vice president-corporate communications and public policy, AutoNation; Hon. Beam Furr, City of Hollywood commissioner; Hon. Joe Gibbons, Florida State Representative; Michael Goodman, partner, Bitner Goodman; Hon. Sue Gunzburger, Broward County commissioner; Hon. Evan Jenne, Florida State Representative; Jen Klassens, vice president-programs, The Wasie Foundation; Phil Madow, president, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino; Jason Martinez, WPLG Local 10 morning and noon news anchor; Vanessa Medina, WSVN 7 reporter; Hon. Heidi O’Sheehan, City of Hollywood commissioner; Diana Pittarelli, president, Greater Hollywood Chamber of Commerce/realtor associate, First Colonial Realty; Carole Pumpian, president, Hallandale Beach Chamber of Commerce/president, CPumpian PR; Trina Robinson, NBC6 news anchor/meteorologist; Fran Russo, City of Hollywood commissioner; Hon. Elaine Schwartz, Florida State Representative; Linda Sherwood, vice mayor, City of Hollywood; Hon. Eleanor Sobel, Florida State Senator; and Brent Spechler, chairman of the board, Broward Boys and Girls Club/president/founder, WorkNet Network, Inc.

Jules Meyer, Susan Renneisen and Anna Smith are this year’s Cuisine for Art Event co-chairs.

The 15th annual Cuisine for Art fundraiser sponsors include AutoNation, Bitner Goodman, Florida Power & Light, Hazen & Sawyer, Memorial Hospital, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Southern Wine and Spirits and The Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa.

Tickets are $100 per person if purchased by May 14; $120 per person at the door. To reserve your seat, become a sponsor, or receive more information, please visit ArtAndCultureCenter.org or call 954-921-3274.

2012 Champions of Equality Awards Reception and Silent Auction 5/11/12

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2012 Champions of Equality Awards Reception and Silent Auction
Fri, 05/11/2012 – 6:00pm – 9:30pm
LMNT
55 NW 36th Street
Miami, FL, 33127
Purchase your tickets now.

The Champions of Equality Awards Reception and Silent Auction
Presented by SAVE Foundation and SAVE Dade
Honoring Honorable United States Senator Bill Nelson and White & Case

The SAVE Dade Champions of Equality Awards Reception and Silent Auction is an annual event established to honor members of the community who have significantly advanced the cause of equality for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community in Miami-Dade County.

This year’s honorees include the Honorable United States Senator Bill Nelson and White & Case, both of whom helped strike down the ban which prohibited gay and lesbian Americans from serving openly in any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces.

2012 Honorees:
For 16 years a discriminatory ban, the so-called Don’t Ask Don’t Tell (DADT) policy, forced gay and lesbian service members to serve without disclosing their sexual orientation. Over 13,000 service members have been discharged simply for being lesbian, gay, or bisexual. As a member of the Armed Services Committee United States Senator Bill Nelson was one of the critical votes ensuring the repeal of DADT would pass the entire senate as it did in December of 2010. His support for equality and in appreciation of his vote for fairness, even in our military, earns him the 2012 Champions of Equality Award.

Senator Nelson’s work was not done alone. White & Case, a for-profit law firm, stepped up to defend, pro-bono, the rights of new and existing service members willing to serve our country’s military who happen to be gay or lesbian. White & Case argued for their client, The Log Cabin Republicans, that the government needs to prove the “important government interest at stake to intrude on the personal and private lives of homosexuals.” Their willingness to go above and beyond to protect the interests of service members earns them the 2012 Champions of Equality Award.

Too often, we overlook the people who have spent years carrying the torch locally. This year, we will present our second group of SAVE Hall of Champions, designed to honor long-term volunteers who have contributed mightily to advance the cause of equality for the LGBT community in Miami-Dade County.

This year’s SAVE Hall of Champions:
Elizabeth Schwartz
Richard Milstein & Eric Hankin
Joan Schaeffer
Mark Steinberg & Dennis Edwards

10th Annual Hats Off Luncheon 5/8/12

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10th Annual Hats Off Luncheon
Tuesday, May 8, 2012, starting at 10:30AM
Jungle Island
1111 Parrot Jungle Trail
Miami, FL 33132.

Happiness, Love, & Good Luck Celebrated by the
Honey Shine Mentoring Program

Ten years of happiness, love, and good luck, will be cause for celebration when more than 600 guests and young girls that make up the Honey Shine Mentoring Program join at the 10th Annual “Hats Off” Luncheon.

Hosted by Founder Tracy Wilson Mourning, wife of NBA Champion Alonzo Mourning, and Co-Chairs Cathy Blank and Monisha Melwani, the mid-day luncheon includes an annual awards presentation, a Honey Shine Camp appeal, a fashion showcase featuring kids apparel provided by Gap, Aleren, and Bloomingdale’s, and a silent auction with more than 120 items that include jewelry, sports memorabilia, and popular brand accessories like Louis Vuitton, Alexander McQueen, and Prada, to name a few.

Tickets to the annual benefit start at $125. RSVP required by contacting Isabella at (305) 854-2444 or by email at RSVP@honeyshine.org. For more information on the Honey Shine Mentoring Program and membership opportunities, please visit honeyshine.org

Bass Museum Of Art To Host Annual Fundraiser A Night At The Museum 4/26/12

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Bass Museum Of Art To Host Annual Fundraiser A Night At The Museum
Thursday, April 26, 2012 from 7 to 10 p.m.
Bass Museum of Art
2100 Collins Ave.
Miami Beach, FL 33139

The Bass Museum of Art, one of Miami Beach’s key cultural landmarks, along with a select group of the city’s leading arts patrons and philanthropists, will host its annual fundraiser, “A Night at the Museum,” on Thursday, April 26, 2012 from 7 to 10 p.m. The event is expected to attract more than 500 guests who will receive a private preview of “Charles LeDray: Bass Museum of Art,” curated by Bass Museum of Art Adjunct Curator, Steven Holmes. Artist Charles LeDray will be in attendance.

The exhibition features works from Charles LeDray’s major travelling exhibition, including his most ambitious piece, “Mens Suits.” This is the artist’s first museum exhibition in Florida, and will focus on creating a unique dialogue between four individual, powerful works. The Seattle-born artist is best known for his miniature sculptures of everyday objects.

Guests will explore the new exhibition while enjoying hors d’oeuvres by TiramesU; cocktails & refreshments from Mandarine Napoleon, Kanon Organic Vodka and Perrier; desserts by Stella’s Sweet Shoppe; and beats by Vida’s house DJ. Attendees will also be introduced to an innovative silent auction of custom art experiences, including a studio visit and catered lunch with artist Carlos Betancourt and a curator-led art day in New York City.

The museum will continue its mission “to inspire and educate by exploring the connections between our historical collections and contemporary art.” On view in the Taplin Gallery will be selections from the permanent collection in dialogue with contemporary works on loan. “A Night at the Museum” will also play host to a customized ‘scavenger hunt’ that presents an opportunity for art enthusiasts and casual fans alike to explore selections from the collection of Renaissance, Baroque and contemporary works on view in the Taplin Gallery; the new LeDray exhibition; and the Egyptian gallery – complete with a prize for the winner.

Admission to the fundraising event is $175 for two and includes a Mummy Level Membership or renewal to the Bass Museum of Art for one year. Rubens Level Members or above receive complimentary admission for two, while those members below may upgrade.

To RSVP, email rsvp@bassmuseum.org. For membership upgrades, email dwolpert@bassmuseum.org, visit www.bassmuseum.org, call 786.800.6302, or visit the museum at 2100 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, FL 33139.

“Charles LeDray: Bass Museum of Art” is on view Friday, April 27, through Sunday, August 12, 2012. Museum hours are Wednesday to Sunday from 12 to 5 p.m. Cost of admission is $8 for adults, $6 for students with identification and free for members, Miami Beach residents and children under six.

Greater Miami & The Beaches Hotel Association 18th Annual Inn Key Awards Luncheon 4/19/12

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Greater Miami & The Beaches Hotel Association 18th Annual Inn Key Awards Luncheon
Thursday, April 19, 2012, 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Fontainebleau Miami Beach
4441 Collins Avenue
Miami Beach, FL 33140
www.gmbha.com

The Greater Miami & The Beaches Hotel Association (GMBHA) will honor over 250 hotel employees across Miami Dade County. Over 700 hospitality, corporate and governmental leaders will join our hoteliers and their management team in recognizing their employees, the “heart” of our tourism industry.

The 21 employee categories range from Bellman, Housekeepers, to Culinary and Engineering. There are also 5 hotel awards in the categories of Diversity, Environmental, Quality, Community Relations and Employee Relations that are recognized. Last year hotel awards were given to Loews Miami Beach, Shore Club, Trump Int’l Beach Resort, Canyon Ranch Hotel and Spa, Fontainebleau Miami Beach, The Betsy, Intercontinental Hotel Miami and The Setai.

A portion of the net proceeds will benefit the GMBHA Academy of Hospitality and Tourism (Miami Dade County Public Schools) Stuart L. Blumberg Scholarship Fund.

This year’s sponsors include City National Bank, Clevelander/Essex House, Fontainebleau Miami Beach, Orbitz Worldwide, Sea View Hotel, W South Beach, Boucher Brothers and the GMCVB. Sponsorship opportunities are still available.

Can’t Stomach Cancer Annual Dream Makers Gala 4/21/12

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Can’t Stomach Cancer Annual Dream Makers Gala
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa
Hollywood, Florida

Tickets for the Gala are $175 per person, and sponsorships range in price from $600 to $25,000. To become a sponsor or to purchase tickets, please call 954-475-1200 or email Events@CantStomachCancer.org.

Can’t Stomach Cancer: The Foundation of Debbie’s Dream (CSC) will host the third annual Dream Makers Gala. Co-Chairs Susie Alvarez Cope, Jason Chalik, and Ani Solarana hope to exceed the $180,000 raised at last year’s Gala. “We are thrilled to have already secured several sponsorships, but we are looking for more to help us make this event a huge success. The money we raise at this event will go toward funding much needed stomach cancer research,” said Jason Chalik. Sponsors for this year’s Gala include Title sponsor Proskauer; Platinum Sponsors Equity One and The Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa; Gold Sponsors HCA Broward Hospitals, Sheridan Healthcare, and Newport Beachside Hotel & Resort; and Media Sponsor Lifestyle Publications.

“Expect the Unexpected” is the evening’s theme. The event will begin with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and silent auctions followed by dinner, dancing, fabulous live auctions, and award presentations. Lisa Petrillo, Entertainment Reporter at CBS4, will be the guest speaker. Award recipients being honored at this year’s Gala for their dedication and commitment to CSC’s mission include Michael A. Choti, MD, from Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Mary Lynn Swartz, former CEO of Westside Regional Medical Center; Jennifer Kapp, CSC Board of Directors; and Meredith Clements, Society Scene Editor of the Sun-Sentinel.

Can’t Stomach Cancer: The Foundation of Debbie’s Dream was founded by Debbie Zelman, a Davie resident who was diagnosed in April 2008 with Stage IV advanced, incurable stomach cancer. At that time she was forty years old, married to a physician, the mother of three young children and owned her own law firm. She quickly learned that there were relatively few treatment options available for this disease. Debbie was told her chances of being alive in five years were less than five percent.
Stomach cancer is the second most prevalent cancer killer worldwide and one of the top cancer killers in the United States. Unfortunately, per cancer death, stomach cancer gets the least federal funding of any type of cancer. Doctors believe that in the face of America’s growing obesity epidemic, stomach cancer may be on the rise.
CSC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit foundation dedicated to advancing funding for stomach cancer research, raising awareness about the disease, and providing education and support internationally for patients, families, and caregivers. For more information, visit www.CantStomachCancer.org

Fourth Annual Cochon 555 Coming To Miami 4/1/12

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Fourth Annual Cochon 555 Coming To Miami
Sunday, April 1st
4 pm VIP opening; 5 pm general admission
Four Seasons Miami
1435 Brickell Avenue
Miami, FL
Website
www.twitter.com/cochon555
www.facebook.com/cochon555

Tickets: $125 per person for general admission; $200 for VIP, which includes a welcome cocktails from The King’s Ginger, one hour early access to sample dishes from three of the competing chef stations, a showcase of Rappahannock Oysters and chance to win a year supply of meat and cheese from Cochon 555 and Murray’s Cheese.

Culinary Competition and Tasting Event Celebrates Heritage Breed Pigs

COCHON 555 – five chefs, five pigs, five winemakers – is a one-of-a-kind traveling culinary competition and tasting event to promote sustainable farming of heritage breed pigs. The event challenges five local chefs to prepare a menu created from heritage breed pigs, nose-to-tail, for an audience of pork-loving epicureans.

The Five Chefs: Michelle Bernstein of Michy’s, Aaron Brooks of EDGE Steak & Bar at Four Seasons Miami, James Petrakis of the Ravenous Pig in Winter Park, Michael Schwartz and chef de cuisine Bradley Herron of Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink, and James Strine of Café Boulud Palm Beach.

Guests will be treated to an epic pork feast of five whole heritage pigs prepared by five chefs and wines from five family wineries, including Scholium Project, Elk Cove Vineyards, Sokol Blosser, Chehalem Wines, and K Vintners. The evening will also include wines from SALDO and Robert Kacher Selections, a butcher demonstration by Alejandro Bonilla of Yardbird and your chance to win cookware through an interactive tasting contest with Jamie Bissonnette of Coppa Boston and Le Creuset. A special engagement with Domaine Serene of Oregon paired with Iberico De Bellota by Fermin. Libations include Anchor Brew, tastings of Chinaco Tequila and the “Perfect Manhattan” Cochon 555 bar with Daniel Hyatt of Alembic SF featuring Hirsch, Angel’s Envy, Eagle Rare, Buffalo Trace, Hudson Whiskey’s Baby Bourbon and Luxardo. In preview of our new Labor Day event, Yardbird’s Jeff McInnis will will serve a Heritage BBQ whole hog family meal. Attendees don’t forget that everyone votes for the “Best Bite of the Day” before we combine the consumer votes (51%) with the technical score from the local judges (49%) and announce one chef as the Prince or Princess of Porc. The winner will go on to compete against other regional winners at the finale Grand Cochon event at the FOOD & WINE Classic in Aspen, June 17, 2012.

To start the awards ceremony, we host a 25th anniversary champagne toast to the James Beard Foundation, sponsored by Laurent-Perrier Champagne, now celebrating its 200th year. To close the evening, we offer an exclusive chocolate experience from Xocolatl de David and cold-brew from Safari Cup Coffee. Farrarelle is the official water of the 2012 US Tour.

Created by Taste Network’s Brady Lowe in 2009 in response to the lack of consumer education around heritage breeds, COCHON is a national event series that takes place in 14 major markets. Every January, COCHON 555 embarks on a 10-city culinary competition and tasting tour where 50 chefs are selected to prepare a ‘snout -to-tail’ menu created from heritage breed pigs. The 10 winners of each regional event are flown to Aspen for the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen for the final competition, Grand Cochon. Cochon All-Star, Cochon Heritage Fire and a new event called Cochon Heritage BBQ competition will be hosted in Memphis on Labor Day every year starting in 2012. For more details about the events, visit www.cochon555.com or follow @cochon555 on twitter.

Why should we care? First, imagine if we only had one or two types of dogs in the world. One small dog, and one large dog. Everyone had the same dog, and there was no variety. Taking your child to pick out a dog and there were no choices. How boring would that be? For me, diversity is the flavor of life. I want choices, I deserve choices for different days, different moods and different recipes and techniques. I can’t imagine going bakery on Sunday morning and not having any choices, can you? Again, imagine a world with only one doughnut. The idea is standardization defined. My goal is to provide choices to chefs and to diversify the pig landscape so life is more interesting for those of us who care. It’s important to let family farms know that we care about the choice to buy a better, more flavorful product, even if cost is higher. In the end, we diversify the conversation on the pasture and hopefully that will reach your kitchen someday soon. The context of the event is better for the ecosystem, it’s better for the marketplace, it’s the choice we want. Buying into heritage pork is synonymous with putting your money directly into the farmer’s pocket and creating a diversified landscape of flavor for the future. That feels good to me, and don’t forget flavor is king. The best part, heritage pork is not super expensive, it just takes time to find a local farmer, butcher shop or restaurant buying from these farms.

Tweet it up
5 Chefs / 5pigs @Cochon555 Mia @FSMiami Who will win? @chefmschwartz @chefmichy @brookschef @jamesstrine76 @ravpig http://j.mp/555Miami

Post to FaceBook
Over 1200 pounds of heritage pork 5 CHEFS / 5PIGS @COCHON555 MIA April 1st! @chefmschwartz @chefmichy @brookschef @jamesstrine76 @ravpig Who will win? Check out more: http://j.mp/555Miami – its not too late to win tickets

Women Of Tomorrow Mentor & Scholarship Program To Host 11th Annual Gala At The Mandarin Oriental 3/31/12

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Women Of Tomorrow Mentor & Scholarship Program To Host 11th Annual Gala At The Mandarin Oriental

The Women of Tomorrow Mentor & Scholarship Program will host its 11th annual gala at the beautiful Mandarin Oriental with more than 500 of South Florida’s leading philanthropists, celebrities and politicians on Saturday, March 31, 2012. Founders Jennifer Valoppi and Don Browne, along with Gala Chair Marisa Toccin and Co-Vice President, the Honorable Katherine Fernandez Rundle, have planned an unforgettable evening in celebration of the Women of Tomorrow’s 11th annual gala and its 16th year of mentoring at-risk young girls in South Florida.

The evening will begin with a lavish cocktail reception featuring hors d’oeuvre stations created by the Mandarin Oriental’s executive chef, complemented by a highly anticipated silent auction, including items from top luxury brands and vendors including Saks Fifth Avenue Bal Harbour, Valentino Bal Harbour, Laura Buccellati Handbags, Oscar de la Renta Bal Harbour, Romero Britto, Fontainebleau Miami Beach and many more. Highlights of this year’s live auction include a $5,000 shopping spree courtesy of Neiman Marcus Bal Harbour and a two-year lease on a 2012 Jaguar XJ, courtesy of THE COLLECTION. Following the reception, guests will be escorted into the ballroom, where they will be treated to a decadent four-course dinner and a live performance by South Florida’s own Soul Survivors.

Honorees at the 11th annual event include Honorary Chairs Madeleine & Micky Arison; Legacy Builder Honoree Lola Jacobson; Empowerment Award Honoree Elsie Howard; Excellence Honorees Dave Boylan along with WPLG Local 10; Jamie Byington along with Cherry, Bekaert & Holland, L.L.P.; Leadership Award Honoree Susan Kronick; and Mentor of the Year Terri Shikany.

About Women of Tomorrow Mentor & Scholarship Program
Women of Tomorrow was conceived in 1997 by Television Journalist Jennifer Valoppi and co-founded with Don Browne, retired Telemundo Network President. The Women of Tomorrow Mentor & Scholarship Program is designed to inspire, motivate and empower at-risk young women to live up to their full potential through a unique mentoring program with highly accomplished professional women and scholarship opportunities. Women of Tomorrow currently mentors over 2200 at-risk girls in over 100 public high schools in approximately 50 cities in South Florida and Metropolitan Detroit with its network of 300 Mentors. Research shows that Women of Tomorrow Mentees have increased self-esteem, a 92% high school graduation rate, and increased academic performance each year they are in the program, to a statistically significant degree. Women of Tomorrow has awarded almost $3 million in college scholarships to more than 1,000 mentees. For more information, call 305.371.3330 or visit www.womenoftomorrow.org.

Communities In Schools of Miami Swingin’ for Kids Annual Fundraising Gala 4/28/12

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Communities In Schools of Miami Swingin’ for Kids Annual Fundraising Gala
Saturday, April 28, 2012, 6:30 to 10 p.m.
Intercontinental Hotel, Downtown
100 Chopin Plaza
Miami, FL 33131
PRICE: $150 per person
Tickets can be purchased online at www.cismiami.org or by calling 305-252-4554.

Dust off those dancing shoes for a good cause as Communities In Schools of Miami (CIS) hosts its annual fundraising dinner with an ode to the jazz era on April 28, 2012 at the Hotel Intercontinental in downtown Miami.

The evening begins at 6:30 p.m. with a sunset cocktail hour featuring complimentary Bacardi spirits and live entertainment followed by a five-course, sit down dinner.
Dan Cardinali, National President of CIS, will preside as the master of ceremony for the evening and Superintendent of Miami Dade County Public Schools, Alberto M. Carvalho, will be recognized for his support of CIS’ Miami affiliate with a special award.

Suenalo, dubbed the “Best Latin Band of the Year” by the New Times, will keep guests moving on the dance floor with swing jazz beats. They will be joined by students enrolled in the Guns Over Guitars Operation, a musical mentoring program run by CIS and Suenalo at North Miami Beach Middle School.

Silent auction items include an autographed guitar from Taylor Swift, a cruise vacation and weekend getaway to Orlando.

Tickets for CIS’ largest annual philanthropy event cost $150 each and proceeds go directly toward resources needed for sustaining the program. Last year’s event raised more than $54,000. Tickets can be purchased online at www.cismiami.org or by calling 305-252-4554.

Event sponsors include Carnival Corporation & PLC, Greenberg Taurig, Kaufman Rossin & Co., Carlton Fields and South Miami OB/GYN Associates.

Communities In Schools is the nation’s leading dropout prevention organization, and is the only one proven to increase graduation rates and decrease dropout rates. CIS of Miami is dedicated to keeping millions of at-risk youth in school and motivated to graduate with programs and resources such as mentoring, tutoring, life skills development, case management, counseling, job readiness and more. To learn more about CIS of Miami and the dropout crisis, visit http://www.cismiami.org.

2012 Kappa Alpha Psi Black and White Ball 6/9/12

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2012 Kappa Alpha Psi Black and White Ball
June 9, 2012, 6pm Until
Broward County Convention Center
1950 Eisenhower Boulevard
Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33316
www.miamialumni1911.com

An elegant affair to benefit aspiring college students with scholarships. Headlining performer and superstar Freddie Jackson will perform throughout the night along with dinner, dancing and a silent auction featuring Vegas Trips, Black Film Festival Tix, and much much more.

Legacy Gala 4/14/12

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Legacy Gala
April 14, 2012, 7:00 P.M.
Ancient Spanish Monastery
16711 West Dixie Highway
North Miami Beach, Fl 33160
Website
Press Release
Facebook Page

The Ancient Spanish Monastery at 16711 West Dixie Highway, North Miami Beach, Florida 33160 will hold its second Annual Legacy Gala on Saturday, April 14, 2012at 7:00 pm. In keeping with the theme, “Preserving the Legacy” special recognition will be given to individuals whose distinguished achievements have provided a legacy to the community; and, merit special public recognition. The honorees are: The Honorable Mayor Carlos Gimenez, Miami-Dade County, The Honorable Commissioner Sally Heyman, District 4, The Honorable Councilwoman Phyllis Smith, North Miami Beach, Mr. Ben Laurenzo, Businessman North Miami Beach, Mr. Daniel Fils-Aime Chairman, Haitian American Historical Society North Miami, and Mr. Oscar Llorente, Art and Culture Center of Hollywood.

This fundraising event will celebrate the achievements of honorees and assist with financial support for the preservation of art, antiquities, architecture and historical artifacts of the oldest building in North America.

All You Need Is Love At Miami Children’s Museum’s 2012 Be A Kid Again Gala Honoring Romero Britto 3/31/12

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All You Need Is Love At Miami Children’s Museum’s 2012 Be A Kid Again Gala Honoring Romero Britto
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Miami Children’s Museum
980 MacArthur Causeway
Miami, FL

Featuring a Live Multimedia Performance By The Fab Four!

On Saturday, March 31st at 6:30 PM, the Miami Children’s Museum (MCM) will host its much anticipated 2012 Be A Kid Again Gala. This year’s 60s inspired theme, “All you need is love” will celebrate exceptional educational programming and showcase a far out live auction hosted by Dave Barry and Paul Castronovo. The night will also feature a one of a kind Silent Auction with a special Wine Auction chaired by Beverly and Bill Parker. Guests will groove the night away to a spectacular multimedia stage production by The Fab Four that will transport them back in time with iconic Beatles tunes.

This year’s Be a Kid Again Gala will pay tribute to and honor renowned local artist, Romero Britto. MCM will honor Britto for his longstanding commitment and dedication to the Museum and to the children of South Florida.

Co-hosted by MCM Chairman of the Board of Directors, Jeffrey Berkowitz, Gala co-chairs Lisa Schejola Akin, Melissa Netkin, and supported by past Gala chairs Gisela and Diego Lowenstein, the 2012 Be A Kid Again Gala is guaranteed to be the most memorable event of the season! Jeff and Yolanda Berkowitz and Alan Potamkin and Brigitt Rok serve as this year’s generous Premiere Sponsors. The night’s Presenting Sponsors include The Arison Family Foundation, Baptist Health South Florida, Coastal Construction, Fairholme Capital Management, Gloria Martin, the Miami Marlins/David Samson.

“MCM has always provided exceptional educational programming to children and families throughout South Florida,” says Jeffrey Berkowitz, Chairman of the Board for the Miami Children’s Museum. “The funds raised at the Be A Kid Again Gala help us ensure that all children continue to have access to these programs.”

The 2012 Be A Kid Again Gala Honorary Host Committee includes Miami heavy weights Dave Barry, Gloria & Emilio Estefan, Lisa & Donald Pliner, Chris & Pat Riley. The night’s luxurious Silent Auction is chaired by Yolanda Berkowitz, DJ Kerr, Marlen Pernetti, Beth Tasca, Gisela Lowenstein and Stefanie Reed. The Host Committee includes Marianne Devine, Lara Gallardo, Aaron Glickman, Stacey Gumenick, Susan Lampen, Pam Luria, Jackie Malamed, Janet Moreira Gamble, Adrienne Pardo, Katharine Rubino, Mijanou Spurdle, Sarah Sullivan, and Chris Weinberg.

All proceeds will benefit the Museum’s educational programming. For more information, contact Sarah Smith at 305.373.KIDS (5437), ext. 142 or ssmith@miamichildrensmuseum.org.

2012 Be A Kid Again Gala Patron Sponsors: Academica, Jeffrey & Lisa Akin, Berkowitz Dick Pollack & Brant, Bilzin Sumberg, Braman Family Foundation, CMC Group, Florida East Coast Realty, Florida Power & Light, Russell & Ronalee Galbut, GetARoom.com, Greenberg Traurig, IPC International, Chaim & Shulamit Katzman, Diego & Gisela Lowenstein, Manny Medina, MC Velar Construction, Miami Access Tunnel, Miami Heat, Pathman Lewis, Regal Entertainment Group, Suffolk Construction, TotalBank, and Worldwide Amherst Media. This year’s Gala Supporting Sponsors are Alma Jennings Foundation, Broad & Cassel, Devine Goodman Rasco & Wells, Illy, Kluger Kaplan Silverman Katzen & Levine, Ladenburg Thalmann/Adam & Jackie Malamed, Richard & Susan Lampen, Lockton Companies/Ryan Turner Specialty, Mandarin Oriental, MDW Insurance, Miami Dolphins, Next-Port, Inc./Robert and Melisa Netkin, Bill & Beverly Parker, Riemer Insurance, Sabadell United Bank, The Sequoia Foundation, SFY Architectural, Craig and Mijanou Spurdle, Unisource, and Yaniz Complete Property Maintenance.

Founded in 1983, Miami Children’s Museum is dedicated to enriching the lives of all children by fostering a love of learning and enabling children to reach their highest potential. Visitors of all ages are encouraged to play together, learn, imagine and create. The 56,500-square-foot facility includes 14 galleries, classrooms, and a 200-seat auditorium. The museum offers hundreds of bilingual, interactive exhibits; programs and classes, including special needs classes; Subway restaurant; KidSmart educational gift shop and learning materials related to arts, culture, community and communication. To learn more about the museum, please visit our website: www.miamichildrensmuseum.org.

Miami Children’s Museum receives both private and public funding. MCM is sponsored in part by the City of Miami; the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, the Cultural Affairs Council, the Mayor and the Miami-Dade County Board of County Commissioners; and the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Arts Council.

Slow Food Miami 2012 Snail Of Approval Winners and Awards Party 3/23/12

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Slow Food Miami 2012 Snail Of Approval Winners and Awards Party
March 23rd at 7:00 p.m.
Miami Beach Botanical Garden
2000 Convention Center Drive
Miami Beach.

Tickets are $150 per person plus processing fees and are available at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/229228

Slow Food Miami unveils their inaugural Snail of Approval program and Awards Party honoring an exclusive group of chefs, artisans and purveyors who are being recognized for their commitment to quality, authenticity and sustainability in the food and drink we enjoy in Miami.

The Snail of Approval program is designed to guide Miami locals and visitors to food that is good, clean and fair, all of which are qualities at the root of the Slow Food movement. This group of chefs and purveyors is being honored for sourcing food that is of high quality, local in origin and sustainable to the environment. In this inaugural year of the Snail of Approval program winners were nominated by local farmers. Future nominations will be open to the public.

Michael Schwartz, James Beach Award-winning chef and first Slow Food Miami Snail of Approval Winner, will be the evening’s ambassador. Snail of Approval winning chefs and producers will serve tastes of their farm-to-table cuisine and there will be three celebrity judges awarding best Farm-to-Table Bite of the Night. They include: Lee Brian Schrager (Creator of SoBe Wine & Food Festival), Bruce Seidel (CEO You Tube Food Channel and Previously Food Network Executive Producer of Iron Chef America) and Chef Art Smith (Oprah’s personal chef for 10 years, Lady Gaga Family restaurant partner, Bravo Top Chef Masters Finalist) and Victoria Pesce Elliott (Ocean Drive Magazine & Miami Herald).

The evening will also feature Wine Tastings by the Miami Culinary Food & Wine Experience and Seasonal Cocktails by Snail of Approval Farm to Bottle winner, Grey Goose® Vodka.
Following is a list of the 2012 Snail of Approval honorees:
* Red Light Little River, Kris Wessel
* 1500°, Paula de Silva
* Sustain restaurant + bar, Alex Piñero
* Green Table, Monica Rios
* Area 31 Restaurant & Bar, Michael Reidt
* Essensia, Julie Frans
* Altamare, Simon Stojanovic
* Lido Restaurant at the Standard Hotel, Mark Zeitouni
* Escopazzo, Giancarla Bodoni
* Sra. Martinez, Michelle Bernstein
* Michy’s, Michelle Bernstein
* Creative Tastes Catering, Frank Randazzo and Andrea Curto-Randazzo
* The River Seafood & Oyster Bar, David Bracha
* Ocean Reef Club, Philippe Paul Reynaud
* Sakaya Kitchen, Richard Hales
* Real Sorbet
* Gaby’s Sorbet
* Grey Goose® Vodka

Slow Food Miami is the local chapter of Slow Food USA and the International Slow Food Association. Slow Food Miami embraces local growers and artisan food makers who use sustainable methods, pay fair wages and respect our environment. The Miami Chapter of Slow Food celebrates our South Florida local tropical fruits and seafood and focuses on promoting healthy childhood eating habits by installing edible gardens in local schools and communities. In Fall 2011, Slow Food Miami built more than 90 gardens in Miami-Dade County. For more information go to www.slowfoodmiami.org.

New World School of the Arts’ Silver Anniversary Rising Stars Showcase 3/23/12

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New World School of the Arts’ Silver Anniversary Rising Stars Showcase
Friday, March 23, 2012

Friday, March 23; 5:00 p.m.
Opening reception and show are FREE
New World Gallery
25 NE 2nd Street
downtown Miami
305.237.3135

Friday, March 23; 7:30 p.m.
Rising Stars Performing Arts Showcase
Gusman Center for the Performing Arts
174 East Flagler Street
downtown Miami
Assigned seating: $50, $40, $30, $20.
CLICK HERE for General Admission Tickets.

Friday, March 23; 9:30 p.m.
Rising Stars 25th Anniversary Party
New World Dance Theater
25 NE 2nd Street, 8th floor
downtown Miami

Tickets: $150 – $250 (includes VIP reception, performance, and donation to NWSA)
VIP Tickets at 305.237.3753

The pinnacle of New World School of the Arts 25th anniversary celebration will be the acclaimed Rising Stars Showcase, a professional exhibition and performance, showcases the remarkable talent of high school and college students from New World School of the Arts, Florida’s premier arts institution. This Broadway-style extravaganza is an energy-packed, one-of-a-kind performance that will undoubtedly captivate the audience with exhilarating works of art, and enthralling dance, music, and theater.
Rising Stars Visual Arts Exhibition Showcase

Sponsored by Bank of America, The Rising Stars performing arts showcase will highlight the talents of its high school and college students in both the performing and visual arts. The three-part celebration launches with an art exhibition focused on the theme black and white. The artwork, specifically curated for Rising Stars, includes creations by both high school and college students. The New World Gallery show is followed by a performance of dance, music and theater at the Gusman Center for the Performing Arts.

The performing arts lineup includes excerpts from the musicals Spring Awakening by Steven Sater, and Jeffrey Lane’s Dirty Rotten Scoundrels presented by the Theater division. The NWSA dancers will delight the audience with Jazzapaloosa, performed by a troupe of 11 dancers as well as a special presentation of Martha Graham’s Prelude to Action. An excerpt of Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony and Symphonic Dance No. 3 Fiesta by Clifton Williams will round off the Rising Stars performance.

The evening celebration will continue with a 25th Anniversary Party at the New World Dance Theater immediately following the performance. Guests will have an opportunity to mingle and continue the merriment during the 25th Anniversary Party to recognize the artistic and academic achievements of NWSA students, alumni, administration and staff during the more than two decades the school has existed.

The NWSA Rising Stars Alumnus Award is presented each year to a high school or college graduate from New World School of the Arts, who is successfully contributing to his or her art form. In selecting candidates for this prestigious recognition, the NWSA administration and deans of the four arts strands convene and evaluate each nominee’s artistic achievements, as well as their growth and development as artists. One alumnus is then selected to represent one of the divisions. Tarell Alvin McCraney, distinguished international playwright and NWSA 1999 alum, will take center stage as he comes back to his alma mater to receive this honor from the hands of his former dean, Patrice Bailey.

McCraney attended New World School of the Arts High School receiving the exemplary artist award and the Dean’s Award in Theater. He holds a BFA in acting from DePaul University and is a May 2007 graduate of the Yale School of Drama’s playwriting program, headed by Richard Nelson, where he received the Cole Porter Playwriting Award upon graduation. He is the Royal Shakespeare Company’s international writer in residence, the 2009 Hodder Fellow at Princeton University, and the recipient of the 2007 Paula Vogel Playwriting Award and the 2007 Whiting Award. He is currently under commission at Manhattan Theatre Club and Berkeley Repertory Theatre and is a member of New Dramatists and Teo Castellanos/D-Projects in Miami. In April 2010, McCraney became the 43rd member of the Steppenwolf Theatre.

Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, New World School of the Arts was conceived in 1984 when the Florida State Legislature established the institution to provide artistically talented high school and college students the means to achieve both an academic education and artistic training. In September 1986, NWSA opened its doors to students in grades ten through twelve and in 1987 admitted the first class of college BFA students. NWSA’s audition-based programs are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Dance, Music, Theater and Art & Design. NWSA offers the high school diploma the AA college degree as well as a four-year BFA or BM degrees.

New World School of the Arts was created by the Florida Legislature as a center of excellence in the performing and visual arts. It is an educational partnership of Miami-Dade County Public Schools, Miami Dade College and the University of Florida.
New World School of the Arts

For more information about local events, please visit www.miamiartguide.com

Miami Children’s Museum presents the Be A Kid Again 2012 Gala 3/31/12

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Miami Children’s Museum presents the Be A Kid Again 2012 Gala
Saturday, March 31, 2012, 6:30 p.m.
Miami Children’s Museum on Watson Island
980 MacArthur Causeway
Miami, FL 33132

Tickets: $1000 individual VIP ticket and $500 individual ticket
To purchase tickets or become a sponsor please click here.

“Be A Kid Again 2012 Gala…With A Little Help From My Friends” where we will continue the tradition of creating priceless memories. Guests will enjoy a celebrated evening of culinary delights and spirits amidst the museum’s galleries followed by a one of a kind multimedia stage production by The Fab Four representing the Beatles’ ever-changing career. Romero Britto will be honored for his exceptional commitment to our community.

Chairman: Jeff Berkowitz
President: Randall Lee
Gala Chairs: Melissa Netkin & Lisa Schejola Akin
Honorary Host Committee: Dave Barry, Gloria & Emilio Estefan, Lisa & Donald Pliner, Chris & Pat Riley
Committee: Marianne Devine, Lara Gallardo, Aaron Glickman, Stacey Gumenick, Susan Lampen, Pam Luria, Jackie Malamed, Janet Moreira Gamble, Adrienne Pardo, Katharine Rubino, Mijanou Spurdle, Sarah Sullivan, Chris Weinberg

Sponsorships: Sponsorship Opportunities are available. For a list of Sponsorship Levels & Benefits go to this page.

Please contact Sarah Smith at 305.373.5437 x142 or ssmith@miamichildrensmuseum.org with any questions.

The Blacks’ Annual Gala 3/24/12

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The Blacks’ Annual Gala
Sat Mar 24, 2012, 7:00 pm -1:00 am
Fontainebleau Miami Beach
4441 Collins Avenue
Miami Beach 33140 (US).
Register Online
theblacksannualgala.com

Please join us as we help to raise funds for The Consequences Charity and Foundation, Teach for America, Miami-Dade and Juvenile Services, Miami-Dade at The Blacks’ Annual Gala, Saturday, March 24th, Fontainebleau Miami Beach.

Featuring multi-Grammy award winning artists Queen Latifah and Tony Bennett, Deborah Cox, DJ Irie, DJ Entice and a host of other surprise performers.

Please note, tickets are currently on SALE NOW. However, this sale won’t last long. For more information, please visit www.theblacksannualgala.com

The event will kick off with celebrity red carpet arrivals, a cocktail reception with auction items and luxury couture shopping to benefit charity, followed by a four course gourmet fine dining experience while watching extraordinary performances by Grammy winning / platinum selling artists.

The 18th annual charity gala presented by Roy and Lea Black for the benefit of The Consequences Charity, Foundation and a host of other not for profit concerns, will take place at Fontainebleau Miami Beach on March 24th, 2012.

City Year Miami Annual Red Jacket Ball 3/24/12

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City Year Miami Annual Red Jacket Ball
Saturday, March 24, 2012; 7:00 pm
J.W. Marriott Brickell
1109 Brickell Avenue
Miami, FL

Red Jacket Ball tickets and sponsorships are still available. Individual seats cost $300 and tickets for the ‘After Hours Gala Post Party’ are $50. Event sponsorship levels begin at $5,000.

To RSVP, visit www.cityyear.org/miami/redjacketball.
For questions about sponsorships, contact Angelica Bertot at abertot@cityyear.org or by phone at (786) 406-7902.

Hundreds of South Florida’s most influential corporate, political and community leaders will come together in support of City Year Miami at the nonprofit organization’s annual Red Jacket Ball on Saturday, March 24, 2012. Widely considered one of the most high-energy, highly-anticipated events of Miami’s benefit season, the Red Jacket Ball celebrates the work of 134 City Year Miami ‘corps members’ and raises funds for the organization’s In School, On Track initiative.

This year’s event begins at 7:00 pm at downtown Miami’s J.W. Marriott Brickell Hotel, located at 1109 Brickell Avenue. A special ‘After Hours Gala Post Party’ hosted by Miami Dolphins football star Davone Bess will follow. Univision TV news anchor and EMMY-award winner Maria Elena Salinas and Miami-Dade County Public School Superintendent Alberto Carvalho will both be honored for their longtime support for City Year Miami. Businesswoman and philanthropist Ravneet Chowdhury is serving as this year’s Red Jacket Ball committee chair.

“City Year Miami’s impact within the Miami-Dade County Public School system has grown exponentially in recent years, and we have bold plans to expand our reach even further in 2012,” said Saif Ishoof, Executive Director of City Year Miami. “The financial support we receive through our Red Jacket Ball will provide the funding necessary for recruiting additional corps members and entering new schools next year. That involvement will make a direct, positive difference in the lives of students attending at-risk schools across our community.”

The Red Jacket Ball is City Year Miami’s largest fundraising event of the year, with 80% of all event revenues going directly to the organization’s programs. City Year Miami’s corps currently includes 134 members at 13 schools across Miami-Dade County; plans are underway to expand to 195 corps members in 16 schools in 2012. Corps members provide academic support, mentoring, and after school programming, as well as lead community-based service initiatives.

“We are turning around the lowest-achieving schools in our community, and we could not do this without City Year,” said Assistant Superintendent of Miami-Dade County Public Schools Nikolai Vitti. “Through our partnership with City Year, attendance is climbing, student attitudes are improving, and grades are rising. The culture of entire schools is being transformed by their can-do spirit.”

This year’s Red Jacket Ball Gold Sponsors are CSX, Beasley Broadcasting Group, Lovett-Woodsum Family Foundation, Brad and Cori Meltzer Charitable Trust, Miami Herald, Pasha’s Healthy Mediterranean Cuisine, and Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd. Silver Sponsors include Bank of America, Miami Dolphins, T-Mobile, and Becker & Poliakoff. The gala committee includes Ivette Arango, J.C. del Valle, Gloria Fonts Suarez, Will Freyre, Dr. Anthony Japour, Cristina Llorente, Ben Moss, and Gillian Smith.

Spring Into Art 2012 Silent Art Auction and Gala 3/9/12

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Spring Into Art 2012 Celebrates The Lowe’s 60th Anniversary At A Grand New Venue With An Exciting Theme: “Faces”
Friday, March 9, 2012 at 7 PM
Newman Alumni Center
6200 San Amaro Drive
Coral Gables, FL
(Across from Mark Light Baseball Stadium).
Free Valet Parking Provided.

Friends of Art of the Lowe Art Museum Fund-Raiser for the 60th Anniversary of the Lowe Art Museum
Tickets: $125 per person
Contact: Tammy Cohen, FOA, 305-284-6756; FriendsofArt@miami.edu.
Spring Into Art, the annual Gala Silent Auction and Cocktail Party for the Lowe Art Museum, takes place Friday, March 9 at 7 PM at the Robert & Judi Prokop Newman Alumni Center of the University of Miami. A preview of art can be seen on the Friends of Art website: www.friendsoflowemuseum.cfsites.org

This first-ever change in venue – away from the Museum to the new, grand Alumni Center on campus – signals the growing success of the event. With more than 100 artists’ contributions and over 300 guests yearly, Spring Into Art outgrew its home!
Seventeen “Featured Artists” from New York and Miami submit their interpretations of this year’s theme, “FACES.” Additionally, more and more studio glass and ceramics submissions have been realized this year.

Featured Artists include: Carlos Alves, Carlos Betancourt, Carol Brown, Pablo Cano, Martin Casuso, Les Cizek, Mark Diamond, William Dunlap, Edouard Duval-Carrié, JeanPaul Mallozzi, Julie Moskowitz, Puchi Noriega, George Rodez, Paul Sierra, Donna Lee Steffens, Peter Tunney, and Donna Underwood.

Additional Artists include: Margarita Cano, William Carlson, Michael Janis, Susan Thomas, and many more!

A Live Auction of a SeaDream 7-night Mediterranean yacht voyage is a feature of the Gala, along with a Raffle of a stay at Miami’s Mandarin Oriental Hotel. Special entertainment by the Frost School of Music Jazz Trio rounds out the evening.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Miami Hosts The Big Event 3/10/12

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Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Miami Hosts The Big Event
Saturday, March 10, 2012, 7:00 p.m.
JW Marriott Marquis Miami

On Saturday, March 10, 2012, the JW Marriott Marquis Miami will be transformed when Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Miami celebrates The Big Event: Inspire gala followed by a lively After Party. Beginning at 7:00 p.m. guests will enjoy a Bacardi-hosted cocktail reception and auction village featuring travel, wines and fine dining experiences. At 8:30 pm, they will enjoy a gourmet dinner, dancing with the Steve Chase Band and a unique and inspiring musical performance created especially for Big Event guests. At 10:30 p.m. the organization’s young professionals group, Impact Circle, will host a festive After Party on the 19th floor of the hotel. The Big Event is presented by Carnival Corporation & PLC and Carnival Cruise Lines.

“Most of us have someone in our lives who made us better, who challenged us, who cared,” says Big Brothers Big Sisters President and CEO Lydia Muniz. “Many of our kids would not have had that special relationship were it not for their dedicated “Bigs”. We want to celebrate that at the Big Event in some unique ways. Everyone will leave Wowed and inspired!”

Big Event tickets begin at $750 per person. After Party tickets are $75 in advance and $100 at the door. For information or reservations, visit www.wementor.org and click on Big Event or call Shaunte Young at (305)644-0066 ext 294.

Big Brothers Big Sisters is a donor and volunteer supported organization that transforms the lives of at-risk children through supportive adult mentor relationships. For further information, visit www.wementor.org. If you have any questions or would like to get more involved, please call the agency at (305) 644-0066.

Second Annual Pulse Red Party 3/1/12

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American Heart Association’s Young Professionals Chapter, Broward PULSE looks to raise $100,000 toward Open Your Heart Campaign
March 1st, 2012
Westin Sky Terrace

Tickets are available for purchase for $75 through www.browardpulse.org or by calling (954) 772-8100.

Second Annual Pulse Red Party Takes Place on March 1st, 2012 at the Westin Sky Terrace with Celebrity Host, Andre Johnson

In their second year, the Broward Pulse committee has hand-selected a motivated and dedicated group of young professionals that are committed to raising awareness of childhood obesity and money for families of children suffering from congenital heart defects.

Last year, Pulse was able to net $48,000 towards this cause, and this year, they have already far exceeded their own expectations. With over $65,000 already committed to the Pulse campaign, the committee looks to top their goal of $100,000 at their Second Annual Red Party.

Co-Chair and Top Fundraiser, Romina Sifuentes, “has been humbled by the generosity of our community. The fact that so many people have donated to this cause shows how important it is to raise awareness of heart health.”

The Red Party will take place on Thursday, March 1st at 8pm at the Westin Sky Terrace. Guests will be treated to open bar sponsored by Stoli Vodka, passed hors d’oeuvres, a silent and live auction, and music provided by a live band and DJ. Celebrity sponsor Andre Johnson will be in attendance, alongside signature sponsors One Beat CPR, Las Olas Riverfront, Silver Lining In Flight Catering, and SOI. Guests are strongly encouraged to wear red.

“This event is a culmination of almost a year of preparation and fundraising, and we are thrilled to present an event that reflects the collaborative efforts of 25 young professionals that truly care about this cause. It’s going to be a great night,” states Pulse Co-Chair, Sara Shake.

Their campaign started with a kick-off netting $15,000 towards their goal at Jet Runway Café, hosted by signature sponsor, Silver Lining In Flight Catering. Since then, the group has worked diligently to spread awareness of their cause through community outreach events like their Heart Healthy Day of Play at Funderdome, where 172 kids and parents received a CPR Demo from One Beat CPR and learned about staying active and healthy.

Broward Pulse is a group of local young professionals working to build a strong beat of commitment to heart health in the next generation of community leaders. It’s your friends and coworkers gathering to educate, inspire and develop the habit of philanthropy dedicated to changing the health of a new generation. Broward Pulse is Co-Chaired by Romina Sifuentes, Jamie Shock, and Sara Shake.

New World Symphony presents Alfred Hitchcock 2012 Gala 2/24/12

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New World Symphony presents 2012 Gala: An Evening of Suspense with Music and Scenes from Films of Alfred Hitchcock
Saturday, February 24 at 6:30pm
500 17th Street
Miami Beach, FL 33139
Entrance from 17th Street (between Pennsylvania and Washington Avenues)
PARKING available in municipal garages (we encourage early arrival)

Ticket information: Tickets start at $1,250 for the Gala, with a limited number of $150 tickets available. All proceeds from the Gala will benefit New World Symphony and its mission of preparing gifted young musicians for careers in professional orchestras, while providing meaningful cultural programs to the South Florida community. To purchase tickets or inquire about sponsorship opportunities, contact Iva Kosovic at 305-428-6734 or iva.kosovic@nws.edu

New World Symphony, America’s Orchestral Academy, will present its 24th Annual Gala, celebrating the one year anniversary of NWS being in its spectacular new campus – the Frank Gehry-designed New World Center.

Leading the way for the future of classical music, the organization welcomes in a dynamic new guard for the Host Committee: Louis Aguirre, Sarah Arison, Matthew and Jennifer Buttrick, Chanin and Adam Carlin, Chad and Ilona Oppenheim, Anne Owen, Clara Sredni and Mitchell and Elizabeth Taylor. Micky and Madeleine Arison are this year’s Honorary Gala Chairs.

NWS is known for presenting Galas with stunning and carefully orchestrated programming, and this year is no exception. The event, inspired by one of Hollywood’s most legendary directors – Alfred Hitchcock, arrives in perfect timing and style to kick-off the Academy Awardsâ„¢ weekend. The evening’s highlight will be a spectacular multimedia concert in which Michael Tilson Thomas, NWS’ illustrious Artistic Director and 10-time Grammy Award winner, will serve as Host and Master of Ceremonies, taking the audience on a suspense-filled musical journey through Hitchcock’s classic films, presented with live orchestral accompaniment.

In addition to the concert, over 400 guests will enjoy the NWS’ signature Blue Carpet arrival incorporating the majestic 7,000-square-foot projection wall on the exterior of the New World Center and a seated dinner staged throughout various spaces within Frank Gehry’s masterpiece. The building will be transformed for the occasion into a cinematic playground, evoking the golden age of Hollywood and sophisticated allure of Film Noir. In addition to delectable cuisine by Thierry’s Catering and enchanting décor by Triton Productions, the guests – dressed appropriately in Black Tie/Film Noir attire – will experience special musical interludes during dinner performed by the talented New World Symphony Fellows. To top off the already extravagant evening, following the dinner, Gala guests will be joined by another 200 late-night gala goers in the completely altered Performance Hall, transported back in time to a 1940s jazz club, ready to dance the night away to the swinging sounds of a full Big Band.

Soiree In The Sky Charity Event 2/17/12

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Soiree In The Sky Charity Event
Friday, February 17, 2012 from 8pm to Midnight
Capri South Beach
Penthouses 3 & 4
1445 16th Street
Miami Beach, FL 33139

A charitable evening high in the sky above South Beach overlooking Biscayne Bay in designer penthouses with spectacular terraces while contributing to a sea worthy cause mixing, mingling & enjoying sights & scenery from the Isle of Capri.

Charity: YachtAid Global (www.yachtaidglobal.org) is dedicated to delivering humanitarian, developmental and conservation aid via yachts to isolated/underprivileged coastal communities worldwide. YAG is “Changing the World without Changing Course.”
Hosts: Hope Gainer, Hope International & Dhardra Blake, Yacht Aid Global
Presenter: Hope International

Libations: Whispering Angel French rose, Luxium Albarino Spanish white wine, Castillo de Molina Chilean Sauvignon Blanc wine, 071 Italian prosecco, Strega Limoncello, Zacapa run, Source water

Treats: Black River Caviar, Tuikhal Sushi by Chef Thang, Yacht Chandlers Bites & Grille prepared by Chef Peter Ziegelmeier, Camino Real cigars

Supporters: Capri South Beach, Artefacto, Hope International, Superhive, C2C Superyacht California Agency, LuxuryDayCharters.com, Law Offices of Aaron Resnick, P.A.
Couture Jewelry Designer: Nais Designs
Video Wall Artist: Marc Hubert D’ge
Dress Code: Nautical blue & white
Admission: $100.00 per person

Set on more than 2 acres of prime waterfront real estate, Capri South Beach compromises 3 modernist structures housing 60 residences, each envisioned down to the smallest details. This private oasis provides the best of both worlds: the excitement of living in a global epicenter, with a private world of exclusive luxury in which to escape. Here residents can “Export themselves daily”.

About Hope International: Hope International is spearheaded by Hope Gainer. Her global marketing company is focused on the luxury market worldwide . Gainer has produced Miami Boat Show events for over a decade with companies such as Camper & Nicholsons, Fraser Yachts, Ferretti Group and Rodriguez Group. Her Boat Show events have always gotten a buzz for being the most spectacular including the ones held at Casa Blanca on Hibiscus Island and aboard Nicholas Cage’s Feadship megayacht. Previously, Hope International has produced events at the White House, the Kremlin and Sydney Opera House for Australia’s Bicentennial, Cannes Film Festival, Monaco Grand Prix and Argentine Polo Open. Gainer brings a global perspective to her work. She is passionate about the yachting lifestyle.

The Little Lighthouse Foundation Hearts and Stars Gala 2012 3/10/12

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The Little Lighthouse Foundation Hearts & Stars Gala 2012
March 10, 2012
Shangri-La
17 N Hibiscus Drive
Hibiscus Island

The Hearts & Stars Gala 2012, one of South Florida’s premier social and philanthropic events, will be held on March 10, 2012 at the waterfront estate, Shangri-La, which is located at 17 N Hibiscus Drive, Hibiscus Island. For more information on the Gala, to buy tickets, or for VIP tables, please go to www.heartsandstarsgala.com. Ticket prices are currently $125.00 for general admission and $175 for vip. There are a limited number of tickets at this price.

All proceeds from Hearts & Stars Gala benefit The Little Lighthouse Foundation (LLF). www.thelittelighthouse.org. Founded in 2010, LLF is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that rallies volunteers and conducts high-profile events to benefit children and their families throughout South Florida. Focusing on supporting children and families who face medical, educational, emotional and financial challenges, LLF’s network of active young professionals contribute both time and financial contributions. These contributions benefit Internal LLF Programs and a network of other noteworthy local charities.

For sponsorship information please contact Jason Venger at jason@thelittlelighouse.org.

SeaBlue Event Benefitting Oceana 3/3/12

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SeaBlue Event Benefitting Oceana
Saturday, March 3, 2012 – 7 p.m.
W Fort Lauderdale
401 North Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
Price: $150, with partnerships starting at $2500
RSVP Today » https://act.oceana.org/donate/d-seablue/?akid=2298.867597.kC1wqC&rd=1&source=mailing&t=1&utm_campaign=event&utm_medium=mailing&utm_source=appeal

We need the oceans and the oceans need us.

Please join us for SeaBlue, an exclusive event benefitting Oceana on March 3 at W Fort Lauderdale.
This inaugural event will feature an evening of hors d’oeuvres, cocktails and dancing as well as a special performance by The Honey Brothers with Oceana Ambassador Adrian Grenier, a live and silent auction and a VIP reception for partners.

You’re one of our dedicated ocean supporters, and we would love to see you there!

The Honey Brothers with Oceana Ambassador Adrian Grenier
Alexandra Cousteau, International Ocean Advocate & Legacy
Martin Stepanek, World Champion Freediver

Miami Bridge Gala Bridge to the Stars, An All Star Evening 2/11/12

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Miami Bridge Gala Bridge to the Stars, An All Star Evening
The event starts at 7:00 PM and ends at 11:00 PM
JW Marriott Marquis Miami
255 Biscayne Boulevard Way

A single reservation is $200
Attire is Miami Chic
For more information on how to attend or sponsor the event and the Miami Bridge organization, contact Monique Bain, 305.636.3520, mbain@miamibridge.org, or visit www.miamibridge.org.

Annual event in support of homeless children and teenagers will be an “all star” evening

Community leaders and key influencers including senators, judges and Superintendent Alberto Carvalho will be in attendance for the All Star fundraiser to support critical initiatives by Miami Bridge Youth & Family Services which provides emergency shelter, counseling and care for homeless children and teenagers in Miami-Dade County and beyond

Miami Bridge Youth & Family Services, Inc., Miami-Dade County’s only emergency shelter for abused, neglected and abandoned children and teenagers, is proud to announce the countdown to its signature fundraiser, Bridge to the Stars, An All Star Evening, presented by City National Bank.

Taking place Saturday, February 11, at the JW Marriott Marquis Miami in downtown Miami, the special fundraiser is hailed as one of the most unique of the season, where attendees will play sports – of sorts – to support an incredible cause. Guests, who will include some of South Florida’s most notable community leaders and activists, will have the chance to bowl in the hotel’s state-of-the-art virtual bowling alley and play pool as well as dance and enjoy lavish cuisine and cocktails.

“This is not only one of our most important events of the year, but one of the most exciting, and it’s an honor to be overseeing it,” said Miami Bridge board member Marlene Quintana, who is co-chairing the event. “Thanks to the countless people involved, Bridge to the Stars has grown in success and continues to generate critical funds for Miami Bridge and the youth it serves.”

Miami Bridge, the City’s only emergency shelter for children and teenagers ages 10-17, provides critical services to youth in crisis including counseling, family counseling and education. Funds raised through Bridge to the Stars will go toward bolstering that outreach.

Event attendees will not only have access to some of the JW Marriott Marquis Miami’s renowned amenities, including the chance to see its NBA-approved basketball court, but a raffle with prizes including a basketball signed by every current player with the Miami Heat.

Miami Bridge Youth and Family Services, Inc, a not-for-profit organization operating out of Northwest Miami-Dade and Homestead for more than 20 years, provides emergency shelter, food and counseling for troubled youths and their families. The organization, which acts as a catalyst for new beginnings, works to rescue kids from lives of victimization and crime, and provides them with structure in a stable and nurturing environment. Miami Bridge shelters more than 800 children and counsels more than 550 families every year, providing them with solutions, alternatives and hope. For more information on Miami Bridge or to get involved, call 305-636-3520 or visit www.miamibridge.org.

Expect the Unexpected Fundraiser for Tigertail 5/12/12

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Expect the Unexpected fundraiser for Tigertail
Saturday, may 12, 2012, 8 to 11 pm
Miami-Dade County Auditorium On-Stage Black Box
2901 West Flagler St.
Miami, FL
Buy Tickets Online
$125 Individual
$220 Pair
$400 Event Host (4)
$1500 Corporate Sponsor

Bring your Peeps and Party with us at the Tigertail Fundraiser. Join us On Stage at the Miami Dade County Auditorium for one of Tigertail legendary parties. (enter through the hall’s rear loading dock adjacent to the immense free parking lot)

Monsieur peep will greet you as you enter. Enjoy inventive imaginative performance peeps by “Miami’s Finest”. Build or start your art collection. This is the place to do it. You can’t go to ebay for the jewels you can purchase in the not so silent silent auction.

With Catering By Alyse, Desserts By Enchanting Creations & Open Bar Compliments Of Bacardi, Drb & So Much More!

Event Co-chairs: Alain Filiz and Will Rey / Peep Advice: JC Carroll
Silent Auction Assistance: Fredric Snitzer / Event Coordinator: Cindy Brown

Silent Auction Artists: David Almeida, Carlos Alves, Philip Battaglia, Loriel Beltran, Francie Bishop Good, Randy Burman, Timothy Buwalda, Pablo Cano, JC Carroll, Clifton Childree, Dinorah de Jesús Rodriguez, Antonio Del Moral, Mark Diamond, Sebastian Duncan-Portuondo, Jacin Giordano, Felice Grodin, Adler Guerrier, William Keddell, Dina Knapp, Jessica Laino, Frédéric Lère, Terri Lindbloom, JohnMack, William McGaul, Charo Oquet, Grant Peterson, Vickie Pierre, Ralph Provisero, Brian Reedy, Karen Rifas, Sal Sidner, Sara Stites, Kristen Thiele, Tom Virgin, Michelle Weinberg, Tom Weinkle and Wendy Wischer.

Host Committee: David Beaty, Ray Breslin & Patrick Pecoraro, Natalie Brown & Sam Joseph, Don Chauncey, Manita Brug-Chmielenska & Randy Burman, Harvey Burstein, Maria del Valle, Dennis Edwards & Mark Steinberg, Alain Filiz, Ruth Greenfield, David Hammer, Benjamin Hein, Luis Hernandez & Don Finefrock, Tom Houtenbrink, Joe Hoyt & Nancy Meyer, Remko Jansonius, Jen Karetnick, John Kramel, Mary Luft, Corinne Luria, Riley & Dona McLachlan (Snip Salon), Jenni Person & Chaim Lieber-Person, Joseph Polito & Lisa Beal, Will Rey, Joan Schaeffer, Elizabeth & Kenan Siegel, Jennifer & Larry Silverman, Linda M. Smith, Wallis & Gene Tinnie, John & Sue Treney, Alfredo Triff & Rosa Inguanzo,Merle & Danny Weiss, Brenda Williamson, Elaine Wright & Michael Roark, Paquita Zuidema & Brian Mapes

Haitian Heritage Museum 8th Annual Visionary Cocktail 2/25/12

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Haitian Heritage Museum 8th Annual Visionary Cocktail
February 25, 2012, 7:30pm-Midnight
Haitian Heritage Museum
4141 NE 2nd Avenue SuMiami Design District
ite 105C
Miami, FL 33137
haitianheritagemuseum.org

On Saturday February 25, 2012 from 7:30pm-Midnight in the Miami Design District, the Haitian Heritage Museum will present it’s 8th Annual “Haitian Heritage Museum Visionary Cocktail Gala”, located at 4141 NE 2nd Avenue Miami, FL 33137. This is the Haitian Heritage Museum signature fundraiser. We will be honoring community leaders from various walks of life. The Awardees are Danielle Knox-HHM Honorary Haitian Award, Manny & Jean Cherubin from Tele America -HHM Haitian Pillar Award, Edwidge Danticat- HHM Cultural Achiever Award, Comcast- Corporate Partner of the Year Award, HHM Scholastic Award given to a deserving student from DASH (Design Architecture Senior High) and the 1st Haitian Heritage Museum Father Jean Juste Visionary Award given to a visionary leader in the Haitian community.

There will be live entertainment by the band MaWon, a silent auction, cocktails and a taste of the Haitian culture will be on full display. We look forward to your support as we highlight our rich culture and heritage.

Equality Florida Miami Gala to Honor Steve Rothaus and Miami-Dade Gay and Lesbian Chamber Of Commerce 3/18/12

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Equality Florida Miami Gala To Honor Steve Rothaus and Miami-Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber Of Commerce 3/18/12
Sunday, March 18 from 5:30 to 7:30 PM
Bass Museum of Art
2100 Collins Avenue
Miami Beach.

Tickets are $125 and are available online at www.eqfl.org/miamigala or by calling (813) 870-3735. Information on sponsor benefits, beginning at $500, is also available on the website.

On Sunday, March 18, Equality Florida Institute will honor journalist Steve Rothaus and the Miami-Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (MDGLCC) for their steadfast support of South Florida’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community. The event will take place at the Bass Museum of Art on Miami Beach and begins at 5:30PM.

Equality Florida Institute, the largest civil rights organization dedicated to securing full equality for Florida’s LGBT community, will present Steve with the Voice for Equality Award and will recognize MDGLCC with the Equality Means Business Award.

“Our honorees have been pioneers in finding new ways to give voice and visibility to the LGBT community,” said Nadine Smith, Executive Director of Equality Florida. “Steve Rothaus was out, open and honest at a time when many journalists stayed in the closet out of fear of losing their jobs, and the Chamber has become a national model for demonstrating the economic impact of LGBT businesses.”
Best known for his popular daily blog, “Steve Rothaus’ Gay South Florida, the 25-year veteran reporter at The Miami Herald has become one of the nation’s most respected journalists covering issues that impact the LGBT community.

The impact of Steve’s work has been recognized by many notable organizations, including: Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), Dolphin Democratic Club, Gay and Lesbian Community Center of South Florida, Unity Coalition and the Miami-Dade chapter of the American Psychological Association. In 2010, the Miami-Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce named him Business Person of the Year.

Steve and his life partner, public relations executive Ric Katz, have been together since 1985.
Founded in 1999 through the merger of the South Beach Business Guild and Miami Network, the Miami- Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce has grown exponentially to become the largest not-for-profit corporation in the county for LGBT and gay-friendly businesses. Under the leadership of Steve Adkins for the past seven years, MDGLCC has grown to include more than 600 members and has achieved an impressive roster of far-reaching accomplishments, including the 2010 opening of the first and only LGBT Visitors Center of its kind in the world. The Center has attracted more than 6,000 visitors since it opened, serving as a valuable resource for tourists, residents, business and political leaders and the community at large.

Lawmakers and community leaders from across the County are expected to attend the Equality Florida Miami Gala, which promises to be a spectacular event, drawing more than 300 attendees. Nadine Smith, Equality Florida’s Executive Director, will present a State of the State Address at the elegant cocktail reception.

The Host Committee consists of community influencers including Thomas Barker & Rob Rosenwald, Vanessa Brito, Pam Burton, Carol Coombs, David da Silva, Bob de la Fuente & JR Fry, Raul Duarte, Ken Evans, Art Friedrich & Luigi Ferrar, Elsa Gagnon & Patrice Robinet, Rafael Giampetruzzi & Albert Jiminez, Michael Gongora, Ken Hardin & Armando Maiques, H. Scott Huizenga, Larry Hyer , Sharon Kersten , Steven Kozlowski & Aaron Rimpley, John Labus, John Lin, Anne Manning, Simone Mayer & Mayda Perez, Damien McNamara & David Bloom, William Murphy, Pam Newman & Rosany Scaff, Charles Perez & Keith Rinehard, John Ratliff & Ted Guilfoy, Elizabeth Schwartz & Lydia Martin, Eddie Serrano, Oliver Von Gundlach & Brian Beasley, Bill Warren, B. Rodney White & Michael P. Williams and Al Wu.

Equality Florida is the largest civil rights organization dedicated to securing full equality for LGBT community. Through lobbying, grassroots organizing, education, and coalition building, we are changing Florida so that no one suffers harassment or discrimination on the basis of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Marissa’s 21st Birthday Celebration at The Nestor Family Foundation 4th Annual Marissa Nestor Invitational benefiting United Cerebral Palsy of South Florida 1/28/12

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Please join us as we celebrate Marissa’s 21st Birthday at The Nestor Family Foundation’s
4th Annual Marissa Nestor Invitational presented by Dade Medical College benefiting United Cerebral Palsy of South Florida
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Registration Time: 8:00 a.m.
Tournament Start Time: 9:00 a.m.
Awards Luncheon:12:00 p.m.
Crandon Tennis Center
Key Biscayne, FL

Click Here to Register for Event Now
Call (305) 325-9018 or e-mail Jessica.Dominguez@ucpsouthflorida.org for more information about this event.

Doubles Format Tennis Tournament
Silent Auction/ Raffle
Awards Luncheon
You Can Win $1,000 in Epicure Gourmet Market & Café
Gift Cards!

Winners of Division A & B will have the opportunity to play in Stadium Court against Jason Starkman, Epicure Gourmet Market & Café & Eddie Dibbs, World Ranked #5 Tennis Player in 1978 and compete for $1,000 in Epicure Gourmet Market & Café gift cards!

Prizes Include:
2 Tickets to the 2012 Sony Ericsson Women’s Finals,
Gift Cards,
& MUCH MORE!

Registration Prices
Singles Entry: $85
Doubles Entry (2 players): $150
Awards Luncheon Only:
Adults-$50; Children-$15

Entry into tournament includes participation in Awards Luncheon, silent auction, raffle, goody bag, and $25 gift card to Epicure Gourmet Market & Café.

Silent Auction Items Include:
Disney One Day Park Hopper Passes
Two Roundtrip Airline Tickets from Southwest Airlines
Swimming for the Dolphins Experience for Two
Two Tickets to Epicure Gourmet Market & Café’s party at South Beach Food & Wine Festival
& MUCH MORE!

Stars Of Design Sixth Annual Award Ceremony And Reception At Design Center Of The Americas 2/1/12

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Stars Of Design Sixth Annual Award Ceremony And Reception
Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2012
Ceremony: 5:30 p.m.
Reception: 7 p.m.Design Center of the Americas
1855 Griffin Road
Event in Atrium C
Dania Beach, FL 33004

On Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2012, Design Center of the Americas (DCOTA) and Charles S. Cohen, Owner, CEO and President of Cohen Brothers Realty, will shine a spotlight on the design world’s leading professionals with the Sixth Annual Stars of Design Awards. A ceremony and reception will be held on day one of the Design Center’s two-day WinterMarket in honor of the design luminaries, at which time guests will celebrate with live music, performances, hors d’oeuvres and beverages courtesy of 42 Below, Alacrán Tequila, Mandarine Napoléon and Société Perrier.

The 2012 Stars of Design Award Honorees are:
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT: Clodagh
ARCHITECTURE: Chad Oppenheim
INTERIOR DESIGN: Jennifer Post
GRAPHIC DESIGN: Kiran Shiva Akal
PRODUCT DESIGN: Franco Pianegonda
LANDSCAPE DESIGN: DJ Hay
PHOTOGRAPHY: Iran Issa Khan
ART: Henry Richardson

This year, DCOTA will add a new facet to its Stars of Design Awards, the “Stars on the Rise” category, which will honor five designers forty years of age or younger, who have already made a significant mark in the design world.
The 2012 Stars on the Rise are: Alison Antrobus, Eric Winnick, Joe Fava, A. Keith Powell and Donanne Ramos.

Established more than a decade ago at Cohen’s Pacific Design Center in Los Angeles, the Stars of Design Awards honors professionals who have attained recognition in various fields of design. Selected by a panel of industry leaders in the fields of art, design, media and beyond, the 2012 Stars of Design Award recipients are distinguished in their careers and well respected by their community in the design categories of interior design, architecture, graphic design, product design, landscape design, photography, art and lifetime achievement. These creative professionals are being honored for their significant achievements and contributions in their respective fields with special recognition of their talents, ideas, creativity and business savvy.

For more than 20 years, Design Center of the Americas (DCOTA) has served the design community with the finest campus amenities and showrooms in the industry attracting world class designers, architects, design enthusiasts and their savvy clientele.
At nearly 800,000 square feet, DCOTA is the largest design campus of its kind. High design is showcased within more than 100 premier showrooms, catering to any home, yacht or office project. Fine indoor and outdoor furniture, fabrics, flooring, lighting, kitchen, bath, antiques, accessories, appliances, window treatments, decorative hardware, paint and surfacing are just some of the resources found within the center.
Cutting edge programming, world-class amenities, and exclusive services offer a unique experience for the international array of visitors. DCOTA serves as the preeminent design destination to Florida, the Caribbean, and Central and South America as well as to seasonal travelers from around the world. DCOTA is part of the Cohen Design Center quartet with sister locations in Manhattan (D & D Building), West Hollywood, California (Pacific Design Center), and Houston, Texas (Decorative Center Houston).

New World Symphony Benefit Concert for UHealth Pediatric Mobile Clinic 2/16/12

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New World Symphony Concert to support the UHealth Pediatric Mobile Clinic
Thu., Feb 16 at 7:00 PM
New World Center
500 17th Street
Miami Beach, FL
A Night to Benefit the Pediatric Mobile Clinic
To Purchase Tickets
$150 Benefactor Tickets
$75.00 Patron Tickets

Groundbreaking Research – Outstanding Patient Care Saving Children’s Lives
UHealth Pediatrics continues to be at the forefront of child and adolescent health issues. We are excited to share our latest special event with you and hope you will come out and support us!

The mission of the UM Pediatric Mobile Clinic is to provide comprehensive medical and mental health care, social service assistance and case management services regardless of ability to pay, to underserved children and families; to promote health education and healthy living in the communities served; and to train future health care providers for careers which will reduce health care disparities.
As a virtuoso in many different styles, star pianist Joja Wendt inspires both fans and critics with swinging jazz, sensitive ballads composed by himself, awesome boogie-woogie as well as inventive arrangements of classical music. Furthermore, he presents his music in a very humourous and creative way.The close connection with his audience is probably one of the many reasons for his enormous success. Owing to Joja’s unique combination of charm, esprit and skills and a distinctive appearance onstage, the number of his audience is steadily growing.

Rising young British soprano, Belinda “Bee” Bradley, described by the Scotsman as ‘especially good’ and ‘a very polished performer’, The Edinburgh Evening News as ‘leading excellence’ and the East Anglican Daily Times as ‘stunning’, works both as a professional ‘singer and Universal Music (Deutsche Grammophon & Decca Classics) marketing whizz’ (London Evening Standard).

Neat Stuff 2nd Annual Casino Night for a Great Cause 1/28/12

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Neat Stuff’s 2nd Annual Casino Night for a Great Cause!
Saturday, January 28, 2012 from 7:00PM to 11:00PM
Coral Gables Country Club
997 North Greenway Drive
Miami, FL
www.neatstuffhelpskids.org

Pre paid tickets to the Neat Stuff Casino Night: $100, $125 at the door.
Purchase Tickets via Paypal
For more information: casinonight@neatstuffhelpskids.org

Last year’s Casino Night was a smashing success as over 250 guests danced, mingled, and “gambled” for a great cause. This year the Neat Stuff Casino Night Event will amaze guests as specialty entertainment will take this this event to the next level. Neat Stuff is set once again bring “Las Vegas” style fun to help raise funds for an amazing organization that aids South Florida youth.

Neat Stuff, Inc. was founded in 1995 with the mission to provide free new clothing and school uniforms to abused, neglected, abandoned and other at-risk children. Neat Stuff was created by local community child advocate Phyllis Krug, who identified a critical need for children involved in the social services system. Today, under the direction of Executive Director Franklin Monjarrez the organization is proud to be the only agency of its kind in South Florida proudly serving an average of 8,000 at-risk children and distributing over $.7 million worth of new clothes, school uniforms and accessories annually. The major story is not just what they do but how they do it.

Neat Stuff for Kids which has been dubbed “the little engine that could” by Franklin raises its funds from the private sector with no Government help which presents its challenges. Neat Stuff works hard to create strong relationships within community while running a very lean and efficient operation. The agency has been recognized by being awarded the prestigious Four-Star rating by Charity Navigator for its sound fiscal management. The annual Neat Stuff Casino Nigh event was the brain child of Franklin as a way to expose the agency and the work they did with members of the community through a fabulous event. The Casino Night fundraising event is an opportunity for others to jump on “little engine that could” while having a great time.

The 2nd annual Neat Stuff Casino Night is planned to be a grand night of Las Vegas style fun. Glamorous Las Vegas style show girls will be lining the red carpet as you enter the Coral Grand Ballroom. After registration you will receive your “play money” and off to the tables you go. The event will feature a full open bar to help you complete your transition into the “Sin City” state of mind. Blackjack dealers will be on hand to put your skills to the test while you sip on a crisp vodka martini. If cards are too laid back for your preference then get your adrenaline pumping while fellow gamers roar with every roll of the dice on the craps table. The roulette table is sure to be popular as participants decide what to bet only moments before the dealer flicks the ball into the spinning wheel. If the tables aren’t the fancy or just taking a break between bets guests are encouraged to take part in the fabulous silent and live auction. Music will fill the air as guests move to the rhythm with cocktails in hand. Palates will be pleased as guests will be able to enjoy an exquisite buffet throughout the evening. No Las Vegas style event should be without specialty entertainment which is what our guests should expect as one of South Florida most in demand performers will be on hand to make the 2nd annual Neat Stuff Casino Night an event to remember.

The 2nd annual Neat Stuff Casino Night is sure to be a spectacular event but more importantly it is an event to bring people together for the sake and welfare of less fortunate children in our community.

Cocktails courtesy of Chambord Vodka, Jack Daniels, and Barceló Rum. Coral Gables Country Club, Creativas Group Branding & Public Relations

Locust Projects Tenth Annual Spring Fling Fundraiser 4/28/12

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Locust Projects’ Tenth Annual Spring Fling Fundraiser
Saturday, April 28, 6:30pm until 9:30pm
1111 Lincoln Road Parking Garage
Miami Beach, FL

Purchase tickets online
Ticket (per person) $125 / $100 Locust Projects Member

Featuring our “Who Done It” Silent Art Auction
For more information contact info@locustprojects.org

After a breakout year of Basel success and media attention, the Locust Project’s Spring Fling celebration will culminate in an “Arabian Nights” theme in one of the most exciting building on the beach, developed by Robert Wennett, designed by Herzog & De Meuron, and heralded in the New York Times as “one of the best architectural designs…”

In signature Locust Projects fashion, Spring Fling attendees will have all of their senses tickled as they are greeted by belly dancers and treated to delectable treats from Michael Schwartz’s newest Design District brainchild, Harry’s Pizzeria, Miami Beach’s Shake Shack, Yardbird and couture desserts by Misha’s cupcakes. Drinks are provided by Castle Brands, Madarine Napoleon, Societe Perrier and Grolsch. The Luxury Goods Silent Auction will feature auction items like gift certificates to Marni, Niba Home, Neiman Marcus, and restaurants including Joe’s Stone Crab. Guests can also dance to music by DJ Hottpants.

But the highlight of the evening is Locust Projects’ Who Done It Silent Art Auction featuring hand-picked and internationally-renowned artists.

How the Who Done It works:
·Locust Projects administrators provide the artists with an 8 x 10” blank canvas on which the artists create an original piece in any medium they choose.
·The artwork is signed by the artist only on the back of the piece.
·At the event, the original artworks are installed so that viewers and bidders do not know which artist produced which work.
·Patrons can bid on the work they want in the silent auction without knowing the name of the artist.
·The result is a fun way to place artwork into collections, connect with Miami’s art community, and support Locust Projects.

As a hallmark that makes Locust Projects stand out from other art venues, Locust Projects embraces cutting-edge exhibitions and innovative installations. We are in our 14th year of providing local, national and internationally based contemporary visual artists the freedom to experiment with new ideas and methods without the limitations of conventional exhibition spaces. Community support has always been vital to Locust Projects’ success and the Spring Fling is one of Locust Projects’ most important sources of revenue for the year. The proceeds from this event provide essential funding for exhibitions and programming.

An Evening with Jim Lehrer 2/22/12

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An Evening with Jim Lehrer
2/22/2012, 6:30pm- 9:30pm
Kravis Center- Cohen Pavilion
701 Okeechobee Blvd.
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
www.wpbt2.org/lehrer

Dinner with Public Television’s, Jim Lehrer. Jim Lehrer has been the anchor of PBS NewsHour and moderator for 11 Presidential Debates. Author of numerous books of which his recent non-fiction book, Tension City, gives a behind the scenes account of the Presidential Debates. Guests will dine with Jim Lehrer and participate in a question and answer session about his career. The event will also honor WPBT2 Board Member, William F. Koch, Jr., with a Lifetime Service Award.

Cost: $250 Per Person

Call 305-957-7166 to Reserve Your Seat!

Zoological Society Of Florida Beastkeeper VIP Party 1/28/12

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Zoological Society Of Florida Beastkeeper VIP Party
Saturday, January 28; 7 – 11 p.m.
Residence of Chris and Irene Korge (Event Co-Chair)
(Contact 305-255-5551 for exact address)

For tickets, sponsorship and more information, please visit www.fwtb.org or call 305-255-5551. The Zoological Society of Florida is a non-profit 501(c)(3) that supports Zoo Miami through education, conservation and outreach programs; marketing and public relations; volunteer services; and financial support for the construction of new exhibits.

As a prelude to the legendary Feast With The Beasts dining event at Zoo Miami, the Beastkeeper VIP Party is a wild evening of tantalizing tastes from fine South Florida restaurants, open bars, exotic animal encounters from Zoo Miami, and cool music. Complimentary valet parking will be provided.  The funds raised will help support the Zoological Society of Florida’s wildlife education and conservation programs on behalf of Zoo Miami.

Exquisite fare will be served from the following excellent restaurants: Truluck’s Seafood, Steak and Crab House, Caffé Abbracci, Zucchero Ristorante-Bistro, and Chef Adrianne’s Vineyard Restaurant and Wine Bar.  The Office Cake and Wicked Confections will be satiating sweet cravings with delectable desserts.

An extravagant silent auction will include items like jewelry, trips, handbags and art.

$500 Beastkeeper VIP Party Passport tickets include admission to Feast With The Beasts (8 p.m. to midnight) and the VIP cocktail reception (7 p.m.) on Friday, March 2 at Zoo Miami. Tickets to Feast With The Beasts are $175.

YoungArts Week 1/9-14/12

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YoungArts Week
January 9 – 14, 2012

Come see our nation’s best and brightest young artists representing the visual, literary and performing arts. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience top artistic talent right here in Miami for one week of spectacular free performances and exhibitions. Twenty of these amazing artists will become the next U.S. Presidential Scholars in the Arts!
Some events streaming live online at www.youngarts.org

Monday January 9
8:00 p.m.
YoungArts Voice and Jazz Performance
New World Center
500 17th St., Miami Beach
Call 305-673-3331 or visit www.newworldcenter.com to reserve tickets (service fee applies)

Tuesday January 10
8:00 p.m.
YoungArts Theater Performance
The Colony Theatre
1040 Lincoln Rd.
Miami Beach
Call 800-745-3000 or visit www.ticketmaster.com to reserve tickets (service fee applies)

Wednesday, January 11
8:00 p.m.
YoungArts Dance Performance and Cinematic Arts Screenings
New World Center
500 17th St., Miami Beach
Call 305-673-3331 or visit www.newworldcenter.com to reserve tickets (service fee applies)

Thursday January 12
6:00 p.m.
YoungArts Writers’ Readings
Miami Art Museum, Cultural Plaza
101 W. Flagler St., Miami
(tickets not required)

7:30 p.m.
YoungArts Visual Arts and Photography Exhibition
Miami Art Museum, Galleries
101 W. Flagler St., Miami
On view until 2/5/2012
(tickets not required)

9:00 p.m.
Jazz Performance
Upstairs at The Van Dyke CAFE
846 Lincoln Rd., Miami Beach
(tickets not required)

Friday January 13
7:30 p.m.
Pre-performance YoungArts MASTERCLASS film featuring Michael Tilson Thomas, Frank Gehry and others
New World Center
500 17th St., Miami Beach

8:00 p.m.
YoungArts Chamber Music Concert*
New World Center
500 17th St., Miami Beach
Call 305-673-3331 or visit www.newworldcenter.com to reserve tickets (service fee applies)
*Event will also feature a live WALLCAST concert! at the Miami Beach SoundScape, with an introduction at 7:30pm. The SoundScape is located at the SW corner of 17th St. and Washington Ave.

Saturday January 14
6:15 p.m.
An Affair of the Arts Performance & Gala and awards ceremony honoring special guests Robert Redford, Doug Aitken and Robert L. Lynch
Gusman Center
174 E. Flagler St., Miami
Gala tickets start at $650 (Young Patrons $250)
Contact 305.377.1140 or Send Email
Limited tickets available for performance and awards ceremony only ($20, $10 for students and YoungArts Alumni)
Contact 305.374.2444 or www.gusmancenter.org (service fee applies)

Support for YoungArts Week is also provided by Canon Business Solutions, Wells Fargo, the Miami-Dade County Tourist Development Council, the Youth Arts Enrichment Program, and the Festivals Grant, Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners. YoungArts Week is sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State Division of Cultural Affairs, the Florida Council on Arts and Culture and by The Children’s Trust. The Trust is a dedicated source of revenue established by voter referendum to improve the lives of children and families in Miami-Dade County. We salute our generous individual patrons and friends across the country who help make dreams come true for young, aspiring artists.

(Information via www.miamiartguide.com)

Feeding South Florida 30th Anniversary Celebration Come Together Soiree 1/12/12

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Feeding South Florida to Celebrate 30th Anniversary and Engage Community to Fight Hunger at the “Come Together” Soiree
Thursday, Jan. 12, 7-10 p.m.
The Margulies Collection at the Warehouse
591 NW 27th Street
Miami, FL 33127
(305) 576-1051
COST:
Individual tickets are $125 per person.
RSVPS are required. To RSVP and/or for sponsorship information, contact Jessica Diaz at (954) 518-1839 or Jdiaz@feedingsouthflorida.org, or visit www.feedingsouthflorida.org.

Proceeds/Sponsorships from Event to Benefit Feeding South Florida
and Further Its Mission to Feed South Florida’s Over 936,000 Individuals Who are Hungry

Members of the South Florida community are invited to join the fight against hunger and attend Feeding South Florida’s (formerly Daily Bread Food Bank) “Come Together” evening event on Jan. 12, 2012. Celebrating its 30th anniversary, Feeding South Florida is hosting the soiree which will feature food, spirits, incredible artwork, live entertainment, some of South Florida’s top chefs, and more. Proceeds/sponsorships will benefit Feeding South Florida, a not-for-profit organization that feeds South Florida’s hungry in order to improve their lives.

Individuals and corporations are Feeding South Florida’s main sources of financial support. For every dollar donated, seven lifesaving pounds of food and grocery items are provided. Event sponsorships are available ranging from $25,000 (175,000 pounds sponsor) to $1000 (7000 pounds sponsor). Additional packages and sponsorship opportunities may be tailored to specific individual, corporate and community objectives. All donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. Any and all donations are welcomed and needed.

Attendees should dress for the “Come Together” event however they feel comfortable – from jeans to tuxedos.

“Come Together” event chairs are Maria R. Millares, president of the Board of Directors for Feeding South Florida; Chef Allen Susser, one of South Florida’s top chefs; and Terry Zarikian of China Grill Management and New York’s City Harvest. Current event sponsors are JM Family and Millares & Company; in-kind sponsors are The Margulies Collection at the Warehouse, VSBrooks Advertising, Panache Party Rentals, Le Basque, Bacardi, Southern Wine & Spirits, Shutter Box Photo Booth, VOSS Water and Neiman Marcus.

Also participating in “Come Together” are some of the South Florida’s top restaurants including China Grill, Asia de Cuba, Egg & Dart, City Hall, Mercadito, Ortanique on the Mile, Chef Allen, D Rodriguez Cuba on Ocean, Scarpetta, The Forge, La Palme D’Or Restaurant at the Biltmore, Makoto, 1500° at Eden Roc Renaissance Miami Beach and Whisk Gourmet Food & Catering.

Feeding South Florida’s mission is to feed South Florida’s hungry in order to improve their lives. It does this by distributing food and groceries through its network of not-for-profit organizations, educating the public about the issue, and engaging our community in the fight to end hunger.

In South Florida alone, 936,000 individuals are food insecure; 36 percent of those served are children. Feeding South Florida provides approximately 29 million pounds of food annually to over 700 agencies throughout Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach and Monroe Counties. Recently, Feeding South Florida’s agencies are reporting a 39 percent increase in the demand for food services, due to the current economic climate.

Feeding South Florida™ (formerly Daily Bread Food Bank) is a not-for-profit organization that empowers other South Florida not-for-profit organizations to assist people in need and improve their lives. Feeding South Florida does this by providing food and other grocery products; and by educating and engaging our community to fight hunger and poverty. Through a local network of more than 700 other not-for-profit organizations, Feeding South Florida strives to serve children, the elderly, the mentally and physically challenged, veterans and the working poor with compassion and integrity. Feeding South Florida is a member of Feeding America, the nation’s leading domestic hunger-relief charity. Over 29 million pounds of food are distributed within the community by Feeding South Florida each year. Feeding South Florida’s headquarters is located at 2501 SW 32 Terrace, Pembroke Park, FL, 33023. For more information, please call (954) 518-1818 or visit www.feedingsouthflorida.org.

Communities Advocating Emergency AIDS Relief Coalition 11th Annual Partnership Awards Dinner 1/9/12

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Caear Coalition’s Tribute To Miami’s Red Ribbon Heroes Honors South Florida Community Leaders
Monday, January 9, 6:30 p.m.
Miami Beach Botanical Garden
2000 Convention Center Drive
Miami Beach FL

For more information about CAEAR Coalition’s 11th Annual Partnership Awards Dinner, and to reserve tickets ($125 per person or a table of ten for $1,250), visit www.caear.org or call (800) 393-1305. Please make reservations no later than Friday, January 6.

The Communities Advocating Emergency AIDS Relief (CAEAR) Coalition, a national non-profit organization that advocates on behalf of HIV/AIDS service programs, will hold its 11th Annual Partnership Awards Dinner presented by Miami Beach Community Health Center. The event, titled “A Tribute to Miami’s Red Ribbon Heroes,” will honor local heroes making a difference in the response to HIV/AIDS, including Commissioner Bruno Barreiro, Frederick Down, Jr., Dr. David Haltiwanger, Dr. Michael Kolber, Senator Bill Nelson, Dr. Jorge Rangel, Daniel T. Wall and Dr. Michael Wohlfeiler.

A Tribute to Miami’s Red Ribbon Heroes will be held at Miami Beach Botanical Garden and feature a cocktail reception, Latin-infused dinner, live entertainment and an awards presentation to the 2011 honorees. In addition, there will be a red ribbon-inspired fashion collection created by students from the Miami International University of Art and Design.

“We are pleased to recognize and celebrate these Miami community leaders for their outstanding support and advocacy on behalf of those living with HIV/AIDS,” said Ernest Hopkins, Chair, CAEAR Coalition Board of Directors. “This event is our opportunity to show our gratitude to each of them alongside Miami Beach Community Health Center, a respected HIV/AIDS care provider and a longtime CAEAR Coalition member.”

Miami-Dade County Commissioner Bruno A. Barreiro continues his fight against HIV/AIDS in Miami Dade County with numerous initiatives such as the HIV Prevention Signage Program for Bars and Adult Stores. In 2002, he funded an HIV Think Tank in South Florida, an HIV/AIDS education program using bold and visible signage to inform the community about HIV prevention.

Frederick Downs, Jr. has been a member of the Miami-Dade HIV/AIDS Partnership since August 2007. He is known efforts with Miami-Dade County Public Schools to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS to high school students. Downs also conducts several local support groups and is always available for a community member in need.

Dr. David Haltiwanger has been involved in the fight against AIDS from the very beginning of the epidemic. He served as Mental Health Director and later as Director of Clinical Programs and Public Policy at Chase Brexton Health Services in Baltimore, MD, prior to his retirement in December 2011. In that role, Dr. Haltiwanger was also an active and engaged member of CAEAR Coalition, serving as a member of the Board of Directors for six years.

Dr. Michael A. Kolber is the Director of the Comprehensive AIDS Program for the University of Miami, Clinical Director of the Adult HIV Section for Infectious Diseases and Professor of Medicine. He has participated in the County Enhanced Comprehensive HIV Prevention Planning effort in order for the community to continue to move towards accomplishing the President’s National Strategy on HIV/AIDS.

Clarence William “Bill” Nelson is the senior United States Senator from Florida. In March 2010, Sen. Nelson voted for the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010. Sen. Nelson has been a supporter of the legislation reauthorizing the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program and has been an advocate for greater resources for the program, especially as related to the challenges facing the Florida’s AIDS Drug Assistance Program.
Dr. Jorge Rangel has been a vital part of Miami Beach Community Health Center since 1990. Given his long history at MBCHC, Dr. Rangel has been involved with the treatment of HIV patients basically since the onset of the epidemic and hopes to continue serving HIV patients until the end of his career.

Daniel T. Wall, Director of the Office of Grants Coordination, has helped secure millions of dollars in federal funds for a grant program that became a nationally recognized model for administration and fiscal management, the Ryan White Part A/Minority AIDS Initiative (MAI) Program. In addition, Wall authored the ordinance that officially established the Miami-Dade HIV/AIDS Partnership, the county planning board for HIV/AIDS-related issues.

Dr. Michael Wohlfeiler is an HIV specialist and the Medical Director for Research at the AHF/WPA South Beach Healthcare Center. Dr. Wohlfeiler serves on Miami-Dade County’s Ryan White Medical Care Subcommittee and recently completed two terms as chair. He was the first chair of the Florida Academy of HIV Medicine and a member of the AAHIVM National Board of Directors

“HIV/AIDS continues to be a major health challenge and we remain committed to playing a leading role in its prevention and treatment,” said Kathryn Abbate, CEO of Miami Beach Community Health Center. “We applaud the CAEAR Coalition for their ongoing advocacy efforts to meet the care, treatment, support and prevention needs of people living with this disease.”

The awards dinner will be held in conjunction with the CAEAR Coalition’s annual national meeting, and will bring together health planners, those living with HIV/AIDS, non-profit organizations, city and county officials, and medical professionals from around the country to discuss the coming year’s advocacy plan in support of the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program, which supports a wide-range of HIV/AIDS services in Miami-Dade County and across Florida.

The Library’s Three Graces in the Arts 2/10/12

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The Library’s Three Graces in the Arts
Friday, February 10, 2012 – 7:00 p.m.
Main Library
101 West Flagler Street
Miami, FL
More Info
Buy Tickets Online

Miami Moments 2012
The Library’s Three Graces in the Arts: Honoring Margarita Cano, Helen Kohen and Barbara Young

presented by Friends Of The Miami-Dade Public Library

Honorary co-chairs: Maurice Ferre * William T. Muir * H.T. Smith

Festive Attire and Fanciful Hats
Wine and Imaginative Amuse-bouche
Miami Moments Video Installations
Highlights from The Vasari Project
Contemporary Vasari Raffle
Silent Art Auction
Live Performance by the Spam Allstars

The Evening’s proceeds will benefit The Vasari Project, an archive of visual arts history in Miami and the Friends of the Miami-Dade Public Library.

Contact us at: threegracesevent@gmail.com

Friends of the Miami-Dade Public Library is pleased to announce its first annual Miami Moments, an evening celebrating extraordinary people in our cultural community. The 2012 event honors three women inextricably tied to the history of the Main Library and its ongoing support of the visual arts –The Library’s Three Graces in the Arts: Margarita Cano, Helen Kohen and Barbara Young.

During the last three decades before retiring, these dedicated, amazing professionals contributed in many ways to the founding of the Library’s renowned art collection, to its broad-reaching educational and cultural programs and to the establishment of a unique archive of the history of the visual arts in Miami, The Vasari Project.

Our special evening is at the Main Library on Friday, February 10, 2012. Guests are encouraged to wear Festive Attire and Fanciful Hats to signal their creative urges. This year’s program, Miami Moments 2012, features members of the community sharing anecdotes and stories about art at the library and commemorating the significant contribution by the evening’s honorees to our community’s cultural life. The Silent Art Auction and Contemporary Vasari Raffle include works by prominent Miami-based artists.

The evening’s program includes a self-guided tour of selections from the library’s art collection as well as Ed Ruscha’s renowned public art installation throughout the building’s interior spaces.

Zoo Miami Feast with the Beasts 3/2/12

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Zoo Miami Feast with the Beasts
Friday, March 2, 2012, 8 PM – 12 AM
Zoo Miami
12400 SW 50 Street
Miami, FL 33177
To purchase tickets online and further information, visit www.zoomiami.org or www.fwtb.org.

The most unforgettable fundraising event of 2012 will take place in a jungle amidst the roar of Bengal Tigers at the 19th Annual Feast With The Beasts on Friday, March 2, 2012 at Zoo Miami. This euphoric event is sure to tantalize your palates with the delectable tastes of the most extraordinary dishes created by some of South Florida’s most renowned fine food establishments.

Feaster VIP Cocktail Reception and Main Event Ticket: $225 per person
Includes Early admission to Feaster VIP Cocktail Reception, 7 – 8:30 PM and admission to Main Event 8 PM – Midnight.

Feaster Ticket: $175 per person (Admission to Main Event only)
8:00 PM to Midnight along the path of Zoo Miami
40 amazing restaurants and caterers
Full dessert and coffee buffet
8 open bars
Wild animal encounters
Dazzling entertainment & music
Ron Magill’s Spectacular Dance Party (10 PM – Midnight)
Attire: Safari chic
Tickets purchased on or after Friday, February 24, 2012 will be held at WILL CALL.

Attendees MUST be at least 21 years of age. Valid ID must be shown.

The Zoological Society of Florida and the Host Committee are hosting Feast With The Beasts on March 2, 2012 to celebrate wildlife and tantalize your palates with tastes of the most extraordinary dishes created by some of South Florida’s most renowned fine food establishments. Proudly presented by Ryder Charitable Foundation, Feast With The Beasts will help support the Zoological Society of Florida’s wildlife education and conservation programs on behalf of Zoo Miami.

From 8 PM to midnight, Feast With The Beasts returns in its 19th year as one of the best events in town featuring tastes from 40 local restaurants & caterers, eight open bars, wild animal encounters, live entertainment and complimentary valet parking. To date some of the featured restaurants that will be present include: Asia de Cuba, Bijan’s on the River, Blue Martini, Bonefish Grill, China Grill, Kitchen 305, Miyagi Sushi Bar, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Sawa Restaurant & Lounge, Shake Shack, Shula’s 347 Grill and Trattoria Dolce Vita. Dessert providers include: Blue Bell Ice Cream, Contenti Cupcakes, and Unique Designer’s Cake.

After all of the wining and dining, every guest is invited to burn off the calories at Ron Magill’s Spectacular Dance Party from 10 PM to midnight with live entertainers and the hottest DJ in town playing the latest tunes.

“One more year of the legendary Feast With The Beasts and we’ll have been celebrating this event for two decades! We are honored to chair this event again and hope to raise much needed funds for the Zoological Society of Florida,” said Norma Jean Abraham and Irene Korge, FWTB Chairs.

Admission tickets to FWTB are available for $175 and VIP Cocktail Reception tickets that include admission to the main event are $225. VIP cocktail reception is at 7 pm. Safari chic attire is encouraged. Those planning on attending should make advanced reservations. Sponsorship packages are also available. Visit www.fwtb.org or call (305) 255-5551 to purchase tickets or for more information.

10th Anniversary Heart and Star Dinner 3/8/12

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10th Anniversary Heart & Star Dinner
March 8, 2012, 6:30 PM
Temple Beth Am
The Richard & Janet Yulman Campus
5950 North Kendall Drive
Pinecrest, Florida 33156
Website

The 2012 Champion of the Human Spirit is Jennifer Stearns Buttrick. Stearns Buttrick is being honored as a cancer survivor who has become a beacon of light and hope for others who are faced with this diagnosis. Through her incredible and life-changing experience, Jennifer has dedicated herself to raising funds for cancer research, advocacy and awareness.

Jennifer Stearns Buttrick is Of Counsel and Director of Pro Bono and Community Service to the Firm Stearns, Weaver, Miller, Weissler, Alhadeff & Sitterson, P.A.. Prior to taking on this role, she practiced in the Litigation Department, where she handled commercial litigation at the trial and appellate levels.

She serves on the University of Miami / Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center Community Board of Governors, Founders Board and was the 2009 Designed for a Cure Event Chair – and, most recently, the 2011 Designed for a Cure Event Chair. She also served as the Sponsorship Chair of the 2010 Gala and was on the 2008 Gala Committee. She also serves on the Advisory Board of the Dolphins Cycling Challenge, an annual event that benefits Sylvester.

Buttrick’s other affiliations and recognitions include: Vice President, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden; 2009, 2011 and 2012 Chair of the New World Symphony’s It’s a Family Affair, past board member, Junior League of Miami and Junior League of Miami Foundation; Lawyers for Children America, former Chair of the Regional Leadership Counsel; former board member, The Reclamation Project 2008-2010; notes and comments editor, Florida State University Law Review; Voices for Children 2009 Corporate Leadership Award recipient; Junior League of Miami 2006 Rebecca Herndon Bush Award recipient; The Gordon Schools of Beth David Congregation, Past School Board Chair 2007‐2008, Parents’ Association Chair 2006‐2007; and American Heart Association, Executive Leadership Team, 2010 and 2011 Heart and Stroke Ball.

We are grateful for the opportunity to have Jennifer represent the Cancer Support Community Greater Miami and are thrilled to be able to honor her with this prestigious and well-deserved award.

The 2012 Champion of the Community Spirit is SAP International. SAP International is being honored for their charitable work as a corporate citizen working towards a greater good for our community. Headquartered in Walldorf, Germany, SAP is the market leader in enterprise application software. Founded in 1972, SAP (which stands for “Systems, Applications, and Products in Data Processing”) has a rich history of innovation and growth as a true industry leader. SAP applications and services enable more than 176,000 customers worldwide to operate profitably, adapt continuously, and grow sustainably.

SAP’s story is one of a steady rise from a small, five-man operation headquartered in southwest Germany’s Rhine-Neckar region to one of the world’s largest independent software providers and an employer of more than 47,598 people in over 50 countries worldwide.

SAP’s philosophy is that the power of their people, products, and partners unleashes growth and creates significant new value for customers, SAP, and, ultimately, entire industries and the economy at large.

SAP International opened their Latin American division in Miami ten years ago. In 2007, they established a local philanthropic and community relations program organizing volunteers and donating funds to many South Florida non-profits. SAP has donated time and financial resources to Jackson Memorial Hospital, Children’s Home Society, Junior Achievement, and the Cancer Support Community Greater Miami. Their global charitable interests are based in education, healthcare and environmental issues and in 2010 alone; this dynamic and extraordinary company invested $24 million dollars worldwide to those in need.

Their mission is to help companies of all sizes and industries to run better. Their vision is to help the world run better. We think they are achieving that just by their actions in South Florida!

Rounding out this incredible evening is our Mistress of Ceremonies is Diana Gonzalez. Diana was the recipient of the Cancer Support Community Greater Miami’s Champion of the Community Spirit award in 2002 and is also a former host for our fundraiser. She is also the sophisticated voice of our promotional video as Diana has donated her time and talents to our organization for close to a decade.

Diana is NBC 6’s Health Reporter, bringing South Florida the latest news in medicine and health care. A veteran NBC6 WTVJ reporter, she started her career here in 1978 as a news reporter and then worked as a producer for “Montage,” a weekly magazine show. Throughout her extensive broadcast news career, Diana Gonzalez has received numerous regional and national awards including: 2000 Food Science Journalism Award by the Institute of Food Technologists for “Cancer Fighting Foods,” three Florida Emmys, a National Emmy Award nomination in 1996 for coverage of Hurricane Opal, an “Award for Excellence in Medical Journalism” from the Florida Medical Association, “Woman of Distinction” from the Weizmann Institute of Science, a “Silver Circle” from NATAS.

Diana is a proud Gator, having received her Bachelor of Science degree in Broadcast Journalism from the University of Florida. In addition to her education and years of work experience, being a cancer survivor enhances her ability to cover health news. Diana says her biggest accomplishment is raising two wonderful daughters, Gillian and Jackie Durruthy.

For ticket and sponsorship information please call 305-668-5900.

Miami Science Museum Annual Galaxy Gala and Big Bang 2/18/12

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Miami Science Museum’s Annual Galaxy Gala & Big Bang
Saturday, February 18, 2012., Arrivals for the Gala begin at 6:30pm
The Big Bang runs from 10pm-2am.
JW Marriott Marquis Miami & Hotel Beaux Arts
345 Avenue of the Americas
Miami, FL 33131
More Info

Miami Science Museum’s Annual Galaxy Gala & Big Bang events
This year’s 10th Annual Galaxy Gala will feature a cocktail reception and silent auction followed by a seated dinner, extraterrestrial-themed décor, live music, dancing and a laser entertainment experience, immediately followed by the Big Bang, a high-energy dance party designed for the young and influential professionals of Miami. The Galaxy Gala and Big Bang will shine the spotlight on the 60+ year mission of the Miami Science Museum and kickoff a week-long schedule of groundbreaking festivities for the new $275 million Museum waterfront project, the Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science in downtown Miami.

The Patricia & Phillip Frost Museum of Science. The Galaxy Gala is chaired by Nancy & Jonathan Batchelor and Nicole & Edgar Lozano. The philanthropic chairs are Trish & Dan Bell.

Admission to the Galaxy Gala is by invitation only. Tickets for the Big Bang will be available separately for sale in December 2011

Event & Tickets Website

Art Basel Day 3-Wynwood area got ready for the big art event By Betty Alvarez

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Gallery 212 Opening Night Gala
First I went to Gallery 212 Gala which hosted their Art Basel Opening Night Gala. The Art Basel 2011 Exhibition Opening Night Gala benefitted the students of the Miami Arts Charter School providing higher arts education for kids in Miami.These students did a surprise art installations with musical, vocal and instrumental Performances.
Light food and beverages provided by Catch Grill & Bar Marriott Miami Biscayne Bay. Along with resident artists Pop Artist Michael Perez,John Pate,Johnny Pate,Sean Murdock,Jonathan Dvoretz, and Sculptor Henry Souto, the gala features celebrated master painter Jose Yossi from Brazil.

Items were raffled to benefit Food for the Poor including 2 VIP Tickets to the Vail Film Festival 2012! What a great Gala!

The Co11ective
Next I ventured across the street to view the Co11ective at the Kohn Compound. The Co11ective launched 22 renowned bi-cultural artists ranging from street art to photography. It also prensented murals, art and installations by Trek Six, Lizzie Easton Lauren Webb Harris, Celso Gonzalez, Rimx, Larregui, SK545, Olsunlade, La Pandilla, Bik Ismo, Shaun Thurston with special exhibits by Infamous Magazine, Red Bull Through My Eyes, WVW8, Carlos “Mare139” Rodriguez.

Wynwood Walls
On my way to my car I stumbled upon the Wynwood Walls where the murals were lighted up and all types of artwork from Graffiti to contemporary art was showcased. I am always amazed at these gigantic walls and the different types of artistic talent everytime I come here.

All in all, on this day, Wynwood was fun to be in and a taste of what was to come.

Greater Miami and the Beaches Hotel Association First Annual Hospitality Leadership Awards Ceremony 12/12/11

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Greater Miami and the Beaches Hotel Association First Annual Hospitality Leadership Awards Ceremony
December 12, 2011, 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Mandarin Oriental Miami
500 Brickell Key Drive
Miami, FL 33131
www.gmbha.com

The Greater Miami and the Beaches Hotel Association (GMBHA), a membership organization comprised of hoteliers and allied members in Miami-Dade County, will recognize and honor outstanding managers of the various hotel departments during the first annual Hospitality Leadership Awards event. GMBHA’s Chairman of the Board Tim Nardi and President & CEO Wendy Kallergis along with the Board of Directors will host this recognition event on Monday, December 12th at the Mandarin Oriental Miami, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

The GMBHA’s first annual Hospitality Leadership Award will attract hotel General Managers and their managers, hospitality partners and allied upgrade members. Guest speaker Tim Miller, Senior Vice President & Managing Director, EDITION Hotels, which is a new hotel brand conceived by Ian Schrager and Marriott International and opening soon in Miami Beach, will be part of the award ceremony.

Tickets for the event are available for hotel members, industry partners and Allied Upgrade members, an exclusive membership category. Sponsorships are available starting at $1,500.

For more information and to purchase tickets, please call the GMBHA office at (305) 531-3553 or email vanja@gmbha.com.

Alligator Ron’s Holiday Hoedown 12/3/11

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Alligator Ron’s Holiday Hoedown
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Exclusive VIP Reception 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Main Event 7:30 – 11:00 p.m.
Green Glades Ranch
21111 SW 16 Street
Weston, Florida 33332
www.holidayhoedown.com

Saddle up to the bar and dance the night away.
Live Band, Open Bar, Great BBQ & Much More!
Come dressed in your best western attire!

Benefiting Florida: Mission Everglades

2011 FLAIA Charity Cocktail Reception to benefit Hedge Funds Care 11/30/11

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2011 FLAIA Charity Cocktail Reception to benefit Hedge Funds Care
November 30, 2011, 5:30 pm
Four Seasons Hotel Miami
1435 Brickell Avenue
Miami, FL 33131
www.flaia.org/hfc2011.php

Tickets are $175.

The Florida Alternative Investment Association (FLAIA), a not-for-profit association focused on establishing Florida as a leading center for alternative investment management, announced that the annual South Florida Charity Cocktail Reception to benefit Hedge Funds Care will take place at 5:30 p.m. November 30. All proceeds from the event will benefit leading national charities focused on the prevention and treatment of child abuse.

Ashbel “Ash” Williams, executive director and CIO of the Florida State Board of Administration (SBA), will serve as the keynote speaker. Williams works with SBA trustees, including Florida’s governor, chief financial officer and attorney general, to manage assets including the Florida Retirement System (FRS) Trust Fund, a $100 billion-plus pension fund and the fourth largest pension fund in the U.S.

The networking event, which includes cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, live music and a guest raffle with prizes donated by Miami-based businesses, coincides with the kick-off of Art Basel Miami Beach. Tickets for the event, which is open to the public, are available for $175.

Florida Alternative Investment Association (FAIA) and the event’s title sponsor, Kaufman, Rossin & Company

2011 FLAIA Charity Cocktail Reception to benefit Hedge Funds Care, an organization that supports child welfare organizations and raises awareness of the key issues related to child abuse

The Florida Alternative Investment Association (FLAIA) is a not-for-profit organization working to establish Florida as a leading center for alternative investment management. Founded in 2007, the organization provides a platform for educating, connecting, and better positioning Florida-based fund managers to attract significant sources of investment capital. For more information, visit www.flaia.org.

Feeding South Florida Come Together Fundraising Event 1/12/12

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Feeding South Florida To Celebrate 30th Anniversary And Engage Community To Fight Hunger At January 12, 2012 “Come Together” Soiree
Thursday, Jan. 12, 7-10 p.m.
The Margulies Collection at the Warehouse
591 NW 27th Street
Miami, FL 33127
(305) 576-1051

Cost: Individual tickets are $125 per person.
RSVPS are required. To RSVP and/or for sponsorship information, contact Jessica Diaz at (954) 518-1839 or Jdiaz@feedingsouthflorida.org, or visit www.feedingsouthflorida.org.

Proceeds/Sponsorships from Event to Benefit Feeding South Florida
and Further Its Mission to Feed South Florida’s Over 936,000 Individuals Who are Hungry

Members of the South Florida community are invited to join the fight against hunger and attend Feeding South Florida’s (formerly Daily Bread Food Bank) “Come Together” evening event on Jan. 12, 2012. Celebrating its 30th anniversary, Feeding South Florida is hosting the soiree which will feature food, spirits, incredible artwork, live entertainment, some of South Florida’s top chefs, and more. Proceeds/sponsorships will benefit Feeding South Florida, a not-for-profit organization that feeds South Florida’s hungry in order to improve their lives.

Individuals and corporations are Feeding South Florida’s main sources of financial support. For every dollar donated, seven lifesaving pounds of food and grocery items are provided. Event sponsorships are available ranging from $25,000 (175,000 pounds sponsor) to $1000 (7000 pounds sponsor). Additional packages and sponsorship opportunities may be tailored to specific individual, corporate and community objectives. All donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. Any and all donations are welcomed and needed.

Attendees should dress for the “Come Together” event however they feel comfortable – from jeans to tuxedos.

“Come Together” event chairs are Maria R. Millares, president of the Board of Directors for Feeding South Florida; Chef Allen Susser, one of South Florida’s top chefs; and Terry Zarikian of China Grill Management and New York’s City Harvest. Current event sponsors are JM Family and Millares & Company; in-kind sponsors are The Margulies Collection at the Warehouse, VSBrooks Advertising, Panache Party Rentals, Le Basque, Bacardi and Southern Wine & Spirits.

Also participating in “Come Together” are some of the South Florida’s top restaurants including China Grill, Asia de Cuba, Egg & Dart, City Hall, Mercadito, Ortanique on the Mile, Kane Steakhouse, Chef Allen, D Rodriguez Cuba on Ocean, Scarpetta, The Forge, La Palme D’Or Restaurant at the Biltmore, Makoto and 1500° at Eden Roc Renaissance Miami Beach.

Feeding South Florida’s mission is to feed South Florida’s hungry in order to improve their lives. It does this by distributing food and groceries through its network of not-for-profit organizations, educating the public about the issue, and engaging our community in the fight to end hunger.

In South Florida alone, 936,000 individuals are food insecure; 36 percent of those served are children. Feeding South Florida provides approximately 29 million pounds of food annually to over 700 agencies throughout Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach and Monroe Counties. Recently, Feeding South Florida’s agencies are reporting a 39 percent increase in the demand for food services, due to the current economic climate.

Feeding South Florida™ (formerly Daily Bread Food Bank) is a not-for-profit organization that empowers other South Florida not-for-profit organizations to assist people in need and improve their lives. Feeding South Florida does this by providing food and other grocery products; and by educating and engaging our community to fight hunger and poverty. Through a local network of more than 700 other not-for-profit organizations, Feeding South Florida strives to serve children, the elderly, the mentally and physically challenged, veterans and the working poor with compassion and integrity. Feeding South Florida is a member of Feeding America, the nation’s leading domestic hunger-relief charity. Over 29 million pounds of food are distributed within the community by Feeding South Florida each year. Feeding South Florida’s headquarters is located at 2501 SW 32 Terrace, Pembroke Park, FL, 33023. For more information, please call (954) 518-1818 or visit www.feedingsouthflorida.org.

Art4Vision Presents an Evening with Art Wolfe 12/3/11

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Art4Vision Presents an Evening with Art Wolfe
December 3rd, 2010, 6:00pm-9:00pm
Museum of Art Fort Lauderdale
1 East Las Olas Blvd.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
www.art4vision.org

The Art4Vision Foundation is pleased to present an evening with Art Wolfe to benefit the Macula Vision Research Foundation. This event will feature “Offering of the Angels: Old Master Paintings and Tapestries from the Uffizi Gallery” during a cocktail hour, followed by a multi-media presentation by world-renowned photographer, Art Wolfe, during a seated dinner. 100% of proceeds benefit the Macula Vision Research Foundation, a national non-profit organization focused on curing blindness by funding visionary research.

Tickets are $200 per plate, 100% of which directly benefits the Macula Vision Research Foundation, as all costs associated with the event are underwritten by the Art4Vision Foundation.

A Night of Broadway Stars 12/16/11

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A Night of Broadway Stars!
12/16/2011, 6pm-11pm
Broward Center for the Performing Arts
201 SW Fifth Avenue
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312

Website

Special thanks to our sponsors:
Sansome Foundation
The Batchelor Foundation
Covenant House International

A one-of-a-kind event benefiting Covenant House Florida’s shelter for teens!
6 p.m. • December 16, 2011 • Broward Center for the Performing Arts

$225 ticket price includes lavish dinner stations, cocktails and an elegant silent auction, followed by a spectacular Broadway performance by 7 Broadway Stars that you’ll never forget!

Post-show champagne mingle with the stars!
For more information call 954-568-7914.

Project New Born Gala 11/19/11

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Project New Born Gala
Saturday, November 19, 7 p.m
InterContinental
Downtown Miami
Buy Tickets Online

Project: New Born cordially invites you to an elegant evening of Fashion and Entertainment at the Intercontinental Hotel, Presented by Bal Harbour Shops and Featuring A Celebration of the Generations in Recognition of our Founding Families. Project: New Born is dedicated to support and maintain the Schatzi Kassal Project: New Born Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Jackson Memorial Hospital.

Starting at 7 p.m., enjoy cocktails from the open bar, provided by Southern Wine & Spirits, while you browse the over-the-top silent auction, including designer jewelry, travel & getaways, as well as spa & dining packages.

From 8:30 p.m. the Grand Ballroom will be the place to be for this year’s dynamic Bal Harbour Shops Runway Fashion Show, featuring Oscar de la Renta Resort 2012 Collection. Following the fashion show, guests will dine on a three-course gourmet dinner while enjoying the sounds of Music Machine, a live 13-piece band. A multi-chef dessert extravaganza created by South Florida’s most prominent chefs and restaurants will offer an array of sweet indulgences to cap off an extraordinary gala event.

First Annual Gala of Hope Benefitting Families of Spinal Muscular Atrophy 11/17/11

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Thursday, November 17th, 7PM – 10PM
Gryphon Club
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
1 Seminole Way
Davie, FL 33314

$100 per person or $150 for VIP access
www.fsma.org/GalaOfHope
Jennifer Miller-Smith 954.444.5937
Fiorenna Israel 954.696.6001

First Annual Gala of Hope Benefitting Families of Spinal Muscular Atrophy
On Thursday, November 17th, the Families of Spinal Muscular Atrophy present the first annual Gala of Hope to help find a cure for SMA. Hosted by NFL Super Bowl Champion Leonard Marshall, the fundraising event will be held at the Gryphon Club in the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino with endless entertainment from 7PM – 10PM. The Gala of Hope will feature a top-shelf open bar and an array of hors d’oeuvres by The Capital Grill, PF Chang’s, Sicilian Oven, The Flaming Greek and Hey Cupcake. Guests can participate in a silent auction and enter a raffle for a chance to win a $10,000 shopping spree to J.R. Dunn Jewelers. Entertainment will be provided by Gaby Villanueva, Cirque du Soleil-style acts, exotic cars showcased by Ferrari-Maserati of Fort Lauderdale and motorcycles from Bruce Rossmeyer’s Harley Davidson, live music by Rock With U Entertainment and much more. Come out and support the Families of Spinal Muscular Atrophy to help raise funds for critical research projects and enjoy a fun-filled night!

About Families of Spinal Muscular Atrophy: Families of SMA is a non-profit 501(c)3 tax exempt organization with 30 Chapters throughout the United States and over 85,000 members and supporters. Families of SMA funds and directs the leading SMA research programs. The successful results and progress from basic research to drug discovery programs to clinical trials provide real hope for families and patients. Families of Spinal Muscular Atrophy is dedicated to creating a treatment and cure by: Funding and advancing a comprehensive research program; Supporting SMA families through networking, information and services; Improving care for all SMA patients; Educating health professionals and the public about SMA; Enlisting government support for SMA; Embracing all touched by SMA in a caring community. FSMA’s vision is a world where Spinal Muscular Atrophy is treatable and curable. For more information, please visit www.curesma.org.

2011 Sustainable South Florida Awards 11/17/11

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2011 Sustainable South Florida Awards
11/17/11, 11:30AM-1:30PM
Treetop Ballroom at Jungle Island
1111 Parrot Jungle Trail
Miami
More Info
$55 – Members | $65 – Non-Members
Registration Now Open!

The Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce’s Sustainable South Florida Awards honor businesses in South Florida that have made significant environmentally conscious changes within their operations or who provide an effective environmental product or service to the community.

Award Finalists:
Green Visionary- Presented by IBM
Ralph Avallone
Michael Gongora
Greg Hamra

Green Building – Presented by TRANE
Carlisle Development Group
600 Brickell
UM Life Science Park

Green Business – Presented by Covanta Dade Renewable Energy
Clifton South Beach Hotel
DecoBike
Trane

Green Education & Outreach
Miami-Dade County Sustainability
Miami River Commission
Youth Lead Miami

Green Practices – Presented by Baptist Health South Florida
Citizens’ Independent Transportation Trust
The Palms Hotel & Spa
Zoo Miami

Kiwanis Club of Little Havana Annual Christmas Gala at Miami Seaquarium 12/3/11

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Kiwanis Club of Little Havana’s Annual Christmas Gala at Miami Seaquarium
Saturday, December 3rd, 8pm
Miami Seaquarium
4400 Rickenbacker Causeway
Key Biscayne

For more information, please call: 305.644.8888.
To purchase tickets online, visit: kiwanischristmasparty.com

Music by:
International DJ Tamara Sky
Spam Allstars
DJ Sama & Tito Puente, Jr.
VJ Psyberpixie

All tickets include Open Bar Courtesy of Bacardi, Dinner & Secured Parking.
Ticket Prices:
$100 Single Ticket
$1,350 Table for Ten Guests
$1,500 VIP Lounge for Ten Guests

Restaurant Sponsors Include:
Randazzo’s Little Italy
Red Koi Thai & Sushi Lounge
Truluck’s Seafood, Steak & Crab House
Vita Nuova Pizza & Pasta
Delicacecy Gourmet
Delicias de España
El Sembrador
Catalina Bake Shop

Proceeds of the gala will benefit the Kiwanis Club of Little Havana holiday project: “A Toy for Every Child.” Over 6,000 children in shelters, labor camps, daycare centers & hospitals will receive a quality toy during Christmas. “Adoption of Families” — Fulfilling the needs and wishes of deprived families.

Miami Arts Charter School and Gallery 212 Art Basel Opening Night Gala Fundraiser 11/30/11

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Miami Arts Charter School and Gallery212 Art Basel Opening Night Gala Fundraiser
November 30th, 8:00 PM-Midnight
Art Basel at Gallery212 Miami
2407 NW 2nd Avenue
Miami, Florida 33137
Website
Price: $50.00
Tickets

Exhibition Running December 1, 2, 3 & 4 – January, 2012

Meet the Artist Gala
Miami Arts Charter School is pleased to announce a collaborative effort with Gallery212 Miami in the Wynwood arts district during Art Basel Miami 2011.

All tickets are VIP-
There will be light food and beverage provided by Catch Grill & Bar Marriott Miami Biscayne Bay. Surprise Art Installations, Musical, Vocal and Instrumental Performances by the Miami Arts Charter School Students.

Arts enthusiasts and supporters won’t want to miss this great opportunity to review and purchase the works of our MAC art and photo students alongside Miami’s finest visual artists, international artists and photographers.

Featured Resident Artists:
Michael Perez
John Pate
John Pate N.
Featured Art Basel Artists:
Jose Yossi (Brazil)
Mariella Sosa; “Through the Lens”
Matt Stock Photography; “Hidden Groves”, “Stiltsville Iluminated”
Featured Resident Emerging Artists:
Sean Murdock
Jonathan Dvoretz
Henry Souto (Sculptor)

These exciting events will feature student art and photography works by Miami Arts Charter School’s top visual artists. Guests will also enjoy featured musical performances by the Miami Arts Charter School Jazz Collective and string chamber music ensembles.

This is a great opportunity for art collectors to support Miami Arts Charter School as 10% of all sales proceeds from the following two events will be donated to our school. MAC students will also be presenting original works for sale.

MOCA Shakers Mystery Dates 2011 11/12/11

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MOCA Shakers Mystery Dates 2011
Saturday, November 12, 6:00 pm – 1:00 am
Museum of Contemporary Art, North Miami
MOCA & Various Locations & After Party at The Setai, South Beach

The MOCA Shakers, young international members of the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), will host the first MYSTERY DATES dinner of the season. MYSTERY DATES, taking place on Saturday, November 12th , features a series of glamorous dinner parties at the private homes of Miami art patrons and legendary hosts. The mystery is that guests learn which dinner they will attend on the night of the event. The excitement will begin with cocktails courtesy of GREY GOOSE Vodka at MOCA, in North Miami, followed by concurrent dinner parties in private homes from Golden Beach to Coral Gables. After dinner, guests will reconvene for a late-night dance party at The Setai, in Miami Beach. To purchase tickets to Mystery Dates 2011, contact MOCA at 305 893 6211 or visit www.mocanomi.org. $175 with a discount of $50 for MOCA Shaker. A limited number of packages of ten tickets will be for sale for $1,250.

Dinner Hosts: Jason Atkins, Tania and Robert Bassan, Olympia de Castro and Gustavo Hernandez, Gloria and Sergio Leyva, Kathryn and Dan Mikesell, Dale and Richard Newberg, Hal Philipps, Adriana and Michael Stein, and Billy Weisman among others.

Mystery Dates Chairs: Zubin Nagpal, Erin Newberg, Ivonne Ronderos, Carolyn Travis and Joshua Dunkelman

Mystery Dates Committee: Carol Adrianza, Marcia Anderson, Meredith Becker, Lana Bernstein, Suzy Buckley, Alexander Cohen, Nick D’Annunzio, Craig Dell, Maura Dominguez, Karen Gilinski, Bill Kearney, Edison Lozada, Bernardo Ortiz, Tiffany Rosen, Tara Solomon, James Wark, Lexing Zhang.

A Celebration for Prosperity 11/19/11

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A Celebration for Prosperity
Saturday, November 19 · 6:00pm – 11:00pm
860 Jeronimo Dr
Coral Gables

Join Catalyst Miami as we celebrate 10 years of helping the community become prosperous.

Honoring: Don and Jeanett Slesnick, Lifetime Achievement Award
Barbara Romani, Prosperity Builder Award

Live Music by the Grammy Nominated Spam AllStars!

Live and Silent Auction prizes!

Success Stories from community members!

Tickets are $125 or $150 at the door.

For more information, visit: www.catalystmiami.org or www.prosperitycampaign.org

Fourth Annual Hot Hollywood Glam 3011 An Art Odyssey 11/12/11

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Fourth Annual Hot Hollywood Glam 3011 An Art Odyssey
Saturday, Nov. 12, 7 – 10:30 pm
Art and Culture Center of Hollywood
1650 Harrison Street
Hollywood, Florida

Click here for more information and to purchase tickets
Join us in the year 3011 for a cosmic art journey! Enjoy a fun-filled evening in the Center’s galleries featuring:
• Three contemporary art exhibitions
• Celestial foods
• Flowing libations
• Stellar music by Party Train
• Dancing
• Live art performance by Giannina Coppiano Dwin.
• Out-of-this-world silent auction
• and much more!
Dress – Cosmic Chic

The Center will be recognizing The Galleria at Ft. Lauderdale and Sawgrass Mills for their support of arts and culture in South Florida.

Online Auction
Bid online in our Online Auction now!
Tickets
$85 per person (before Nov. 7)
$140 per person – Platinum Level (before Nov. 7)
$95 per person or $150 per person for Platinum Level after Nov. 7 and at the door. Sponsorships opportunities available.

RSVP on Facebook.

BeLive 2011 11/17/11

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Thursday, November 17, 7:00 PM
The Ritz-Carlton
South Beach, Florida

Artnexus Foundation Invited To Participate In Belive 2011

The ArtNexus Foundation is a US-based nonprofit organization that promotes educational projects and scholarly research; channels funds that benefit cultural programs, and supports a Documentation Center that focuses on the visual arts, in Bogota, Colombia.

Because of its positive influence in the areas of art and education, the ArtNexus Foundation has been invited to join three prestigious organizations, Give to Colombia, Fórmula Sonrisas, and Genesis Foundation in celebrating BeLive 2011. Originally conceived to bring awareness to the international community of Colombia’s social needs and to raise funds to support high impact social projects in areas such as education, health, nutrition, and economic development, BeLive has become one of the most important fundraisers in South Florida.

Since 2007, BeLive raised approximately 2.5 million dollars in cash and in-kind donations to support the organizations’ projects. Over five hundred people have attended each annual gala and more than one hundred corporate donors have committed to support the foundations’ goals.

The fifth edition of BeLive will take place at The Ritz Carlton South Beach, on Thursday November 17, at 7:00 PM. The event, chaired by Lauren Santo Domingo and Sofia Vergara, will feature a fashion show by The Webster, a concert by Fonseca, “The Wayuu Mochila Project,” for which over forty internationally renowned designers will transform traditional Colombian ‘Mochilas’ into unique fashionable pieces that will be auctioned at the gala, and the Tiffany & Co. “Mystery Blue Box Wall.”

Corporate Sponsors include: Diageo, Morgan Stanley, Target, Bombardier, PEPSI, Chevrolet (GM), Banco de Santander and Sanford Health.

Individual tickets $500.

To purchase tickets or for additional information please contact: Francine Birbragher-Rozencwaig, President, ArtNexus Foundation artnexusfoundation@artnexus.com

Champions for Children Awards Ceremony at Jungle Island 11/4/11

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The Children’s Trust to Host Seventh Annual Champions for Children Awards Ceremony
Friday, November 4th, from noon – 2 p.m.
Jungle Island Treetop Ballroom

This year’s event to help promote new county-wide reading initiative

The Children’s Trust will host its seventh annual Champions for Children Awards Ceremony to honor individuals and programs that have made extraordinary efforts on behalf of our children and families on Friday, November 4th at the Jungle Island Treetop Ballroom, from noon – 2 p.m. In addition, this year’s signature event will promote literacy and Read to Learn/Leer para aprender/Li pou apran, a multi-year collaborative campaign spearheaded by The Children’s Trust. The awards ceremony also will feature a book signing with Laura Duksta and Karen Keesler, author and illustrator, respectively, of The New York Times bestseller, I Love You More.

Champions for Children is among the most coveted events within the Miami-Dade County community of child advocates and serves to inspire others to follow in the footsteps of our award recipients. Tickets to the event may be purchased online at www.thechildrenstrust.org.

The award categories and recipients are as follows:

David Lawrence Jr. Champion for Children Award: Robert D. Nolan, Ph.D. for Lifetime of Achievement and Dedication to Children. Dr. Nolan has served as the executive director of the Institute for Child & Family Health, formerly known as Children’s Psychiatric Center, for 35 years. A nationally and internationally recognized expert on Play Therapy and renowned advocate for children’s mental health services, he has played a prominent role in helping to shape policies pertaining to children’s mental health in Florida. Dr. Nolan has taught, supervised and mentored countless child therapists now providing services in South Florida.

Excellence in Direct Service for Children and Families: Jill Little, BSSW, coordinator of Florida State University’s Young Parents Project of the 11th Judicial Circuit Court. Jill Little is a social worker who operates a pioneering home-visitation program that helps to interrupt the intergeneration cycle of teen mothers in the dependency and delinquency courts.

Excellence in School Readiness Programming: Children’s Forum, Quality Counts Career Center. A key partner in The Children’s Trust Quality Counts childcare rating and improvement initiative, Children’s Forum utilizes specially trained career advisors of the Quality Counts Career Center who meet with teachers and directors to assess their strengths, review their educational backgrounds, set education and career goals, provide scholarships and encourage them to achieve their dreams of becoming better qualified early childhood education professionals.

Excellence in Youth Programming for School and Life Success: Greater Miami Youth Symphony (GMYS) is the longest-standing youth symphony in South Florida. GMYS offers free beginning instrument instruction annually to more than 350 youth in five distinct neighborhoods. Over the past six seasons, 100 percent of GMYS graduating seniors have gone on to college, and a majority of students are accepted into the county’s top music magnet programs.

Excellence in Health, Family or Community Services: New Horizon Community Mental Health Center convenes numerous community partners, including law enforcement, to provide a broad range of supports and services to families in crisis who reside within some of our county’s most at-risk communities.

“It is paramount that we continue to celebrate and recognize people who dedicate their lives to the children and families of this community and who do so with excellence, despite challenging economic times,” said Modesto E. Abety-Gutierrez, president and CEO of The Children’s Trust. “Furthermore, we will take this opportunity to rally community-wide support for our new literacy initiative aimed at reducing by half the number of third graders not reading at grade level by 2020. Currently, one-third of our third-graders fail to reach this critical benchmark, a leading indicator of school success.”

In addition to the honorees listed above, The Children’s Trust will recognize its employee of the year at the Champions for Children 2011 Award Ceremony. Bios of each award recipient are available upon request. To learn more about The Children’s Trust, please call 211 or visit www.thechildrenstrust.org

The Children’s Trust is a dedicated source of revenue established by voter referendum to improve the lives of children and families in Miami-Dade County.

Cooking Up Dreams 11/1/11

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Foundation for New Education Initiatives, Inc. Miami’s Top Celebrity Chefs “Cooking Up Dreams” sponsored by DoubleTree and Bacardi USA, Inc.
Tuesday, Nov 01, 2011 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Doubletree Grand Hotel Biscayne Bay
Miami, FL
21 years and over
Tickets

On November 1st, Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho and Julie Grimes will be hosting Cooking Up Dreams on November 1st 2011, 7pm to 9pm at The DoubleTree Grand Hotel Biscayne Bay. Celebrity chefs Douglas Rodriguez, Michelle Bernstein & 13 other top chefs will be creating gourmet tastings from 7pm-9pm to help raise money for The Foundation of New Education Initiatives. This organization supports innovative programs for students in Miami-Dade County Public Schools. Along with Miami’s top chef’s, three students from Miami-Dade public schools were chosen to show of their culinary skills and cook amongst some of the best chef’s in the area.

Live music will be provided by Jenny Love and open bar by Bacardi. Free Parking in the Woman’s Club parking lot for the first 100 guests or valet parking at the DoubleTree for $8. Tickets on sale at ticketweb.com for $75 or $100 at the door.

Featuring chefs Michelle Bernstein/Michy’s & Sra. Martinez , Douglas Rodriguez/De Rodriguez Cuba & OLA at the Sanctuary , Timon Balloo/Sugar Cane , Sarah Paz Claro/The Office Cake , Makoto Okuwa/Makoto Bal Harbour , Susan Bleemer/Catering the Event , Richard L. Ingraham/Personal Chef to Dwyane Wade , Horacio Rivadero/The Dining Room , Steve Calandra/DoubleTree Grand Hotel Biscayne Bay , Berni Matz/Books and Books Lincoln Road , Carmen Trigueros/La Bottega , Peter Vauthy/Red Steakhouse , Kris Wessel/Red Light Little River and culinary arts students from Lindsey Hopkins, Miami Lakes Tech and Robert Morgan. Other sponsors include Thunder Electric, Hilton Bentley South Beach and Vinecraft.

Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho and Julie Grimes invite you to join culinary stars Michelle Bernstein (Michy’s & Sra. Martinez) and Douglas Rodriguez (De Rodriguez Cuba & OLA at the Sanctuary) as they head a stellar line-up of top Miami chefs dishing up gourmet bites. The evening of culinary creations benefits The Foundation for New Education Initiatives, Inc., supporting innovative programs for Miami-Dade County Public Schools and its students. Complimentary bar included.

Miami Art Museum Ball 12/3/11

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Miami Art Museum Ball
Saturday, December 3, 2011, 7pm-midnight
Fontainebleau Miami Beach
Glimmer Ballroom

Tickets start at $1,000/ Tables range from $10,000 to $25,000
RSVP: events@miamiartmuseum.org or 305.375.5935
More Info

While the MAM Ball has sold-out since its 1983 inception, this year’s Ball will breathe new life into an old model. The exuberant celebration of Miami’s artistic community will feature décor and entertainment created by local artists, bringing a punch of color to the black-tie bash. Guests will be treated to an exclusive viewing of Miami-based, internationally-acclaimed artist Dara Friedman’s latest video work, Dancer. Join Honorary Chairs Darlene & Jorge M. Pérez for the Museum’s largest annual fundraiser.

Held annually since 1983, the Miami Art Museum Ball has long been one of the most anticipated events of Miami’s social calendar. The MAM Ball is the Museum’s single most important fundraising event of the year. It is critical in raising the funds needed to sustain and support vital educational and public programming. The MAM Ball is held the first Saturday in December, culminating Art Basel Miami Beach/Miami Art Week, when the international art world’s attention is focused on Miami. It is attended by international and local figures in the art world, civic and business leaders, and philanthropists.

The South Florida Emerald Society Christmas in Ireland Celebration 12/8/11

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The South Florida Emerald Society celebrates Christmas in Ireland
Thursday, December 8, 2011 at 6:30 p.m.
Ancient Spanish Monastery
16711 West Dixie Highway
North Miami Beach.

The Ancient Spanish Monastery becomes the Ancient Irish Monastery for Christmas

The evening will include a sumptuous buffet dinner and entertainment by The Three Jacks and the Irish Fiddlers. The Three Jacks, a high energy Irish/Celtic/Rock band, is one of Miami’s best loved bands and they are award-winning, internationally-known recording artists. They are famous for their interpretations of Whiskey in the Jar, Work of the Weavers and Matty Groves.

The Irish Fiddlers are a group of young musicians comprising students from the third grade through high school. They specialize in traditional Irish fiddle music. Tickets for the raffle are available. The prizes include cash prizes of $1000 and $500 and a weekend getaway at the Conrad Hotel on Brickell. The raffle tickets are $5 each. The event is open to all and tickets are only $75 each. For tickets and reservations, please call Mary Ann Kerr at 305-302-2301.

The South Florida Emerald Society is a prestigious organization for ladies and gentlemen of Irish extraction founded in 1954.

Photo: The Three Jacks

Tropic Nights Gala 12/10/11

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Tropic Nights Gala
December 10, 2011, 8:00
Photopia Miami
360 NE 62 st.
Miami Fl. 33138
Purforce.org

Purforce Foundation celebrates its Second Annual Tropic Nights Gala. This remarkable night begins with cocktails at 8:00 pm, followed by hors d’ oeuvres and dancing on December 10, 2011. The evening includes a celebrity guest and live entertainment. Guest will have the opportunity to view items on our silent auction and a chance to win a grand prize. The evening will be a great opportunity to support a worthy cause, enjoy wonderful entertainment and celebrating by giving a gift to education.

5th Annual Legal Legends 11/2/11

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5th Annual Legal Legends
11/2/11, 7pm
HistoryMiami
101 West Flagler Street
Miami, FL 33130

More Info

Each year HistoryMiami’s 11th Judicial Circuit Historical society recognizes South Florida lawyers, judges and legal professionals who have contributed to our outstanding legal system. Join us Saturday, November 12 at the J.W. Marriott Brickell as we honor Francisco Angones, Hon. Philip Bloom, Hon. A. Jay Cristol, Ellen Freidin, Ed Moss, Sookie Williams, Hon. Wilkie Ferguson Jr., and Perry Nichols. For event details or ticket information, call: 305-375-1614 or email: 11JCHS@historymiami.org.

2011 Guardians Of Florida Distinguished Leadership Awards 10/28/11

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2011 Guardians Of Florida Distinguished Leadership Awards
October 28, 2011
Embassy Suites
Fort Lauderdale

Florida Leaders are Recognized for their Outstanding Contributions to the State

The Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce (GFLCC) and I Am Florida Foundation, Inc. announce the date of the first Guardians of Florida Distinguished Leadership Awards.

Guardians of Florida are committed residential leaders of Florida, who have contributed to the growth and reputation of Florida. They are fiercely loyal to the State of Florida, which they adore and in which they work and raise their families. They proudly declare to others “Florida is my home and I love it!” To commemorate such Floridians, Trustees of I Am Florida Foundation, Inc and the South Florida Host, Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce annually nominates distinguished leaders as Guardians of Florida. For full details about the Guardians of Florida and I Am Florida Foundation, Inc., go to www.iamflorida.org

The 2011 Guardians of Florida honorees are: Frank T. Brogan, Chancellor of the State University System of Florida; C. Thomas Gallagher, Florida CFO and Insurance Commissioner (Retired); Al Lamberti, Sheriff, Broward County Sheriff’s Office (BSO); Walter “Clyde” Orange, Grammy Award Winner, Co-founder of “The Commodore;” and Cynthia S. Peterson, Executive Vice President, Broward County Medical Association.

The inaugural awards ceremony, which is open to the public, is hosted by the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with the October 28th Board of Trustee Luncheon at the Embassy Suites-Fort Lauderdale. At a cost of $50 per guest ($35 for GFLCC members), individuals can share in this historic event. To reserve your place, log on to www.iamflorida.org/nominees For additional information about the Guardians of Florida Distinguished Leadership Awards, please contact info@iamflorida.com

17th Annual InterContinental Miami Make-A-Wish Ball featuring Joan Jett and The Blackhearts and Burn Notice’s Gabrielle Anwar 11/5/11

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Saturday, November 5, :00 p.m. Cocktail Reception
8:30 p.m. Dinner, Live Auction, Celebrity Entertainment, Dancing
The InterContinental Miami
100 Chopin Plaza
Miami, FL

Tables for the InterContinental Miami Make-A-Wish Ball range from $5,000 to $20,000. Wish Sponsorships start at $5,000. Tables, wishes and other sponsorship opportunities can be purchased by calling 954.967.9474, extension 318, or by visiting www.makeawishball.com.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Southern Florida and InterContinental Miami will celebrate the 17th Annual InterContinental Miami Make-A-Wish Ball to the theme of Truman Capote’s legendary Black & White Ball. With iconic rock-n-roll group Joan Jett and the Blackhearts as the entertainment, Burn Notice star Gabrielle Anwar as the celebrity auctioneer, the fourth anniversary of the InterContinental Make-A-Wish Nightclub, and a $10 million lifetime-fundraising milestone on the evening’s agenda, the affair is destined to be “The Party of the Century.”

“This year’s Ball will make history,” said Norman Wedderburn, President and CEO of the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Southern Florida. “In addition to the overwhelming positive energy and response we’ve received, we have world-class talent and entertainment on board. Gabrielle Anwar will no doubt provoke unprecedented bidding wars, and Joan Jett, a bona fide rock legend, will give our guests the show of their lives. But it is really these incredible individuals – our loyal supporters – that will make history this year – because it is with their generosity that we will reach the $10 million mark in funds raised in the Ball’s history.”

The Ball’s “Three Amigos” – Wedderburn; Ball Chairman and recently appointed Foundation Board Member Shareef Malnik, proprietor of The Forge | Restaurant and Wine Bar; and InterContinental Miami’s General Manager Robert Hill – have together managed to make each Ball an impactful, memorable occasion. Hill said, “When the InterContinental Miami began partnering with the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Florida 17 years ago, we could only dream of granting 2,000 wishes. Exceeding this count, we reach this important $10 million milestone, hand-in-hand with my ‘Amigos’ Norm and Shareef, the hotel team and I are extremely proud to look back at the fruits of our labor, seen in the smiles of our Wish Kids. We are delighted to continue our work in support of the Make-A-Wish Foundation’s mission.”

Recently appointed to the Foundation’s Board, Malnik has taken his involvement in the Ball to a new high. “It is with much excitement that I announce the newest element of the Ball, the ‘Chairman’s Challenge,’” said Malnik. “In an effort to continue the momentum of advancing the Ball and its fundraising initiatives, I will challenge a select group of philanthropists to join forces – and funds – with the goal of fulfilling an endowment to underwrite the cost of the ball for the next five years.” Other notable contributors include Lifetime Benefactors Al and Nancy Malnik; Grand Benefactors Stanley and Gala Cohen; Founding Benefactors Howard and Barbara Glicken; and Wish Star Benefactor James L. Ferraro, as well as Wish Benefactors Harvey and Roberta Chaplin, Stuart A. Miller of Lennar Corporation and Robert Press of Trafalgar Capital Advisors.

Tasked with re-creating “The Party of the Century” in homage to Truman Capote’s A-list-only vanity affair at New York’s Plaza Hotel in 1966, Deco Productions will take the Ball’s historically over-the-top décor to an entirely new level of extravagance with a black and white avant-garde masquerade. Upon arrival, masked guests will be welcomed by living chandeliers and led to the white carpet, where they will transcend into a glamorous, glowing realm of fantasy. Psychedelic black and white art installations on the mezzanine will be brought to life by camouflaged performers, igniting guests’ senses with a feeling of mystery.

During the cocktail reception, guests will enjoy hors d’oeuvres and cocktail stations while having the opportunity to bid on more than 125 premier items donated by top hospitality, entertainment, fashion and luxury brands. Highlights include a South African safari, children’s ride-on Mercedes SUV and Goodyear Blimp, a voice-activated interactive R2D2 replica from Star Wars; luxury goods by Herve Leger, Max Mara USA, Tiffany & Co., Longchamp USA and more; and luxury hospitality packages provided by Gansevoort South Beach, The Brazilian Court Hotel, Trump International Beach Resort, Conrad Miami, Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, Omphoy Beach Resort as well as a number of worldwide travel experiences courtesy of the InterContinental Hotels and Resorts: Real InterContinental Hotel & Club Tower Costa Rica, InterContinental Berlin, InterContinental Bangkok, InterContinental Budapest, InterContinental Amstel Amsterdam, InterContinental Paris Le Grand, InterContinental Beijing Financial Street, InterContinental Athens, InterContinental Buenos Aires, InterContinental Madrid, InterContinental Tahiti, InterContinental Moorea, and Willard InterContinental Washington D.C.

Following the reception, resident Ball and Miami Heat celebrity beat-master DJ Irie will summon guests into the main ballroom for a decadent four-course dinner, as prepared by Chef Alexander Feher. Anwar will then return to the auction podium where, for the second year in a row, she will spark a bidding war for another walk-on roll on her hit USA Network show Burn Notice, which is filmed on-site in Miami. As this year’s celebrity auctioneer, the starlet will tempt the audience with an array of extravagant items including a high-performance luxury vehicle donated by Ken Gorin of THE COLLECTION; two tickets to The 84th Academy Awards, complete with access to the Governor’s Ball after party on Sun., Feb., 26, 2010, donated by director Brett Ratner; a Bogosse Lifestyle travel package presented by Groups Metro, including private travel from Miami to the Dominican Republic, VIP ground transportation, villa accommodations, yachting and chic wardrobing for six people; the James Bond 007 experience donated by Strategic Hotels & Resorts, including British Airways Club World travel to and from London, England; a week aboard The World, the largest privately owned yacht on the planet; the High Rollers Las Vegas getaway presented by Ocean Drive; and a week-long exotic vacation at a Hawaiian compound.

After the auction, guests will be entertained with a live grand finale performance by none-other than legendary rock-n-roll group Joan Jett and the Blackhearts. Jett, who has had eight platinum and gold albums as well as nine Top 40 singles, will perform a selection of the Blackheart’s chart-topping hits including “I Love Rock n’ Roll,” “Bad Reputation,” “Cherry Bomb,” and “I Hate Myself for Lovin’ You,” among others.

For the fourth year in a row, the InterContinental Make-A-Wish Nightclub will celebrate and support the Ball’s endeavors as well as introduce the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Florida to the next generation of contributors. Presented by the Three Amigos, along with Nightclub Vice Chairmen Michael Capponi of The Capponi Group and Maxwell Blanford, as well as Nightclub Co-Chairmen Antonio Misuraca and Clif Loftin, the mezzanine-turned-chic-nightclub will again come to life with a fashion show, beats by DJ Joe Dert and more. Reservations for the Nightclub can be made at 305-695-4410 or RSVP@CAPPONIGROUP.COM.

The mission of the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Southern Florida is to grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. In its 16-year history, the InterContinental Miami Make-A-Wish Ball has raised in excess of $9.6 million. With these much needed funds, the Foundation has been able to grant more than 2,100 wishes for deserving children in our community. Past VIP guests of the Ball have included Paula Abdul, Sharon Stone, Kim Kardashian, Esteban Cortazar, Pamela Anderson, Governor Charlie Crist, Scottie and Larsa Pippen, Russell Simmons, Venus and Serena Williams, Don King, Sex in the City’s Candace Bushnell, Marcus Schenkenberg, Pauly Shore, and performers Macy Gray, Natalie Cole and Wyclef Jean, Bernadette Peters, the late Nell Carter, Ricki Lake, Deborah Gibson, the Beatles tribute band Beatlemania and The Honey Brothers featuring Adrian Grenier.

Casino Night at Cauley Square 11/12/11

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Casino Night at Cauley Square
November 12, 2011, 6pm – 10pm
Cauley Square
22400 Old Dixie Highway
Miami, FL 33170
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Join Paws 4 You Rescue for another stellar fundraiser: Casino Night at Cauley Square. Tickets are $100 each with all the proceeds going directly to the dogs saved from the euthanasia list at Miami-Dade Animal Services.

Please RSVP at events@paws4you.org or call 786.269.5786.

The Betsy Hotel Sponsors Event To Support Education For LGBT Students 10/20/11

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The Betsy Hotel Sponsors Event To Support Education For LGBT Students
Thursday, Oct 20, From 7 To 9 Pm
The Betsy Hotel
1440 Ocean Drive
South Beach, Miami Beach

Presented By The Point Foundation

The Betsy Hotel is proud to announce the Point Foundation’s first-ever Cornerstone Society event in Miami, to be held on Thursday night, October 20, from 7 to 9 PM. The Point Foundation provides financial support, mentoring, leadership training and hope to meritorious students who are marginalized due to sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.

Guests at the Point Foundation reception at The Betsy Hotel will be able to meet some of the current Point Scholars, recent alumni and hear from Point Foundation leadership. Sponsors of the event include Interiors Stephen G. Inc., Wells Fargo, Northern Trust, Shelly Freeman & Joni Rim, Price Waterhouse Cooper LLP, Terranova Corp., Jackson Health System and Public Health Trust, Unity Coalition, and The Betsy Hotel.

Event tickets are $75. Donations of $500 come with membership in the Point Foundation’s Cornerstone Society. Donations are tax deductible. For more information on tickets, please visit www.pointfoundation.org/miami

Point Foundation (www.pointfoundation.org) provides financial support, mentoring, leadership training and hope to students who are marginalized due to sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. Point Scholars represent the best and brightest, coming from diverse educational fields, genders and gender identities, sexual orientations, racial backgrounds, economic circumstances and geography. Scholars are chosen for demonstrated leadership, scholastic achievement, involvement in the LGBT community, and financial need.

The Betsy-South Beach, (www.thebetsyhotel.com) located in the heart of the Art Deco District, is a highly rated luxury hotel with an unrivaled commitment to philanthropy, arts, and culture. Since re-opening after a floor to ceiling restoration two years ago, Betsy has partnered with almost 200 nonprofits to champion a shared mission to make the world a better place. LGBT causes are a central focus and include past support for the Matthew Shepherd Foundation, The National Task Force, GLAD, the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission, HRC, and recent support for the Point Foundation.

Shades of Pink Masquerade Ball 10/25/11

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Shades of Pink Masquerade Ball
Tuesday October 25, 2011 from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Trump International Beach Resort
18001 Collins Avenue
Sunny Isles Beach, FL 33160
RSVP Now

Unmask Breast Cancer at the 6th Annual Shades of Pink Masquerade Ball

The Florida Breast Cancer Foundation is hosting its 6th Annual “Shades of Pink” Masquerade Ball at the Trump International Beach Resort, in honor of breast cancer awareness month.

Please join us for an evening of fun, food, dancing, and surprises as we honor the top 5 breast cancer champions. This is sure to be a night you do not want to miss!

The Wolfsonian-FIU Visionaries 11:11:11 Event 11/11/11

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The Wolfsonian-FIU Visionaries 11:11:11 Event
November 11, 2011, 7 p.m. – 11:11 p.m.
1111 Lincoln Road
1111 Lincoln Road, 7th Floor
Miami Beach, FL 33139
Purchase Tickets Online.

The Wolfsonian-FIU Visionaries invite you to join us in an otherworldly celebration of cocktails, dining, music and dancing on 11.11.11 at 1111 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach. Tickets to this amazing event are $150 per person with net proceeds benefiting The Wolfsonian-FIU Museum.

The Wolfsonian Visionaries will host 11:11:11, the second annual Visionaries’ fundraiser to benefit The Wolfsonian–Florida International University. The event will run from 7:00-11:11pm on Friday, November 11, 2011, at the landmark 1111 Lincoln Road garage. The evening, which also marks The Wolfsonian’s 16th anniversary, will feature signature dishes from Miami’s top restaurants and caterers, as well as top shelf spirits from Bacardi. DJ Mauricio Parra will curate the music, and the images of artist Emilio Chapela will be on display in a site-specific installation. The evening will also include a surprise interactive event to mark 11:11pm.

The Wolfsonian opened its doors on Washington Avenue on November 11, 1995, and the Visionaries have embraced this special date as the theme for their yearly fundraiser. “November 11, 2011 is a very special, transcendent moment of good will, and we’ve designed the 11:11:11 party with an emphasis on a feeling of euphoria, on celebrating a celestial moment,” says Jose Zaldivar, a member of the Visionaries host committee. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime moment. We’re celebrating the moment, the here and now, and making this party a true celebration of life.”

The event will take place on the seventh floor of 1111 Lincoln Road, which offers panoramic views of Miami Beach. The mixed-use concrete and glass parking facility, developed by Robert Wennett, designed by Herzog & de Meuron, and opened in 2009, has become somewhat of a surprise event destination. Architect Jacques Herzog describes the structure as “all muscle without cloth,” in keeping with the Miami Beach aesthetic. Wennett, an emeritus member of The Wolfsonian’s Advisory Board, has generously donated the space for the event.

Zaldivar has designed the space to feel heavenly, “like a cloud of light.” It will be illuminated by images from a book on the theme of 11:11:11 by the artist Emilio Chapela, commissioned by Wennett for the event. Finally, at 11:11 p.m., guests will enjoy a surprise performance art piece. The evening features an impressive selection of tasting tables representing a dozen restaurants and caterers donating their services, including Le Basque, Lovely Daze Desserts, Lyon + Lyon, Meat Market, Petit Pois Events & Catering, Ortanique, Rosa Mexicano, Shake Shack, Stella’s Sweet Shoppe, and Thierry’s Catering. Each will serve a signature dish. “They are really going to wow people with the food,” says Zaldivar. Additional confirmed event sponsors include The Shore Club, Alhambra Antiques, ArtNexus, Fiction Events, and Jacober & Associates.

The Wolfsonian Visionaries is comprised of young professionals from Miami’s arts and business communities who are committed to promoting The Wolfsonian through innovative events and design-related programming. The 11:11:11 host committee includes Olga Granda-Scott and Douglas Scott, Aimet and Josh Oberhausen, Jaime Odabashian, Lucia Schito, and Jose Zaldivar. Tickets are $150 per person.

The Wolfsonian Visionaries Committee:
Aimet & Josh Oberhausen
Olga Granda-Scott and Doug Scott
Jaime Odabachian
Lucia Schito
Jose Zaldivar

The Wolfsonian Visionaries – A collective for the future focusing on furthering awareness of the Arts and Design.

Miami Art Museum 2011 MAM Ball 12/3/11

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Miami Art Museum 2011 MAM Ball
Saturday, December 3, 2011
MAM Ball: From 7-midnight
Crash The Ball: From 11pm-2am
Fontainebleau Miami Beach inside the Glimmer Ball Room and on Glimmer Terrace

Tickets: MAM Ball: Advance ticket purchase required. Tickets start at $1,000. Tables range from $10,000 to $25,000. For information or to purchase tickets or tables, please contact 305.375.5935 or events@miamiartmuseum.org.

MAM Crash The Ball after party
Ticket purchase required. Tickets (at door): $150. Pre-sale $100. MAM Contemporaries $75. For information or the purchase tickets, contact 305.375.5935 or events@miamiartmuseum.org

Debuting The First “Crash The Ball” Party
Led By A Collection Of Celebrities, Famed Artists, And Established And Emerging Socialites

Historically Miami’s most elite formal affair since its inception in 1983, and amplified over the last 10 years by Art Basel Miami Beach’s most posh patrons, this year’s Miami Art Museum (MAM) Ball will mark new firsts with celebrity hosts, artist ambassadors, and the first-ever “Crash the Ball” party. Opening the door to a dynamic new guest list, this year’s hosts and ambassadors range from famed artists to bold face names the likes of Gloria Estefan and Dolphins owner Steve Ross; the next set of socialites and collectors; and Miami and Art Basel’s most established gala goers. The MAM Ball is upping the ante to once again be the most coveted affair during Miami Art Week and Miami’s social calendar.

As the Museum’s largest annual fundraiser, the MAM Ball welcomes recognized artists Carlos Betancourt, Jacin Giordano, Michael Loveland, Gean Moreno & Ernesto Oroza, Martin Oppel, Leyden Rodriguez-Casanova, Jen Stark and Frances Trombly, bringing an authentically artistic crowd to the black-tie bash. Miami’s biggest art patrons including Jorge M. Pérez, a top collector of Latin American art in the US; Gary Nader, owner of one of the largest galleries in the world; the sugar empire’s Fanjul family and many more, will unite all corners of Miami’s sophisticated circles.

The Ball will conclude with the first annual premiere of “Crash the Ball” as the official after party led by MAM Contemporaries, the museum’s young professional group. Guests will step outdoors into a lavish video lounge on the waterfront terrace, as one of Miami’s hottest deejays transforms the event into Basel’s biggest dance party.

Patrons of the Ball will be treated to an exclusive viewing of Miami-based, internationally acclaimed artist Dara Friedman’s latest video work, Dancer. Each centerpiece will be designed by one of MAM’s featured artists, available for guests to take home at $500 each, offering a meaningful memory and piece of art from an epic evening.

Honorary chairs: Darlene and Jorge M. Pérez

Host committee: Karen and Mike Dee, Gloria and Emilio Estefan, Raysa & Alfonso Fanjul, Constance and Mike Fernandez, Judy and Phillip T. George, Liz and Adolfo Henriques, Carlos Migoya, Jennifer and Gary Nader, Kara and Stephen M. Ross, Penny and Roe Stamps.

Educate Tomorrow’s I Love the 80s Gala 1/14/12

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Educate Tomorrow’s I Love the 80s Gala
Saturday, January 14, 7 pm – 12 am
(VIP Rooftop Reception 6 pm – 7 pm)
Private Bay Front Estate
17575 Old Cutler Road

Tickets: Regular $125 (before Nov. 15) VIP $250
Buy Tickets Now Online

Saluting The Honorable Lisa Walsh For her support of Educate Tomorrow and the foster youth of Miami-Dade County

Mistress of Ceremonies: Jackie Nespral, Emmy Award Winning Anchor, NBC Miami News

Raffle Grand Prize: Cruise For Two

80s Tunes with The Click!
Attire: Anything Goes
(Prizes for Best 80s Costumes!)

Thank You To Our Sponsors!
Chancellor Level
TriMix Foundation
Garfield Charitable Foundation
PH Realty

President Level
Robert & Edith Hudson

Dean Level
Kenny Nachwalter, P.A.

Honorary Chairs
John DuBois
Robert F. Hudson, Jr.

Event Chairs
Lesley Lyons Monahan
Chris Damian

Steering Committee
Farah Cadet, Ivette Day, Yael Glick, Shawn Joost, Arianne Levine, Stacey Koch Lieberman, Virginia Emmons McNaught, Jennifer Pakradooni, Anne Poschelle, Anthony Sherman, Elizabeth Smith, Julia Villamizar-Weber

Educate Tomorrow’s mission is to create independence for disadvantaged and foster youth through education, mentoring and life skills training.

Mentor Tickets available at 50% of ticket price. Please call Educate Tomorrow at 305-374-3751 for mentor tickets.

Sponsorships Available: $1,000 – $20,000 Contact Shawn Joost for further information by calling 305.374.3751 or emailing joost@educatetomorrow.org

A portion of your ticket is tax deductible. Educate Tomorrow is a certified 501(c)(3) organization.

Graphics Donated by Amaniac Design

Fourth Annual Hot Hollywood Glam 3011 An Art Odyssey 11/12/11

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Fourth Annual Hot Hollywood Glam 3011 – An Art Odyssey
Saturday, Nov. 12, 2011
7 – 10:30 pm
Art and Culture Center of Hollywood
1650 Harrison Street
Hollywood, Florida

Join us in the year 3011 for a cosmic art journey! Enjoy a fun-filled evening in the Center’s galleries featuring:
• Three contemporary art exhibitions
• Celestial foods
• Flowing libations
• Stellar music by Party Train
• Dancing
• Live art performance by Giannina Coppiano Dwin.
• Out-of-this-world silent auction
• and much more!
Dress – Cosmic Chic

The Center will be recognizing The Galleria at Ft. Lauderdale and Sawgrass Mills for their support of arts and culture in South Florida.

Tickets
$85 per person (before Nov. 7)
$140 per person – Platinum Level (before Nov. 7)
$95 per person or $150 per person for Platinum Level after Nov. 7 and at the door. Sponsorships opportunities available.

Click here for more information and to purchase tickets.
RSVP on Facebook.

10th annual Wine on Harvest Moon 10/15/11

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10th annual “Wine on Harvest Moon”
Saturday, October 15th, 7:00 pm to 10:30 pm
Deering Estate at Cutler
16701 SW 72 Avenue
Miami, FL 33157

Limited Tickets Available!

Now in its 10th year, “Wine on Harvest Moon” caters to South Florida’s connoisseurs of fine wines and delicious foods by bringing fine wine, fine food and fine art together under the golden light of the Harvest Moon over Biscayne Bay at the historic Deering Estate at Cutler.

The annual fundraising event benefits the Deering Estate Foundation a community-based 501 (c)3 Florida Corporation dedicated to preserving, protecting and enhancing the Deering Estate at Cutler for this and future generations.

20th Annual Sports Hall Of Champions Induction And Awards Program 10/19/11

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October 19 from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
American Airlines Arena

Cost to attend the luncheon is $75 per person. Advance registration is available online at www.MiamiChamber.com.

The Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce will celebrate the 20th anniversary of its annual Sports Hall of Champions with an induction and awards program on October 19 from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at the American Airlines Arena. The Sports Hall of Champions program honors individuals who have brought recognition to South Florida through their achievements in and contributions to sports. Miami HEAT/Sun Sports Courtside Reporter Jason Jackson will serve as Master of Ceremonies.

The 2011 Sports Hall of Champions inductees are:
· Michael Irvin, University of Miami and Dallas Cowboys Wide Receiver, 2007 Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee
· Jack McKeon, Florida Marlins Manager
· Juan Pablo Montoya, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, Formula 1 and Indianapolis 500 Race Car Driver
· Jennifer Rodriguez, Olympic Speed Skater
· Tony Fiorentino and Eric Reid, Miami HEAT TV Analysts

Fiorentino and Reid will be recognized with the Lifetime Contribution to Sports Award. Reid was part of the HEAT inaugural broadcast team in 1988 while Fiorentino started as an assistant coach for the HEAT and has held a variety of positions since then. They also form the only broadcasting duo in the NBA that has been with their team since its inception. In addition to calling all the HEAT action on Sun Sports for the ninth straight year in a row, every spring they host the Reid and Fiorentino Celebrity Golf Classic and VIP Dinner to raise money for children in need and child abuse victims.

The awards program is made possible by the following sponsors: American Airlines Arena/Miami HEAT; Doctors Hospital Baptist Health South Florida, Dutton Press, Inc. and The Miami Herald/El Nuevo Herald; AT&T, Duffy’s Sports Grill, Gossett Marketing, Homestead Miami Speedway, Levy Restaurants and UHealth Sports Medicine part of University of Miami Health System; and Guardian Ad Litem Program.

For event information contact Jennifer Sanchez at 305-577-5451 or jsanchez@miamichamber.com.

About the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce
The Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce is the voice of business in South Florida, representing more than 400,000 employees of member companies. To carry out its mission, the Chamber involves the private sector in community leadership. For more than a century, the Chamber has been widely recognized and respected for its extraordinary record of economic development and community improvement. The Greater Miami Chamber is a proactive chamber, regularly getting engaged in issues important to its member companies and individuals. Its program of work is organized in five areas: Domestic Business Development, Governmental Affairs, International Business Development, Leadership Programs and Marketing & Member Services. The Chamber is nationally recognized as one of the Top 10 Executive Speaking Forums in America.

60th Annual Beaux Arts Ball Halloween Weekend 10/29/11

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October 29, 2011; 7 p.m. ‘til the witching hour
Riviera Country Club
1155 Blue Road

Tickets: $225 per person;
Call Amy Steinhour at (305) 606-0857, or email beauxartsinfo@beauxartsmiami.org
www.BeauxArtsMiami.org

Ball Chairs: Lani Drody and Katie Elliott

Celebrate Halloween with “Ghouls & Glam” Ball Benefitting Beaux Arts
Miami’s Oldest Costume Ball Returns with a Halloween Theme

This Hallow-weekend, join Beaux Arts at the “Ghouls & Glam” Ball to celebrate 60 years of the organization and its support for the University of Miami’s Lowe Art Museum. Attire for the City’s oldest costume ball: Hauntingly Haute.

Evening events will include a large silent auction, exciting raffle, sit-down dinner, dancing, and a costume and skit competition – all complemented by signature cocktails from Grey Goose Vodka. Also, there will be a dazzling Diamond Door Prize presented by Snow’s Jewelers.

Ball sponsors for the event include Bunny Bastian, Crispin Porter + Bogusky, Lowell International Realty, and Courtney and Darryl Parmenter.

Funds raised at the event will be used for exhibitions, improvements and acquisitions to the Lowe’s permanent collection, as well as to finance the organization’s flagship program, Hands On!, which exposes underserved children from Miami-Dade to the visual arts.

Founded in 1952, Beaux Arts is a volunteer group of women comprised of 100 Active Members and over 300 Associate Members, who are dedicated to promoting interest in and financial support for the Lowe Art Museum at the University of Miami. All funds raised are donated to the Lowe Art Museum to support acquisitions, programming (including introducing elementary school children from Title 1 schools to the visual arts) and capital campaigns. www.BeauxArtsMiami.org.

The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force’s 15th annual Miami Recognition Dinner 10/15/11

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National Gay and Lesbian Task Force invites local community to “Sparkle”: the 15th annual Miami Recognition Dinner
Saturday, Oct. 15
Fontainebleau Miami Beach

Tickets: $200 for general admission
$300 for VIP admission (which includes a private VIP cocktail reception and meet & greet prior to the dinner)
For tickets: www.thetaskforce.org/miami
call 305.571.1924
Become a fan of the Miami Recognition Dinner on Facebook

Gala will honor local hero Georg Ketelhohn and international sports star and LGBT advocate Ben Cohen

The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force is proud to produce the 15th annual Miami Recognition Dinner, presented by Wells Fargo, at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach on Saturday, Oct. 15. This annual fundraising event honors individuals for their outstanding contributions to the social, cultural, political and humanitarian needs of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community. This year’s honorees include local activist and attorney Georg Ketelhohn and Ben Cohen, international sports star and chairman of the Ben Cohen StandUp Foundation, the world’s first anti-bullying organization. The event will also feature a special appearance by actress Pam Grier, star of Showtime’s The L Word: Complete Series, the official stage sponsor for the evening.

The theme of this year’s Miami Recognition Dinner is “Sparkle.” Christopher Russell, co-chair of the dinner says, “With this being our third year at the iconic Fontainebleau, we wanted to highlight the fact that we are moving within the hotel to the Sparkle Ballroom. It’s much larger and will allow us more room for our spectacular auction and our VIP cocktail reception.”

Tim Nardi, the event’s other co-chair, added, “This year we wanted to take our dinner to the next level, and our theme has inspired us to think outside of the box and ‘wow’ our guests with a few elements to make the event sparkle. We have a new look and a more streamlined ceremony, which will allow attendees to do what they enjoy the most — talk to friends, bid at the auction and dance.”

The Miami Recognition Dinner will treat guests to an intimate cocktail reception followed by a lavish sit-down dinner, awards ceremony and dancing. Attendees will also have the opportunity to bid on a variety of silent auction items, including airline tickets to a selection of exciting destinations courtesy of American Airlines, the official travel sponsor. Launched in 1997, the Miami Recognition Dinner has become a vital source of funding for organizations serving the LGBT community. Since assuming responsibility for the dinner and its sister event, Winter Party Festival in 2004, the Task Force has donated more than $1 million from the proceeds of the two events to the Miami-Dade community. The Task Force donates the majority of the proceeds to the Miami Foundation’s GLBT Community Projects Fund, which re-grants the money to local organizations.

The 2011 Humanitarian Award will be given to Ben Cohen, MBE, the first straight sports star to dedicate his philanthropic efforts to the benefit of LGBT people. Among the world’s greatest athletes, Cohen is a Rugby World Cup champion and second in all-time scoring for England. Cohen recently founded and serves as chairman of the Ben Cohen StandUp Foundation, the world’s first foundation dedicated to raising awareness about the long-term, damaging effects of bullying and raising funds to support those who are doing work to stop it.

Georg Ketelhohn, the 2011 Eddy McIntyre Community Service Award recipient, is currently a litigator with the firm of Siegfried, Rivera, Lerner, De La Torre & Sobel, P.A., and serves as board treasurer for Florida Together, a statewide federation of LGBT and allied organizations. In 2002, Ketelhohn resigned his paid position as an attorney from the law firm where he had worked for five years in order to serve as the unpaid campaign manager for SAVE Dade’s successful No To Discrimination campaign, which defeated an attempt to legalize discrimination based on sexual orientation.

The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force builds the political power of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community from the ground up. The Task Force is the country’s premier social justice organization fighting to improve the lives of LGBT people and working to create positive, lasting change and opportunity for all. To learn more about the Task Force, please visit www.thetaskforce.org.

Friends of the Orphans All the World to One Child Gala 10/21/11

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Angelica Vale, Luis Enrique, Peewee, Sergio George and the sweetheart of Mexico, Angelica Maria to join the Benefit Gala for Friends of the Orphans’ Second Annual ‘All the World to One Child’ sponsored by Chevron
October 21, 2011
Fairchild Tropical Garden
Coral Gables, FL

To purchase tickets to the gala at $150 per person, or inquire about sponsorship opportunities, please call Friends of the Orphans’ Southeast Region Miami office at 305-663-6211 or visit www.friendsoftheorphans/2011SE. Follow the event on Facebook www.facebook.com/UFOMiami or @UFOMiami on Twitter.

Friends of the Orphans’ Second Annual All the World to One Child Gala fundraiser sponsored by Chevron is taking place October 21, 2011 at Fairchild Tropical Garden in Coral Gables, FL. The evening’s theme is to “Plant a Seed of Hope” and invest in a child’s future, giving them the start to a better life. Friends of the Orphans is a national non-profit 501(c)(3) dedicated to improving the lives of orphaned and abandoned children through the support of Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos (NPH), a network of orphanages, hospitals and community outreach programs that operates in Bolivia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, México, Nicaragua, Peru and the Dominican Republic.

The evening is shaping up to be a memorable affair headlined by the Mistress of Ceremonies, renowned Mexican singer/actress/comedienne Angelica Vale and co-host, pop urban artist PeeWee. Friends of the Orphans is close to Vale’s heart, as its work originated in her homeland more than 50 years ago. Angelica is well known for her work on the Mexican telenovela “La Fea Mas Bella” (“The Prettiest Ugly Girl”) alongside her real-life mother, legendary actress Angelica Maria, who is also the evening’s guest of honor. Pop urban artist and actor PeeWee is known for his hits “Carita Bonita” (“Pretty Little Face”) and “Tan Feliz” (“So Happy”) and starring in the Mexican telenovela “Camaleones” (“Chameleons”).

Other celebrity guests at the gala include Nicaraguan Latin music artist Luis Enrique and Grammy-award-winning Latin music producer Sergio George. Enrique’s hits include the Grammy-nominated song “Amiga” (“Friend”) from the Grammy-nominated album “Luces del Alma” (Lights of the Soul”). Also in attendance that evening will be Blanca Soto, Mexican actress and international model and 2010 All the World to One Child gala Mistress of Ceremony, journalist and television news anchor Neida Sandoval.

Throughout the evening, guests will enjoy delectable hors d’oeuvres and food stations along with Bacardi premium cocktails at an open bar. A silent auction and raffle, highlighted by a Cartier Solo Small Steel timepiece with Opaline silver dial along with vacation, restaurant & luxury packages and fine wines, will also be held.

Sponsors of our second annual All the World to One Child gala are Gold Benefactor sponsor Chevron, patron sponsors Bacardi and Joseph Nader, Chief Investment Officer, Coral Gables Trust Company, Friend of Friends sponsors Jorge Uribe Sotheby’s Realty, Hogan Lovells, AR New York and Agostón wines and mentor sponsor American Airlines.

The 9th Annual Luminare Gala To Benefit The UM Life Alliance Organ Recovery Agency

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Life Alliance Organ Recovery Agency Hosts 9th Annual Luminare Gala
Saturday, October 8th, 7:00PM
Fontainebleau
Miami Beach

The Gala will feature live entertainment, presentation, awards ceremony and auction, all for a serious cause

Life Alliance Organ Recovery Agency is proud to announce it will be holding the 9th Annual Luminare Awards Gala on Saturday, October 8th, 2011. Hosted by Humberto Cortina, Former State Representative and Univision WQBA Radio Host and NBC’s Roxanne Vargas, the event will take place at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach. The gala which will commence at 7:00PM will celebrate and acknowledge the collaboration from the medical professionals, which resulted in hundreds of lives saved last year through organ donation. Guests will enjoy live performances by Echoes of Egypt, dancing, fabulous food, full open bar, and welcome cocktails courtesy of Ron Barcelo’ and Choco Noir Wine. The event will kick off with a “Moroccan” red carpet at 7:00PM.

Proceeds from the Gala will support organ donation education efforts and donor family aftercare services. Leslie Cortina, Executive Director of Life Alliance Organ Recovery Agency agrees, “More donors mean more transplants and more lives saved. Through your collaboration with this event you will join those who share your commitment to increase organ donations and ultimately, save lives.” In addition, the Luminare Awards will recognize ten individuals who have helped shape Miami’s compassionate community. These notable members of Miami’s community include: Dr. Karent Sierra (Celebrity Dentist and “Face” of Colgate), Gino Santos (UM Alumni, President, Premium Blend®) Patricia Flores (My Best Friend’s Closet) Isabel Amezaga (Celebrity Stylist, CEO The Glam Factor), Francis Suarez (Commissioner) Jorge Moreno (Latin Grammy Winner), Henry Santos (Vice President, Premium Blend®) Michele Addison (Associate Publisher Ocean Drive), Francisco Rosillo (CPA/ABV, CFE, CBA, CVA, BVAL), Grammy Award Winning RecordingArtist Jon Secada.

“At the Luminare Awards Gala we recognize very special individuals and institutions,” says Cortina. “Throughout the year, these honorees have gone the extra mile to assist us in making the “Miracle of Life” possible. “This Miracle,” like a very special dessert, requires very special ingredients at the exact measurement. We need: the love and selflessness of a donor family who give life at the time their loved one is gone; we need the timely collaboration of the hospital staff, we need the dedication and personal sacrifices of our LAORA staff; and finally, we need the dedication and precise technique of the transplant Surgeons. The result – a life is renewed. Tonight, we have representatives from all these magical ingredients.”

Life Alliance at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine is a nonprofit federally designated recovery agency serving the six counties of South Florida and the Commonwealth of the Bahamas. Life Alliance Organ Recovery Agency is uniquely responsible for recovering organs and tissue for transplantation, supporting bereaved donor families, and educating healthcare professionals and the community about transplantation and donation. For more information about our organization, visit www.laora.org.

Tickets are still available at $125 each as well as tables which seat ten (10) for $1,250 or sponsored table for $1,500, $3,000, $5,000, or $10,000. For more information about the event, or to purchase tickets email info@creativasgroup.com.

Sponsors: Baptist Health South Florida | Bridge to Life | Broward Health| Lucile and DeWitt Daughtry Family Department of Surgery | Dra. Maribel Santa Cruz ND.NC. | Flamingo Graphics| Florida Lyons Eye Bank | Florida Power and Light | Memorial Healthcare System | Miami Transplant Institute | PrintHouse USA | My Best Friend’s Closet | Caidal Events | North Shore Medical Center FMC Campus | Taylor & Mathis of Florida, LLC | University of Miami Transplant Laboratories | University of Miami Hospital | University of Miami Tissue Bank| Sobie Fabrics.

Fifth Annual Women of Virtue and Alba Awards Luncheon 10/14/11

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Fifth Annual Women of Virtue Awards & Alba Award
Friday, October 14, 12 noon till 1:30pm
(registration and networking starts at 11:30am)
Coral Gables Country Club
990 Alhambra Circle
Coral Gables, FL 33134
Buy Tickets Online.

Free self-parking
This is a sold-out event every year
Buy Now $50 pp
(reg. rate $65)

For every lunch ticket sold we will provide a Thanksgiving meal to a hungry and homeless person at Miami Rescue Mission. Your paid sponsorship of this event will feed 25, 50 or 100 people.

Click here for sponsorship info

2011 Alba Award for Lifetime Achievement
Esther Tellechea, Executive Director of Hispanic AIDS Awareness Program (HAAP)

2011 latinbiz Women of Virtue:
Reyna Aday, Smoking Cessation Specialist at Miami-Dade Area Health Education Center (AHEC)
Dominique Barba, Doral Community Coalition Education Chair; Barrod Consulting Director
Jennifer Diaz, Becker and Poliakoff-Attorney at Law; President of Organization of Women in International Trade South Florida Chapter (OWIT)
Olga Hasbun, Founder of VIP Associates & Co
Linda Kubie, President of The Perfect Food
Nancy Mathews, CEO and Co-Founder of Womens Prosperity Network
Bettina Rodriguez Aguilera, Economic Developer of the City of Doral
Gloria P. Ruiz, Professor and Director of the Institute for Communication, Entertainment, & Media at St. Thomas University
Maricarmen Sega, President of Peruvian American Chamber of Commerce of South Florida
Kimberly Shenker-Bacardi, Founder of Kim’s Good Karma Group
Beatriz Torrente, President of Resume Again

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida Orange Bowl Field of Dreams Scholarship Benefit 9/30/11

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Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida Orange Bowl Field of Dreams Scholarship Benefit
September 30, 2011, 7:00-10:30pm
Broward County Convention Center
1950 Eisenhower Blvd
Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33316

Celebrating an evening of outstanding community service and scholastic achievement, the Orange Bowl Committee (OBC) will hold its ninth annual Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida Orange Bowl Field of Dreams Scholarship Benefit Presented by Publix Super Markets, Inc., on September 30, 2011 at the Broward County Convention Center.

Contributions from the event will benefit three organizations in the South Florida community: Special Olympics Florida, NAACP – Miami Dade ACT-SO Program and ASPRIA Florida, Inc. The OBC will present a total of $15,000 in scholarships to a male and female student athlete from Dade, Broward and Palm Beach County who were nominated by their high school coaches and athletic directors.

The annual dinner and awards program will feature a special performance by Morris Day and the Time.

To purchase tickets, call 305-341-4701 or visit www.ticketmaster.com. Individual tickets are also being sold for $150 each.

3rd Annual Children’s Hero Award Gala 10/19/11

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3rd Annual Children’s Hero Award Gala
Honoring Dr. Eduardo Padrón, President of Miami-Dade College
Wednesday October 19, 2011, 6:30pm
Conrad Hotel
1395 Brickell Avenue
Miami, FL 33131
More Info.

The Award: Established in 2009, the Children’s Hero Award honors acommunity leader who has shown incredible foresight and leadership in providingservices and access to those youth who have suffered child abuse and neglect inMiami-Dade.

The Honoree: This year, Family Resource Center will recognize Miami-DadeCollege President Dr. Eduardo Padrón with the award. Eduardo Padrón arrived in theUnited States as a refugee at the age of 15. Since 1995, he has served as President ofMiami Dade College (MDC), the largest institution of higher education in America withmore than 170,000 students. MDC enrolls and graduates more minorities than anyother institution in the United States, including the largest numbers of Hispanics andAfrican-Americans. Dr. Padrón is nationally respected for his advocacy on behalf ofunderserved populations in higher education. Through his efforts, there now exists adedicated academic counselor at each MDC campus for youth aging out of the fostercare system.About Family Resource Center

FRC provides a continuum of care to Miami-Dade’s abused and neglected kids including finding a safeand appropriate housing placement, getting them medical, dental, and mental health care, providingafter-school tutoring, and any additional needs that they may have (such as clothing, diapers, carseats, strollers, etc.). In addition to direct services for children, FRC also licenses and monitors fosterhomes, finds adoptive parents and handles all adoption paperwork, and operates a community mentalhealth center where it provides child therapy, family therapy, substance abuse counseling, dyadictherapy (a bonding therapy between parent and infant), parenting education and supervised visitationservices (for those parents who are not allowed to see their children without a third party present).

FRC is driven by the principle that nothing is more fundamental to a community than the safety andwell being of its children. In last year, FRC provided services to more than 2,500 children, adolescentsand adults.

Founded in 1978 by a group of concerned community leaders, FamilyResource Center of South Florida (“FRC”) is a 501(c)3 non-profit whosemission is the prevention and treatment of child abuse and neglectthrough the strengthening of families.

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Miami Beach Arts Gala 10/22/11

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Miami Beach Arts Gala
Saturday, October 22nd
Miami Beach Convention Center

2011 Honorees
Mary Luft from Tigertail Productions, Lifetime Achievement Award
Neisen Kasdin, Visionary Award
George Neary, Cultural Arts Champion

2011 Arts Gala Tickets and Donations
Tickets are $300 and VIP tickets are $500 (Closer to the Honorees and stage)
To purchase tickets please click on this link below. And when on that page click on Donate on the left corner of the other website.

The 2011 Miami Beach Arts Gala is painting and performing its way to the Miami Beach Convention Center on Saturday, October 22nd. Launched in 2010, the Miami Beach Arts Gala is a fundraiser to support non-profit local South Florida artists who exhibit and perform in the City of Miami Beach through the Miami Beach Arts Trust. The Gala serves as an avenue to recognize the biggest supporters of the arts in Miami Beach and will honor three key members of our local arts community: George Neary, Cultural Arts Champion; Mary Luft, Lifetime Achievement Award; and Neisen Kasdin, Visionary Award.

“The Miami Beach Arts Gala showcases what a large role the arts play in the City of Miami Beach and places the spotlight on how we can continue developing our cultural arts program,” said Ray Breslin, Chair of the Miami Beach Arts Gala. “We are thrilled to have the opportunity of honoring our biggest supporters of the South Florida arts community year after year and, at the same time, raise money for local arts groups that need it most.”

Walking into the reception, view the artwork of Lou-Lou Davila-Hagopian, who also did the program artwork, and listen to the dulcet tones of Debbie Orta, one of Miami’s finest jazz vocalists. Also for your listening pleasure during dinner, Grammy-award-winning saxophonist Felipe Lamoglia and his New Dimensions in Afro-Cuban Beats will keep you entertained, with David Siegel, veteran of Arturo Sandoval’s orchestra, playing the Steinway grand piano generously donated for the occasion by the Miami Steinway Gallery of Coral Gables. The music is provided by KCC Productions. In addition,Angel Perez will perform a Mozart piece on the Steinway. Angel is a gifted 13-year-old student at SoBe Institute of the Arts who, last October, opened the Concert Season for the Brampton Symphony Orchestra. Brampton, Canada is a Sister City of Miami Beach and both Mayors were on hand to proudly watch.

Another addition to the program will be Octavio Campos doing an excerpt from his one-man show “Please Don’t Hate Me!”, and a performance by Pioneer Winter, who choreographed and co-directed 42: A Stonewall Prospective that was presented at the Bass Museum of Art. Throughout the rest of the evening there will be further demonstrations of Miami’s finest talent.

More than just another gala, you’ll be able to support arts in our community, enjoy an evening of viewing, listening, and experiencing art; all while dining on world-class food and beverage provided by Executive Chef Jonathan Barnett.

2010 honorees and award recipients were: Dr. Sanford and Dolores Ziff, Judy Drucker, and Michael Tilson Thomas.

For ticket information email michelle@miamibeachartsgala.com; table and individual tickets start at $300, which is partially tax deductible, and can be purchased online by visiting www.miamibeachartsgala.com or by phone at 786-493-5962.

Miami Science Museum Anniversary Galaxy Gala Showcase Museum Waterfront Project 2/18/12

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Miami Science Museum’s 10th Anniversary Galaxy Gala To Showcase New $275 Million Museum Waterfront Project
Feb. 18, 6:30 p.m.
JW Marriott Marquis
345 Avenue of the Americas
Miami, FL 33131

Individual tickets for the Galaxy Gala are priced at $500.
For more information and ticketing for the Galaxy Gala, contact Ruth Robinson at (305) 646-4249 or rrobinson@miamisci.org, visit www.miamisci.org or www.facebook.com/MiamiScienceMuseum.

“An Out of this World Event” is Planned to Celebrate a Spring Groundbreaking,
Coinciding Big Bang Young Professionals Nightlife-Inspired Party to be Held Feb. 11, 2012

This exciting milestone celebration will not only commemorate the 10-year history of the Gala, but also showcase the new $275 million Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science, slated to break ground in spring 2012. The state-of-the-art waterfront project in downtown Miami, adjacent to the American Airlines Arena, will be completed by the end of 2014.

The black tie optional event will be the Museum’s most “astronomical” Gala to date. The evening will “take off” at 6:30 p.m. with a cocktail reception and auction, followed by dinner, dancing and a special entertainment feature that will create an unforgettable galactic experience.

The event is presented by Miami Science Museum’s Board of Trustees. Gala co-chairs are Nancy and Jonathan M. Batchelor and Nicole and Edgar M. Lozano.

“We expect this year’s Gala to be the most stellar to date,” said Nancy Batchelor. “Guests will enjoy a cosmic evening while reflecting on the many strides the Museum has made since it was founded in 1949, and how it’s reaching into the future with the new Museum project.”

Nicole Lozano said, “We’re elated to present Gala guests all that is in store for the new Museum. It is truly a phenomenal venture.”

Various Galaxy Gala sponsorship, underwriting and advertising opportunities are available. In honor of the 10th Anniversary Gala, the Museum will reserve 10 percent of sponsorships at the Bronze level and above to support the Educational Access Program, which allows youth with limited financial means, Title 1 School children and constituents of various social service organizations to attend the Museum free of charge.

12th Annual Signature Grand Ghoul Halloween Party 10/24/11

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The Signature Grand’s 12th Annual Halloween Party To Bring Out Ghouls, Ghosts And Goblins, Oh My!
Monday, October 24, 7 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.
The Signature Grand
6900 State Road 84
Davie, FL 33317

100% of event proceeds to benefit The O.J. McDuffie Catch 81 Foundation, The Bess Route Foundation and Jack & Jill Children’s Center

Signature Grand’s 12th Annual Signature Grand Ghoul, an adult Halloween costume party hosted by local celebrities O.J. McDuffie and Davone Bess. Event attendees dressed to impress will dine on gourmet food, enjoy an open bar and mingle with professional athletes and celebrities as they dance through the 100,000 square-foot facility transformed into a haunted Halloween mansion. Guests can bid on spooktacular items during live and silent auctions, as well as compete for a $500 cash prize for Best Costume.

All event proceeds will benefit The O.J. McDuffie Catch 81 Foundation, The Bess Route Foundation and Jack & Jill Children’s Center.

COST: General Admission Tickets: $150 per person
VIP Tickets: $175 per person
For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit www.thesignaturegrandghoul.org or call (954) 424-4000.

BeLive 5th Anniversary Celebration 11/17/11

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BeLive 5th Anniversary Celebration
Thursday, November 17
The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach
One Lincoln Road
Miami Beach, FL. 33139
www.belivecolombia.org

After 4 amazing and highly successful years, raising $2.5 Million Dollars and impacting the lives of over 100 thousand Colombians, BeLive is back to celebrate its 5th Anniversary Fundraising Gala Event at The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach.

Thursday, November 17- 7:00 p.m.- This year BeLive is joined by four important Colombian Non- Profit organizations, based in the U.S: Give to Colombia, Fórmula Sonrisas, Genesis Foundation and ArtNexus Foundation, who have joined forces to raise much needed funds and create awareness within the international community, of the dire social needs in Colombia. Chairing this year’s gala is Lauren Santo Domingo. In its 5th Anniversary, BeLive will be bigger than ever, with a one-of-a kind silent Auction of Wayuu Mochilas created by Internationally renowned Designers. This year, Belive is thrilled to welcome designer’s Christian Louboutin, Catherine Malandrino, Costello Tagliapietra, Marni, Herve Leger, Helmut Lang, Adolfo Dominguez and Theskeyns Theory, among others. Internationally well known, celebrated and Food Network’s “Simply Delicioso” star, Ingrid Hoffmann, will be creating sumptuous signature cocktails. Get ready for the event of the season complete with a spectacular concert, cocktails, sumptuous dinner, live entertainment and much more. Corporate Sponsors include: Diageo, Morgan Stanley, Target, Bombardier, PEPSI, Chevrolet (GM), Banco de Santander and Sanford Health. Individual Tickets are $500. For more information, please contact Ximena Acosta at ximena@belivecolombia.org.

Quinto Aniversario de BeLive
Jueves, 17 De Noviembre

Después de cuatro exitosos años, recaudar mas de $2.5 Millónes de dólares e impactar la vida de más de 100 mil colombianos, BeLive el evento que reúne a cuatro importante fundaciones colombianas basadas en Estados Unidos celebrará por todo lo alto su Quinto Aniversario en The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach.

Jueves, 17 de noviembre- 7:00 p.m.- Las fundaciones Give to Colombia, Fórmula Sonrisas, Génesis y Art Nexus unirán esfuerzos para crear conciencia en la comunidad local e internacional, sobre la problemática social en Colombia y juntas recaudar fondos para beneficiar la población más vulnerable de nuestro país. Este año BeLive le da la bienvenida a Lauren Santo Domingo como Presidenta de la Junta Directiva del evento. En su quinto aniversario BeLive será mejor que nunca, será una noche extraordinaria! Por primera vez Christian Louboutin, Catherine Malandrino, Costello Tagliapietra, Marni, Herve Leger, Helmut Lang, Adolfo Dominguez y Theskeyns Theory, entre otros reconocidos diseñadores se unen a nuestro Proyecto Wayuu. La reconocida, celebrada y estrella del Food Network “Simply Delicioso” Chef Ingrid Hoffmann creará cocteles suntuosos. BeLive será el evento de la temporada, con un espectacular concierto, cocteles, una exquisita comida, entretenimiento en vivo y mucho mas. Los Patrocinadores corporativos incluyen: Diageo, Morgan Stanley, Target, Bombardier, PEPSI, Chevrolet (GM), Banco Santander y Sanford Health. Tiquetes individuales valen $500. Para más información, por favor contactar a Ximena Acosta, ximena@belivecolombia.org o visítenos en nuestra pagina web www.belivecolombia.org.

9th Annual Grapes for Grades 9/23/11

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9th Annual Grapes for Grades
September 23, 2011, 6:30pm to 9:30pm
Marriott Hollywood Beach
2501 N Ocean Drive
Hollywood, FL 33019
www.hollywoodchamber.org

The Greater Hollywood Chamber of Commerce presents the 9th Annual Grapes for Grades, benefiting the Hollywood Florida Scholarship Foundation. Enjoy fine wines, live jazz, silent auction, and tantalizing food. Enter for a chance to win a 16-day Panama Canal cruise for two or a 12-night Caribbean cruise for two or a 2-night stay at the Ritz-Carlton Naples!

$60 pre-event, $70 at the door, $150 drawing entry, $250 wine and dine deal (2 event tickets and 1 entry)

Children’s Hero Award Gala 10/19/11

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Children’s Hero Award Gala honoring Dr. Eduardo Padrón
Oct 19, 2011 6:30 pm – 10:00 pm
Conrad Hotel
1395 Brickell Avenue
Miami, Florida
http://frcflorida.org/gala

Established in 2009, the Children’s Hero Award honors a community leader who has shown incredible foresight and leadership in providing services and access to those youth who have suffered child abuse and neglect in Miami-Dade. This year, Family Resource Center will recognize Miami-Dade College President Dr. Eduardo Padrón with the award for his work to bridge the educational gap for children aging out of the foster care system.

All proceeds generated from the evening will go towards providing over 1,000 newborns, toddlers, adolescents and teens with the shelter, food, medical and mental health care that they need due to experiencing abuse, neglect and abandonment by their parents.

10th annual Wine on Harvest Moon presented by South BMW 10/15/11

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The Deering Estate Foundation’s 10th Annual “Wine on Harvest Moon” presented by South BMW
Saturday, October 15, 7:00 pm to 10:30 pm.
Deering Estate at Cutler
16701 SW 72 Ave
Miami FL 33157
More Info.

Please join us under the golden light of the harvest moon over Biscayne Bay at the Deering Estate at Cutler. The theme of this year’s event is “Taste, Tango and Toast to the Andes” in celebration of the fine wines, flavorful cuisine and rich culture of Argentina and Chile. The evening’s activities create the ambience of the Andes and include: a cooking demo with celebrity Chef Timon Balloo of Sugarcane, wine tastings, food prepared by top area restaurants, Argentine tango and Chilean folk dance performances, an art exhibition, and a high-end auction featuring enticing international travel destinations.

The signature event is limited and sells out every year. Make sure to purchase your tickets early!

Tickets: $125 and $100 for Foundation members. Tickets can be purchaed online for an additional fee or by calling the Deering Estate Foundation at 305-235-1668 ext. 263.

The annual fundraising event benefits the Deering Estate Foundation whose mission is to raise public awareness, outreach, understanding and the enjoyment of the Deering Estate at Cutler and to raise funds to support education, research, exhibits and collections, natural conservation and historical restoration and preservation.

We Invite You to become a Distinguished and Valued Sponsor!

Flipany’s Innaugural Fundraising Dinner Featuring Chef Adrianne Clavo 9/8/11

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“Chefs Up Front”
Thursday, September 8th, 6:00pm
W Fort Lauderdale Hotel
Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

The Silent Auction and Reception will begin at 6:00pm, followed by the Dinner and Program at 7:00pm. Full event details, including pricing, are accessible by visiting www.ChefsUpFront.org or by calling (954) 636 – 2388.

Chef Adrianne Calvo Featured in FLIPANY’s Inaugural fundraising dinner “Chefs Up Front Dinner”.

Chef Adrianne Calvo, a Miami, Florida-based culinary artist who’s ever expanding profile encompasses a multimedia presence and an increasingly successful vineyard restaurant and wine bar, will be one of the featured chefs in “Florida Introduces Physical Activity and Nutrition To Youth” (FLIPANY’S) inaugural “Chefs Up Front Dinner”. The event, an integral part of “Share Our Strength’s; No Kid Hungry” campaign, is best described as a unique dining experience that will feature a selection of South Florida’s top chefs preparing signature four course meals for tables of 10 guests. The proceedings, which will accommodate a total of 100 diners, will be preceded by a silent auction and reception, with all proceeds benefiting “Share Our Strength’s; Cooking Matters™” program. Cooking Mattersâ„¢ is a curriculum designed to assist families with limited resources to maximize their food supplies and convert them into the healthy and nutritious meals through a variety of means, including hands-on instruction.

FLIPANY was established in 2005 with a stated mission to provide affordable physical activity and nutrition to low income youth and their families in South Florida. FLIPANY began as an organization serving Broward County, and had expanded its reach to all of South Florida by 2009. Its long-term strategic plan calls for the non-profit to service the entire Sunshine State by 2015. FLIPANY also serves as the official South Florida service delivery agency of “Share our Strength’s; Cooking Matters™” program.

Chef Adrianne for several years has successfully parlayed her extensive talents into charitable work that has touched the lives of thousands. Participating in the “Chefs Up Front Dinner” is a vital opportunity to once again give of herself through her unique and aptly named “Maximum Flavor” style. Previously, the savory byproducts of her culinary aptitude have brought temporary comfort to pediatric cancer patients and their families through her work with St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Her “Make It Count” foundation, inspired by the memory of her late younger sister, is also becoming increasingly involved in various other humanitarian efforts in the South Florida community.

“Food is a powerful tool in so many ways, and I am immensely appreciative of being able to create with it daily. In the case of “Chefs Up Front”, it provides a number of us in the food industry with the priceless opportunity to help raise funds for an incredibly important cause while immersed in what we love to do. Share our Strength and FLIPANY both do such a commendable job in fighting the battle against childhood hunger daily, and I am grateful and honored for the opportunity to be able to lend a hand on the first edition of what hopefully will become an annual event,” commented Chef Adrianne.

March of Dimes 2011 Building Our Community Awards 12/9/11

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2011 Building Our Community Awards
December 9, 2011
11:00 a.m. Silent Auction Reception
12:00 noon Awards Luncheon
Coral Gables Country Club
Coral Gables, Florida

At this event, March of Dimes presents the annual Humanitarian of the Year Award to individuals for their personal involvement and commitment to making a difference in our community. We will be honoring individuals that exemplify excellence in their respective fields as well as commitment to community activities that enhance the quality of our lives.

2011 Humanitarians of the Year TBD

Past Humanitarians of the Year include:
2010 David Lawrence, Jr, Alberto Carvhalo, Jorge Plasencia, Juan Santamaria, Dr. Bern
Levine, Lauren Harrison Genovese, Luis E. Diaz, MayorTomas Regalado, Benjamin Leon
III,M. Narendra Kini
2009 Jeff Bartel, Bob Berkowitz, Mayor Manny Diaz, Octavio Hernandez
Javier Hernandez-Lichtl , Neisen O. Kasdin, Howard Lucas, Gilbert Salguero
2008 Alonzo Mourning, Dr. Barth Green, Shannon Hori, Commissioner Sally Heyman
2007 Amarilis Osorio
2006 Marvin O’Quinn
2005 Angel Medina
2004 Allen Harper
2003 Jose Concepcion
2002 Michael Smithof Turner Construction

The March of Dimes is a champion for Babies because we take action in our
Florida community Research and Community Grants—in 2008, the Florida Chap-
ter awarded more than $500,000 in state and local grants.
Community Services—We provide leadership and a presence by partnering
with community agencies to help them provide quality services to pregnant
women e.g. in Miami, the MOMmobile—a prenatal medical mobile unit provides
services to women who otherwise couldn’t afford it. In addition, we have
Stork’s programs, NICU Family Support programs, and family centered care.

Advocacy—March of Dimes advocated for the Florida Newborn Screening Program
that expanded the neonatal screening program from 5 disorders to 29 disorders that
help to identify potentially catastrophic, but treatable illnesses, and reduce health
care costs.

Contact March of Dimes Miami-Dade/Monroe Division:
P: 305.477.1192 F: 305.477.1254 E-mail: aaalexander@marchofdimes.com

SFIMA 8th Annual Nautical Networking Event 10/21/11

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Friday, October 21, 2011
5:30-6:30 p.m: Pre-Boarding Event
6:30 p.m: Boarding Biscayne Lady
10:30 p.m: Biscayne Lady Returns
Dock in front of Aizia Restaurant and Nightclub
3660 South Ocean Drive
Hollywood, FL
(Ample garage parking available – tickets will be validated by AIZIA)
More Info.

Meet some of the nation’s top business and community leaders while enjoying an evening cruise along Fort Lauderdale’s Intracoastal Waterway aboard the Biscayne Lady Yacht.

The Biscayne Lady is one of the top yachts in South Florida’s leading charter company. Enjoy luxury, comfort, flavorful menu items and a first-class experience as you network and create contacts that will last a lifetime.

Three ‘white hot’ parties in one:
Pre-boarding dockside networking
4-hour dinner cruise
After-party – Aizia (dockside)

S.A.L.A.D Presents the 2011 South Florida Judges Recognition Reception 8/25/11

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S.A.L.A.D Presents the 2011 South Florida Judges Recognition Reception
August 25, 2011, 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Coral Gables Museum
285 Aragon Avenue
Coral Gables FL, 33134
www.saladonline.net

The Spanish American League Against Discrimination(SALAD)will welcome a number of judges, attorneys, business and community leaders, government officials and members of the consular corps, among others to pay tribute to diversity in the judiciary.

SALAD will honor judges of the Eleventh Judicial Circuit of Florida with a special appreciation award. The Honorable Chief Judge Joel H. Brown will be the keynote speaker of the evening and the Honorable Judge Antonio Marin will be the recipient of the “Outstanding Community Service Award”. Special recognitions as former SALAD board members will be presented to the Honorable Judge Maria M. Korvick, the Honorable Judge Gisela Cardonne Ely and the Honorable Judge Margarita Esquiroz (retired).

Diaz, Reus & Targ, LLC is the presenting sponsor of the event. Guests will enjoy complimentary hors d’Å“uvres and cocktails sponsored by World Brands International. Great Florida Bank, Precise Protective Research, Bilzin Sumberg Attorneys at Law, Wicker Smith O’Hara McCoy Ford P.A., Carlton Fields Attorneys at Law, Becker & Poliakoff Legal and Business Strategists, The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Miami, Elser Foster-Morales LLC, and Law Office of Chavez & De Leon P.A. are some of the event sponsors.

For more information about the Spanish American League Against Discrimination and the 2011 South Florida Judges Recognition Reception, please call 305-960-7562 or email Armando J. Arana at ajaranas@saladonline.net.

Pridelines Youth Services Sixth Annual Fundraising Gala Masquerade 8/27/11

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Pridelines Youth Services Sixth Annual Fundraising Gala Masquerade
Saturday, August 27, 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Jungle Island’s Treetop Ballroom
1111 Parrot Jungle Trail
Miami, FL 33132

Tickets And Information:
$100 per person or $1,200 for a table of 10.
Tickets: www.pridelines.org

Get ready for an evening of mystery and intrigue as Pridelines Youth Services presents its sixth annual fundraising gala, “Masquerade.” This year’s gala will feature a cocktail reception, silent auction, dinner, dancing and live entertainment by Corey Michaels. The gala also honors two community leaders for their commitment to LGBTQ youth in South Florida — Robert Loupo, co-founder of the Gay Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) and executive director of Safe Schools South Florida; and Temple Israel for supporting LGBTQ youth by providing the space for Pridelines drop-in center for over 10 years.

Proceeds benefit Pridelines Youth Services whose mission is to educate and empower South Florida’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered and questioning (LGBTQ) youth and their straight allies through programming, counseling, support and referral services from a safe and diverse environment.

The Grand Opening of Dream South Beach was a Grandiose Affair By Betty Alvarez

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With owners Sant Singh Chatwal and Vikram Chatwal, the grand opening of Dream South Beach Hotel was a spectacular event with many surprises. First, we were surprised as we made way at the red carpet with a fire eater as he did many tricks to the guests of the party and hotel guests. A glass of champagne awaited each guest as they were transported to the rooftop were the party was in full swing.

Guests were treated to cocktails and for this hot weather: cocktail popsicles which really gave a kick to the party. Appetizers from mini burgers to tuna tartar were served. By the lovely pool area, models gave a fire show in the water. It really wowed the guests. DJ mixes by Andrew and Andrew gave the crowd great vibes of today and yesteryear music.

It was an unforgettable summer social event.

Photographs by Betty Alvarez copyright 2011

Zo’s Summer Groove Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Benefit Dinner and Gala Night of Entertainment 7/23/11

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Zo’s Summer Groove Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Benefit Dinner and Gala Night of Entertainment
Saturday, July 23
8.30 p.m. Concert Performances
Hard Rock Live

Performances by Cee Lo Green, 14 time Grammy-award winner Alicia Keys, Mosaic, Black Violin and comedian Carlos Mencia.
Special guests include Carrie Meek, Alonzo and Tracy Mourning and many more to come
The doors to the A-list performances post-Gala dinner will be opened to the public for the first time ever, offering general admission tickets for 3,000 additional guests to join in seats above the gala tables.
Tickets:
Concert Performances- $45 Upper Level; $65 Lower Level
For general admission concert tickets: visit http://www.hardrocklivehollywoodfl.com/events.php

Marshall Faulk Hall of Fame VIP Event Celebration 8/10/11

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Marshall Faulk Hall of Fame VIP Event Celebration
Aug. 10th from 6:30pm-9:30pm
The Playwright Irish Pub
The Village of Gulfstream Park
Tickets: $150 per person

A VIP evening with special guest Marshall Faulk, Pro Football Hall of Famer and NFL Network Analyst
Guests will enjoy cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and a live auction of limited-edition sports memorabilia. Proceeds to benefit the Marshall Faulk Foundation.

Click here to purchase tickets ($150 per person)
For sponsorship inquiries or for more information please contact Christine Hayes by Friday, August 5th at Christine@ZuckerPR.com.

Miss Earth Florida 2011 Beauty and environment Weekend 6/24-26/11

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Miss Earth Florida 2011
June 24, 25 & 26.

June 24 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Environmental day: Biscayne Nature Center

June 24 8 p.m.
Kick-off reception: at DolceVino – Claridge Hotel

June 25 & 26 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Rehearsals: Ashe Auditorium

June 26 8-10 p.m.
Final show: Ashe Auditorium (Hyatt Regency Miami)

Unique pageant that combines beauty, leadership and environmental projects
The ONLY pageant system in the planet dedicated 100% to environmental & humanitarian efforts

Ladies from across the entire state gather for a weekend to compete for the FLORIDA titles that will take one of them to nationals representing our state. Winner also gets to implement her local environmental project across the state for 1 year.

Environmental beauty competition promotes leadership
State finals to be held in Miami

Miss Earth Florida 2011, a one of a kind annual event in Florida that combines beauty, leadership and the environment is scheduled for June 24 through 26 in Miami. Ladies between 14 and 26 from across the state will spend the weekend overcoming challenges that include two rounds of interviews, environment awareness competition, a swimsuit show and a gown parade in order to conquer the title that will take one of them to represent Florida at the national finals of Miss Earth.

The event is an official preliminary to the only pageant in the world dedicated 100 percent to environmental and humanitarian efforts. Miss Earth has over 80 countries participating in the world finals each year, including the United States.

A typical year in the reign of a Miss Earth Florida includes an average of 50 official appearances that include visits to schools, tree planting ceremonies, coastal and park clean ups, environmental conferences, waste collection, recycling education, speeches at fairs and festivals, fundraisers, visits to hospitals and educational workshops for children.

In fact, it is requirement of the program that each participant creates and develops a project in her community that will contribute to bring change and awareness towards an environmental and / or humanitarian cause. These participants represent their local communities at the state finals where one teen and one miss will be chosen as the state ambassadors. They then have the chance to develop their local projects into state wide initiatives.

The weekend of the 2011 state finals will include an educational session and tree planting ceremony at Biscayne Nature Center, a tribute to 2010 winners Kelly Saks and Brittney Ronda, environmental workshops, rehearsals, vendor lounge for green businesses, a VIP green carpet and the glamorous crowning ceremony June 26 at 8 p.m. at the Miami Convention Center’s Ashe Auditorium.

The crowning ceremony will be hosted by Patrick Nolan, Fox 4 Now news anchor.

The pageant is produced by Integral Beauty Productions and is sponsored by ecofriendly businesses including Eyes Wide Open, Organic Splendor Vegan Make Up, The Give Bag, ConColor Imports, Mar Boutique, Dear Earth apparel, Eco Chic Fashion by Meadow, SoBe Dentist, Shannon Saint Clair Jewelry, Jubilee Jewels, La Casa Hermosa and WowBrows Studio.

For more information visit www.MissEarthFlorida.com.

Miami Celebrity Domino Night benefitting Amigos for Kids, a grand domino effect with supporters by Betty Alvarez

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Amigos for Kids celebrated its 20th anniversary this year at the highly-anticipated annual fundraiser, the ING Miami Celebrity Domino Night on June 18 at Jungle Island. Guests were treated to a buzzing domino club, live entertainment, dinner-by-the-bite by Miami’s most prominent chefs and restaurants, open bar courtesy of Bacardi U.S.A., live entertainment by Albita and a stellar silent auction featuring Cuban art, sports memorabilia and much more.

Amigos For Kids® is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing child abuse and neglect by valuing children, strengthening families and educating communities. Proceeds from tickets and domino tables will benefit Amigos For Kids™. For more information on how to help Amigos for kids please visit www.amigosforkids.org

Photographs by Betty Alvarez Copyright 2011

Miss Earth Florida finals in Miami 6/26/11

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Environmental beauty competition promotes leadership
State finals to be held in Miami
June 26 at 8 p.m.
Miami Convention Center’s Ashe Auditorium

Miss Earth Florida 2011, a one of a kind annual event in Florida that combines beauty, leadership and the environment is scheduled for June 24 through 26 in Miami. Ladies between 14 and 26 from across the state will spend the weekend overcoming challenges that include two rounds of interviews, environment awareness competition, a swimsuit show and a gown parade in order to conquer the title that will take one of them to represent Florida at the national finals of Miss Earth.

The event is an official preliminary to the only pageant in the world dedicated 100 percent to environmental and humanitarian efforts. Miss Earth has over 80 countries participating in the world finals each year, including the United States.

A typical year in the reign of a Miss Earth Florida includes an average of 50 official appearances that include visits to schools, tree planting ceremonies, coastal and park clean ups, environmental conferences, waste collection, recycling education, speeches at fairs and festivals, fundraisers, visits to hospitals and educational workshops for children.

In fact, it is requirement of the program that each participant creates and develops a project in her community that will contribute to bring change and awareness towards an environmental and / or humanitarian cause. These participants represent their local communities at the state finals where one teen and one miss will be chosen as the state ambassadors. They then have the chance to develop their local projects into state wide initiatives.

The weekend of the 2011 state finals will include an educational session and tree planting ceremony at Biscayne Nature Center, a tribute to 2010 winners Kelly Saks and Brittney Ronda, environmental workshops, rehearsals, vendor lounge for green businesses, a VIP green carpet and the glamorous crowning ceremony.

The pageant is produced by Integral Beauty Productions and is sponsored by ecofriendly businesses including Eyes Wide Open, Organic Splendor Vegan Make Up, The Give Bag, ConColor Imports, Mar Boutique, Dear Earth apparel, Eco Chic Fashion by Meadow, SoBe Dentist, Shannon Saint Clair Jewelry, La Casa Hermosa, WowBrows Studio and Jubilee Jewels.

For more information visit www.MissEarthFlorida.com or contact Sandra Silva at info@earthfloridapageants.com. Tickets on sale now.

Latin Auxiliary hosts annual Summer Luncheon and Boutique 6/15/11

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The Latin AuxilIary of Douglas Gardens Presents its Summer Luncheon & Boutique Honoring Isaac and Nieves Olemberg Lifetime Achievement Award Recipients
Wednesday, June 15, 10:30am to 2:30pm
Miami Jewish Health Systems – Ruby Auditorium
5200 NE 2nd Avenue
Miami, FL 33137

COST: Tickets cost $54 per person
RSVP: To register, please contact Suzanne Hafkin at (305) 762-1382 or SHafkin@mjhha.org for more information.

Isaac and Nieves Olemberg will receive the Latin Auxiliary’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

The Latin Auxiliary of Douglas Gardens, a group of Miami Jewish Health Systems supporters, will present its prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award to Isaac and Nieves Olemberg at its 2011 Summer Luncheon & Boutique. Aside from a fabulous lunch, this year’s Boutique will be filled with unique vendors offering handbags, jewelry, plants, watches and more at great prices. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Latin Auxiliary-sponsored Music Therapy Program at Miami Jewish Health Systems.

2nd Annual Eco Lifestyle Gala Hosted by Patricia Arquette 5/19/11

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Thursday, May 19th at 6:30PM
Boca Raton Resort & Club

Please join David Arquette, Rosetta & Balthazar Getty, Michael Capponi, Reid Boren, Adam Frankel, Deshon Allen, Susan Penrod, Rita Johnson, Anthony Giudice and Michelle Sanchez for the 2nd Annual Eco Lifestyle Gala, Hosted by Eco-Lifestyle Pioneer Award Recipient PATRICIA ARQUETTE.

Your attendance is requested on Thursday, May 19th at 6:30PM at the Boca Raton Resort & Club to benefit GIVE LOVE, GLOBAL GREEN USA and OFFICE DEPOT Foundation.

100% of the proceeds will benefit these non-profits, $75 tickets are available in advance online: www.ecolifestylegala.com, or $100 donation will be accepted at the door.

This will be an amazing event featuring live comedy by Jessica Kirson, live musical performance from Robby Romero and poolside sounds by Miami’s own DJ Mark Leventhal.

Your support is greatly appreciated!

*GiveLove is working on community-led sanitation projects to treat and compost waste, improve public health, and create jobs around recycling in Haiti.

*Global Green is primarily focused on global climate change through our green affordable housing initiatives, National green Schools Initiative, national and regional green building policies, advocacy and education.

*Office Depot Foundation is supporting programs that enhance quality of life for children, strengthen communities, encourage local and international economic growth, and empower schools and non-profit organizations.

City Year Miami Women’s Bridge Builder Luncheon Honoring Florida Lieutenant Governor Jennifer Carroll 5/19/11

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1st Annual City Year Miami Women’s Bridge Builder Luncheon Presented by Walmart
Thursday, May 19, 2011 ~ 11:30am – 1:30pm
City Year Miami’s Women’s Bridge Builder Luncheon
The Woman’s Club of Coconut Grove
2985 S. Bayshore Dr
Miami, FL 33133

Honoring Florida Lieutenant Governor, Jennifer Carroll;
Philanthropist and Children’s Book Author, Jaclyn Stapp

The Women’s Bridge Builder Luncheon will bring together City Year
Miami corps members along with 120 corporate, community and philanthropic leaders from across Miami-Dade County to celebrate the spirit of service among women. City Year Miami’s 82 corps members currently spend over 140,000 hours each year to help struggling students in eight schools get back on track towards graduation by serving as tutors, mentors and role models.

The luncheon will be an afternoon to recognize and celebrate women Bridge Builders in our community. At City Year, Bridge Builders are those individuals who use their talents and resources for worthy causes and invest in the future of our community.

– The Honorable Jennifer Carroll, Lieutenant Governor, State of Florida
– Jaclyn Stapp, Philanthropist, Children’s Book author & Former Mrs. Florida
– Heather Monahan, Vice President of Sales, Beasley Broadcast Group Inc.
– Michelle Azel Belaire, Senior Manager for Public Affairs & Government Relations, Walmart
– Vivianne Bohorques, Director of School Partnerships, City Year Miami
– City Year Miami corps members

Annual Art Of Found Objects Celebration Hosted By The Education Fund 5/20/11

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May 20 at 7 p.m.
The Moore Building
4040 NE 2nd Avenue
Miami Design District

For tickets or more information on this event, please call 305-892-5099 ext 23, or visit the website.

Major sponsors of the event include Ocean Bank, The Children’s Trust, Whole Foods, Bacardi, Dacra and more.

Proceeds will benefit Arts programs in Miami-Dade County Public Schools

The most extraordinary arts and education event of the season is here! The Education Fund’s Annual Charity Auction “The Art of Found Objects” will take place at The Moore Building in the Miami Design District on May 20 at 7 p.m. This exclusive art and children’s education devotee event will showcase more than 200 one-of-a-kind artworks created by Miami-Dade County public school students and teachers. The event will feature live music by the New World School of the Arts and an epicurean feast with local celebrity chefs, as well as bids on exclusive items and luxury vacation packages.

The charity auction combines the power of a child’s imagination with the ultimate recycling program. This year the auction will feature unique pieces of art created by Miami-Dade elementary, middle and high-school students and teachers representing close to 50 schools, many in low income neighborhoods. The original works were all crafted from supplies “found” at The Education Fund’s Ocean Bank Center for Educational Materials. The Center is stocked with donated supplies, where more than 15,000 teachers and their students have shopped free of charge for classroom supplies since 1993.

This year also marks The Education Fund’s 25th anniversary. To celebrate, The Education Fund is honoring 25 local leaders who are all products of the Miami-Dade County public schools, showing what a public education can do for you! Honorees include the new head of Jackson Health System, a college president, the founder of Sushi Maki, two Congresswomen, a plastic surgeon and 19 others who have all achieved success.

This year, the auction will also spotlight the culinary arts, featuring a gourmet feast prepared by student chefs from Robert Morgan Senior High School’s award-winning culinary arts magnet program. With a charitable donation of food from Whole Foods, these junior chefs have created signature dishes using the recipes provided by respected chefs Michael Schwartz of Michael’s Genuine Food and Drink, Michelle Bernstein of Michy’s, and Cindy Hutson of Ortinique on the Mile.

For 25 years, The Education Fund has acted on the belief that the quality of our public schools must be the top priority for our community. Working side-by-side with the private sector, The Education Fund has raised more than $38 million to support and improve our public schools with an emphasis on designing and implementing innovative initiatives. The goal is to ensure that every child learns and succeeds. The Education Fund’s portfolio of programs focuses exclusively on Miami-Dade public schools, benefiting all 390 schools, all 20,000+ teachers and all 340,000 students.

Informed Families 26th Annual Dinner at Joe’s Stone Crab 5/16/11

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Informed Families/The Florida Family Partnership Celebrates 26TH Annual Dinner
May 16th at 6:30 p.m.
Joe’s Stone Crab Restaurant
11 Washington Avenue
Miami Beach, FL

Dinner at Joe’s Stone Crab Restaurant Marks Over Quarter Century of Community Support For HelpingKids Grow Up Safe, Healthy & Drug-Free

The 26th anniversary of Informed Families/The Florida Family Partnership’s Annual Fundraising Dinner at Joe’s Stone Crab Restaurant will be celebrated with stone crabs, generous donors and celebrity sightings.

On May 16th, a pre-dinner social will kick-off the event at 6:30 p.m. A surprise group will lead party-goers into the dinner at 7:30 p.m., where guests will enjoy Joe’s signature dishes and legendary service, said Co-Chairs Cindy & Chico Goldsmith and Susan & Robin Shelley. Peggy B. Sapp, president and CEO of Informed Families/The Florida Family Partnership, credits community support with enabling the organization to reach so many families across Florida.

“Every year, we benefit from an outpouring of generosity from families who care about educating and nurturing their children,” said Sapp. “It’s hard to believe it’s been 26 years since Informed Families/The Florida Family Partnership joined with Joe’s Stone Crab Restaurant to hold this wonderful event, raising money to prevent drug use and underage drinking. Now, many of the children of our original supporters are parents themselves and our prevention programs are reaching this next generation.”

This year, there is also a ticketed opportunity to win dinner for 20 guests at Joe’s Stone Crab Restaurant. Only 500 tickets will be sold for a minimum suggested donation of $100. The drawing will be held at 8:30pm the night of the event. Tickets can also be purchased at www.informedfamilies.org/estore.

A limited number of single seats to the event are still available at $325 and barstools are $250.

For more information, call Ana Cristina Ferro at (786) 536-3283 or aferro@informedfamilies.org.

A Flare For Design Benefitting The Lupus Foundation 5/19/11

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A Flare for Design Featuring an evening of high impact fashions, philanthropy & designs Unite at DCOTA for a night to remember
Thursday, May 19, 2011
7:00PM; Event begins with Cocktails Hors d’oeuvres and Silent Auction
8:00 – 8:30PM; Fashion Show
9:00 PM; Special performance by Reese Bridges of the Grammy Award Winning Band Dirty Vegas
10:00PM; Event concludes
Design Center of the Americas (DCOTA)
1855 Griffin Road
Dania Beach Florida 33004

Ticket Info
$75 Silver; General Admission- Access for one (1), to attend the cocktail reception and fashion show
$125 Gold; Admission- Access for one (1) to attend the cocktails, & priority seating (based on availability) for the fashion show
$500 Platinum; VIP pass,- Access for one (1), reserved seating at the fashion show, access to VIP lounge, private tour of DCOTA and select showrooms with designers

To purchase tickets please visit www.aflarefordesign.com / email flare@lupusfl.org / or call 561.279.8606

Benefitting The Lupus Foundation Of America – Southeast Florida Chapter, Inc.

On Thursday, May 19th, A Flare for Design will bring together the design community, socialites, celebrities and business professionals for an evening of fashion, fun and fundraising combined with high design. The evening will culminate with a fashion show featuring national luxury fashion brands and a silent auction, while showcasing the latest interior design trends. All proceeds will benefit The Lupus Foundation of America, S.E. Florida Chapter.

It is estimated that 80 percent of the public know little or nothing about Lupus, a disease that affects 1.5 million people nationwide. In efforts to raise awareness and further educate the community about Lupus, Jenny Wilensky, Founder of istylie.com, created A Flare for Design.

“My mother fought for 35 years while living with Lupus and never did she once complain about what she went through,” said Jenny Wilensky. “I never knew how Lupus had affected her until now. Since her passing in June 2010, due to complications of Lupus, I have made it my passion to spread awareness and really make a difference within the community. My ultimate goal is to draw awareness to help fight, treat and cure this debilitating disease.”

The Lupus Foundation of America (LFA), Southeast Florida Chapter’s mission is to find a cure for lupus, to increase awareness and to end the suffering for the over 1.5 million Americans living with lupus and their loved ones through education and support. The charity draws upon a key group of affluent philanthropists, community leaders and power players from across South Florida.

Special Recognition to the Following Supporters: 100% Capri, Alexander Berardi, Alice & Olivia, Ammon Hickson, Andrew Martin, Beauty For Real, Brunschwig & Fils, C.Madeline, Caswell Massey, Designer’s Plumbing, DCOTA , Escada, Gilt City Miami, Haute Living, Ida & Harry ,Inside Out, Jo Malone, Luca Luca, Malo, Lyon & Lyon, Ocean Drive, Prestige/Audi, Quadrille, Romo, Trina Turk, V Georgio, Van Michael Salon and Vida Restaurant in Fontainebleau

Lupus is one of the nation’s least recognized major diseases. It is a chronic and potentially fatal autoimmune disorder that affects more than 100,000 Floridians, 1.5 million Americans and over 5 million people worldwide. In lupus, the body’s immune system forms antibodies that can attack virtually any healthy organ or tissue, from the kidneys to the brain, heart, lungs, skin, joints and blood. Ninety percent of the people with lupus are women and it is two to three times more common among African Americans, Hispanics/Latinos, Native Americans and Asians.

The Lupus Foundation of America, Inc. (LFA) is the foremost national non-profit voluntary health organization dedicated to finding the causes of and cure for lupus and providing support, services and hope to the over 1.5 million people living with lupus in America. The Southeast Florida Chapter provides information, educational programs, support groups and personalized help to the over 100,000 people living with lupus in Florida and their loved ones. The Chapter also supports research and promotes awareness through education and advocacy on the state and local level. For more information, please contact the Lupus Foundation of America, Southeast Florida Chapter at 561-279-8606 or visit www.lupusfl.org.

For over 20 years, Design Center of the Americas (DCOTA) has served the design community with the finest campus amenities and showrooms in the industry attracting world class designers, architects, decorators, dealers and their clients.

At nearly 800,000 square feet, DCOTA is the largest design campus of its kind. High design is showcased within over 80 premier showrooms, catering to any home, yacht or office project. Fine indoor and outdoor furniture, fabrics, flooring, lighting, kitchen, bath, antiques, accessories, appliances, window treatments, decorative hardware, paint and surfacing are just some of the resources found within the center.

Vizcayan’s Evening Under the Stars, a celebration that was worthwhile By Betty Alvarez

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The Vizcayans, a non profit group that works to protect, preserve and promote South Florida’s treasure, Vizcaya Museum & Gardens took their annual Spring gala, Evening Under the Stars to new heights on April 29.

Guests had the rare opportunity to tour the historic house and gardens by night and enjoy food, cocktails and live entertainment amidst a chic atmosphere. Inside the house, silent auctions items from exclusive jewelry, Romero Britto artwork, autographed sports and music memorabilia were up for bids. Throughout the event, fashion models showing off the latest Spring collection from Hugo Boss were impressive.

NBC anchor Pam Giganti along with NBC reporter Roxanne Vargas served as guests hosts alongside Leslie Bowe, The Vizcayan’s Vice President and Event Chair who thanked The Vizcayan volunteers and sponsors on helping make this event a great success. Miss Miami made a royal toast in celebration of the Royal Wedding happening earlier in the day who was very excited for the upcoming Miss Florida pageant.

Thierry’s Catering provided a pasta, paella and meat station which guests raved for. Stella Artois had a beer station which provided guest with several different kinds of beer. A favorite was the white beer which tasted like sparkling wine.

Guests could not get over the breathtaking views that Vizcaya Museum & Gardens had and a wonderful place to have such a high caliber event. More into the evening, a huge downpour fell over the historic house, however, that did not deter guests as they danced the night away to the beats of the DJ. It was truly a worthwhile celebration.

Photographs by Betty Alvarez copyright 2011

CJ Foundation 2nd Annual Gala and Silent Hero Award Ceremony 5/21/11

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CJ Foundation 2nd Annual Gala and Silent Hero Award Ceremony
May 21st, 2011, 6:30 – 10:30
The Hamlet Country Club
3600 Hamlet Drive
Delray Beach FL 33445
www.cjfoundation.net

Not ” JUST” another gala- Your help will support us in creating the area’s FIRST art based afterschool and weekend program for children with ASD! …Help us reach our goal of $250K to make this dream a reality and Launch Cj’s Miracles…

At The beautiful Hamlet Country Club!
Hosted by community leader, Gregg Weiss
A special evening to honor those special heroes that quietly and tirelessly work behind the scenes for the benefit of children in our communities.

Join Us In Celebrating Our 2011 Silent Hero Nominees
Mr. Mike Luciano, Internet Manager of Mercedes Benz Delray Beach, Delray Beach Chamber Chairman’s Club Chair, Delray Beach, FL
Ms. Gretta Vitta, TV Personality, Spokesperson, & Radio Host, Magazine Writer & Contributor, Jupiter, Fl
Mrs. Karen Krumholtz, Director of Spirit of Giving, Boca Raton, Fl
Lt. Michael Coleman, Delray Police Department, Delray Beach Fl
Mr. Chuck Halberg, Owner of Stuart & Shelby Development, Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce, Business Person of the Year 2010-2011, Delray Beach, Fl
Ms. Alberta McCarthy, Real Estate Broker and Trainer, Chairwoman of Roots Cultural Festival, Commissioner Emeritus for the City of Delray Beach, Delray Beach Fl
Ms. Nicole Shelley Greenidge, Executive Director of Nicole Shelley Models, 2011 Ambassador of Commerce, St. Lucia, West Indies, Miami, Fl
Mrs. Nancy Reagan, Owner of Bella Reina Spa, Delray Beach, Fl,

Confirmed Guest Star: Steven Bauer- Star of ScarFace and Que Pasa USA

Special Pre-Gala Reception May 5th!

Contact : rdavis@cjfoundation.net
For more info Today!
Sponorship Opportunities still available

Cooking With the Stars 5/15/11

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Cooking With the Stars
Sunday, May 15, 2011, 6pm
Temple Israel of Greater Miami
137 NE 19th Street
Miami, FL 33132
Website.

Temple Israel of Greater Miami will host its second annual Cooking with the Stars, an evening of fine wine and dining with South Florida’s celebrity chefs on Sunday, May 15th, beginning at 6:00 PM.

Author and media personality Linda Gassenheimer will emcee the event at the Temple’s Performing Arts District campus as celebrity chefs Michelle Bernstein (Michy’s, Sra. Martinez), Douglas Rodriguez (Ola, DeRodriguez Cuba on Ocean), Cindy Hutson (Ortanique on the Mile), Sam Gorenstein (BLT Steak at The Betsy), Aria Kagan (from “The Next Food Network Star,” and Eats Good) and Michael Moran (FIU Culinary Coordinator of the South Beach Wine & Food Festival) demonstrate the preparation of their gastronomic creations.

Also participating: Jeffrey Wolfe (Wolfe’s Wine Shoppe) who will discuss the event’s wine-pairings; Chef Michael Meltzer (Michael’s Catering); Epicure Gourmet Market and Café; and, Misha’s Cupcakes.

Benefiting from the gourmet evening are Temple Israel and its community projects, such as the Feed the Homeless program and Community Garden to support Lotus House Homeless Shelter, as well as the chefs’ favorite charities.

“Foodie” reservations are $180 pp and “Gourmet” tickets, which include a 5 pm VIP reception, are $250 pp. There are multiple underwriting and sponsorship opportunities. For more information and reservations, please contact Marla Towbin, executive director, at 305.573.5900, ext.404, or marla@templeisrael.net.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Miami 11th Annual Miracle Makers Luncheon and Fashion Show 5/6/11

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Friday, May 6, 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach
1 Lincoln Road
Miami Beach, FL
Please contact Karina Alvarez for information: 305.644.0066 x 294 or kalvarez@bbbsmiami.org

Big Brothers Big Sisters Celebrates Florida’s Philanthropic And Fashionable
The Women’s Committee of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Miami, and co-chairs Norma Jean Abraham and Irene Korge invite you to the 11th Annual Miracle Makers Luncheon and Fashion Show to be held at The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach on Friday, May 6, 2011. Shannon Hori, CBS 4 Anchor will serve as Mistress of Ceremonies. There will be a spectacular silent auction, cocktail reception, luncheon and fashion show by Neiman Marcus Coral Gables.

The 2011 Miracle Makers Honorees are:
Cathy Blank, Lauren Book, Lourdes Castillo de la Peña, Sonia Gibson, Louise Harms, Lauren Harrison Genovese, Nina Hart, Ingrid Hoffman, Filemon Lopez, Emily Marquez-Dulin, Richard Milstein, Joe Peña, Stephanie Sayfie, Ana Viega Milton

About Big Brothers Big Sisters: Big Brothers Big Sisters is a donor and volunteer supported organization that transforms the lives of at-risk children through supportive adult mentor relationships. For further information, visit www.wementor.org or call 305.644.0066.

Champions of Equality Awards Reception and Silent Auction 5/20/11

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Champions of Equality 2011
Friday, May 20, at 6:30 PM
The Ice Palace
1400 North Miami Avenue
Miami, FL 33136
More Info.
Buy Tickets Now.

Honoring the ACLU of Florida, Greenberg Traurig LLP, and Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Shultz

The SAVE Dade Champions of Equality Awards Reception and Silent Auction is an annual event established to honor members of the community who have significantly advanced the cause of equality for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community in Miami-Dade County.

This year’s honorees include the ACLU of Florida and Greenberg Traurig LLP, both of whom helped strike down the ban which prohibited gay and lesbian Floridians from adopting, and South Florida Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman-Schultz, who has led the movement for equality on Capitol Hill time and time again.

The Miami Lighthouse for the Blind presents Music Under the Stars Bon Appétit Miami 4/27/11

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“Music Under the Stars: Bon Appétit Miami”
Wednesday, April 27 from 6:30-9:30 p.m
Miami Lighthouse For The Blind
601 SW 8th Avenue
Miami, FL

Miami Lighthouse invites the community to attend the fourth annual “Music Under the Stars: Bon Appétit Miami” featuring delicious samplings from Miami area restaurants, Wednesday, April 27 from 6:30-9:30 p.m. at our facility located at 601 SW 8th Avenue. The Heiken Children’s Vision Program provides free comprehensive eye examinations and glasses when prescribed to low-income public school students who fail state-mandated school vision screenings. There is an $80 donation to attend the event which commemorates the 80th birthday of Miami Lighthouse and covers most of the cost to provide free eye care and glasses for one low-income child who fails a state-mandated school vision screening.

“This is a special evening to help raise awareness and financial support for the many thousands of low-income children in our community who need our help to achieve educational success,” said Virginia A. Jacko, President & CEO of Miami Lighthouse. The Miami Lighthouse Heiken Children’s Vision Program is the only entity in Florida with the experience, capacity, programming, and community support to ensure that needy children in the public school system can receive a comprehensive eye examination and necessary eyeglasses. This school year the Heiken Program will complete over 6,000 eye exams, and more than 75% of the students will be prescribed eyeglasses, but the need is even greater.

Local restaurants will sponsor food stations at the indoor/outdoor event, and attendees can also enjoy a tour of the Miami Lighthouse facility. The restaurant and beverage providers include: Gibraltar, Casa Juancho, Perricone’s Marketplace, Starbucks Coffee, El Carajo, Chocolate Fashion, Grazie Italian Cuisine, Seasons 52 Fresh Grill, Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant, Shorty’s Bar-B-Q, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse, Barefoot Wine & Bubbly, Gulf Discount Liquors & Wine Merchants, Gold Coast Beverage Distributors, CA Catering and The Crepe Station courtesy of Dr. Barry Burak and Affiliated Healthcare Centers, Inc.

The event is sponsored by Baptist Health South Florida, Essilor Laboratories of America, Transitions Optical, SMF Energy Corporation, Essilor of America, Low VisionAids Inc., Sir Speedy Printing and Marketing Services, GrayRobinson Attorneys at Law, Verdeja & De Armas Certified Public Accountants, VSP Labs, DadePaper, and Kodak Lens by Signet Armorlite. Event tickets are $80 per person, benefiting the Heiken Children’s Vision Program. To reserve, call 786-362-7514. Valet parking is complimentary.

Vizcayans Evening Under the Stars 4/29/11

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The Vizcayans to Host 14th Annual Evening Under the Stars
April 29, 2011
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
3251 South Miami Avenue
Miami, 33129

Attendees must be 21 and over and should dress to impres. The event takes place rain or shine. All proceeds beneft The Vizcayans’ mission to support Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. Please visit www.vizcayans.org to purchase your tickets or renew/upgrade your membership. Tickets are $75 for members and $100 for non-members for advance purchase; the night of the event, they are $125 at door. For additional information please call 305-856-4866 ex: 3.

The Vizcayans , a non-proft that works to protect, preserve and promote South Florida treasure, Vizcaya Museum & Gardens takes their annual spring party, Evening Under the Stars, to new heights on Friday, April 29th, from 7:30 to 11 PM.

This rare opportunity to tour the historic house and gardens by night and enjoy food, wine and enter- tainment amidst a chic cocktail atmosphere, takes a royal turn by toasting the wedding of the century of Prince William and Kate Middleton and showing it on a large screen all night long. Guests are en- couraged to make their own memories of the Royal Wedding day!

Also showing are the latest spring fashions from Hugo Boss Orange – a colorful, impressive collec- tion of everyday wear, business-appropriate cloth- ing and accessories.

Presented by LINCOLN and Stella Artois, with wines from Anacapri Italian Cuisine & Market, beer from Stella Artois and food by Thierry’s Catering, the free-fowing evening features an assortment of festive activities including light food, drinks , fashion and dancing with DJ Crunchtime. Evening Under the Stars is star-powered by hosts NBC Miami anchor Pam Giganti and NBC Miami reporter Roxanne Vargas.

A Silent Auction gives participants additional opportunities to beneft The Vizcayans and take home very special offerings. Striking the fancy of sports fans, memorabilia autographed by Dwyane Wade, Joe DiMaggio and other heroes is up for grabs. Music lovers can make a play for autographed guitars from The Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen and Justin Bieber. Got the travel bug? Destinations like New York’s Fashion Week, LA’s Grammy Awards and relaxing resorts await. And for the adventurous, cap- ture the imagination with priceless experiences like fying with a fghter pilot or attending a round of the Masters Golf Championship!

The Vizcayans Vice President and Event Chair Leslie Bowe promises “an extraordinary night for all. What better way to celebrate the history-making Royal Wedding and the natural beauty of South Flori- da’s most breathtaking historic house and gardens than an evening of food, fashion and luxury under the stars that benefts historic Vizcaya?” Bowe concludes.

About The Vizcayans: The Vizcayans engages broad participation in the preservation and advancement of Vizcaya Museum and Gardens as an accredited museum and a National Historic Landmark through fnancial support, advocacy and other activities.

About Vizcaya Museum and Gardens: Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is a National Historic Landmark that preserves the Miami estate of agri- cultural industrialist James Deering to engage our community and its visitors in learning through the arts, history, and the environment. Contact: Jan Idelman, 954-294-3777, jidelman@bellsouth.net

Bold Adventures Party with Tigertail On Stage 5/21/11

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Saturday, May 21, 8:00 – 11:00 pm
Miami Dade County Auditorium
2901 West Flagler Street
Miami
Tickets www.tigertail.org, by phone 305 324 4337
Tickets $125 per person $220 two persons Event Host $400 four persons

“Party like Pavarotti” On Stage at a fundraiser for Tigertail.
Bold Adventures, it’s more than an idea.

Treat yourself to a Bold Adventure. Take a walk on the wild side. Come to Tigertail’s annual fling. This year we are On Stage at the Miami Dade County Auditorium. Stage Door Johnny will greet you as you enter the cabaret through the theater back door. Then make your entrance onto the stage where you become the star. Conjure up a performer from this site’s 60-year history of legendary performers. Dream of Nureyev, Liberace, Marion Anderson, who integrated the theater in 1951, Artur Rubinstein, Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo, Pavarotti – his U.S. premiere, Yma Sumac, Jose Greco, Tito Puente, Thomas Armour.

Top hats, tutus, tights and tambourines – mix it up. Come in costume, or not.
Build or start your art collection. This is the place to do it. You can’t go to eBay for the jewels you can purchase in the Not So Silent Silent Auction. Curator Wendy Wischer has elicited a stable of “wow” artwork.

Miami’s magician of the unexpected Octavio Campos will lead you through the night.
Great food. Great fun. Great booze. Great friends.

Artwork for bid by: Loriel Beltran, Edouard Duval Carrié, Elizabeth Cerejido, Robert Chambers, Julie Davidow, Felice Grodin, Adler Guerrier, Kathleen Hudspeth, William Keddell, Natalya Laskis, Susan Lee Chun, Terri Lindbloom, John Mack, Vanessa Mayoraz, Andres Michelena, Lucia Minervini, Peggy Nolan, Charo Oquet, Jay Ore, Christina Pettersson, Vicki Pierre, Ralph Provisero, Brian Reedy, Karen Rifas, Leyden Rodriguez, Andrew Scott Ross, Samantha Salzinger, Tom Scicluna, Sara Stites, Ileana Tolbia, Mette Tommerup, Ivan Toth-Depena, Tom Virgin, Michelle Weinberg, Tom Weinkle, Wendy Wischer.

With food and open bar and so much more!
Free easy parking on-site

Host Committee: David Beaty, Ray Breslin & Patrick Pecoraro, Harvey Burstein, Michael Caputo, Peter & Gina Cunningham, Doug Derby, Alain Filiz, Luis Hernandez & Don Finefrock, David Hammer, Benjamin Hein, Joe Hoyt & Nancy Meyer, Remko Jansonius, Glenn Kaufhold, John Kramel, Cathy Leff, Mary Luft, Riley & Donna McLachan, Kathleen Murphy, Lea Nickless, Dale Penn, Joseph Polito & Lisa Beal, Mercedes & Manny Quiroga, Will Rey, Flaminia Gennari Santori, Joan Schaeffer, Kennan Siegel, Linda M. Smith, Wallis Tinnie, Tom Weinkle, Elaine Wright & Michael Roark, Paquita Zuidema & Brian Mapes

GMBHA 17th Annual Inn Key Awards Luncheon to Honor Miami Hotel Employees and Hotels 4/26/11

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Greater Miami & The Beaches Hotel Association17th Annual Inn Key Awards Luncheon
Tuesday, April 26th, 2011
Allied Member Expo: 11:00am – 12:00pm
Awards Luncheon: 12:00pm – 2:00pm
InterContinental Miami
100 Chopin Plaza

Greater Miami & the Beaches Hotel Association; 250+ Miami Dade County Hotel Employees; Hospitality, Corporate and Government Leaders

17th Annual Inn Key Awards Luncheon to Honor Miami Hotel Employees and Hotels

On Tuesday, April 26th, 2011 the Greater Miami & The Beaches Hotel Association (GMBHA) honors over 250 hotel employees across Miami Dade County. The event attracts over 400 hospitality, corporate and governmental leaders to join our hoteliers, their management team in recognizing their hourly employees, the “heart” of our tourism industry.

The 21 employee categories range from Bellman, Housekeepers, to Culinary and Engineering. There are also 5 hotel awards in the categories of Diversity, Environmental, Quality, Community Relations and Employee Relations that are recognized. Last year’s hotel awards were given to InterContinental Miami for Community Service, Mandarin Oriental for Guest Relations, The Setai for Diversity, Clifton for Environmental Recognition and Canyon Ranch for Employee Relations.

A portion of the net proceeds benefit The GMBHA Academy of Hospitality and Tourism (Miami Dade County Public Schools) Stuart L. Blumberg Scholarship Fund.

For additional information, please contact:
Vanja Majkic, Vanja@gmbha.com, for tickets and sponsorship information
Cherry Bongiorno, cherry@gmbha.com, for allied member expo information.
Telephone #: 305-531-3553

Cost: $50.00/members; $60/guests & non-members; and sponsorships from $1,500 to $10,000.

Miami Bridge Bridge to the Stars Fundraiser 4/16/11

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Virtual Bowling, Billiards and Dancing for Miami’s Only Emergency Shelter for Children and Teens
Saturday, April 16
JW Marriott Marquis Miami

The event is $200 for a single reservation. Anyone interested can call 305.636.3520.

Miami Bridge to Host Highly Anticipated Bridge to the Stars Fundraiser
Poolside soirée to help “build a bridge” to a better future for abused, neglected and abandoned children and teens

As the sun sets over downtown Miami next Saturday, April 16, the ‘stars’ will be out in support of Miami Bridge Youth and Family Services, Inc. Dozens of notable community leaders and activists will be in attendance for the not-for-profit’s 26th annual fundraiser, Bridge to the Stars, taking place at the JW Marriott Marquis Miami hotel. The event, the “must attend” of the season, will be poolside and will feature virtual bowling, billiards, music and dancing.

“This fundraiser, the biggest to date for Miami Bridge, is sure to be one of the most memorable in our organization’s history,” said Mary Andrews, Executive Director of Miami Bridge Youth and Family Services, Inc. “Bridge to the Stars will pay tribute to our network of supporters whose dedication to cause and community has helped further our mission, rescuing those in greatest need from a life of victimization and crime.”

Miami Bridge, the City’s only emergency shelter for children and teenagers ages 10-17, provides critical services to youth in crisis including counseling, family counseling and education. Funds raised through Bridge to the Stars will go toward bolstering that outreach.

Attendees will not only have access to some of the JW Marriott Marquis Miami’s renowned amenities, including its virtual bowling alley, but a silent auction, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres.

Bridge to the Stars will be co-chaired by Kim Bacardi, Alfred Karram, Jr., Natasha Lowell, Natacha Munilla and Judy Reinach. Sponsors include Bacardi, BenTrust Financial, Coastal Construction Group, Lamar Homes and Thunder Electrical Contractors, Inc.

About Miami Bridge Youth and Family Services
Miami Bridge Youth and Family Services, Inc, a not-for-profit organization operating out of Northwest Miami-Dade and Homestead for more than 20 years, provides emergency shelter, food and counseling for troubled youths and their families. The organization, which acts as a catalyst for new beginnings, works to rescue kids from lives of victimization and crime, and provides them with structure in a stable and nurturing environment. Miami Bridge shelters more than 800 children and counsels more than 550 families every year, providing them with solutions, alternatives and hope. For more information on Miami Bridge or to get involved, call 305-636-3520 or visit www.miamibridge.org.

Dream in Green’s annual fundraiser made lots of green at their anniversary event by Betty Alvarez

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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

Miami Art Museum 4th Annual MAM Corporate Luncheon 5/13/11

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Miami Art Museum Corporate Luncheon To Honor Bank Of America For Its Support Of South Florida’s Arts Community
Friday, May 13, 2011
Four Seasons Hotel Miami

Fourth Annual Miami Art Museum Corporate Luncheon

Miami’s business, civic and cultural leaders will gather to honor the private sector’s impact on South Florida’s cultural landscape during the Fourth Annual Miami Art Museum (MAM) Corporate Luncheon on Friday, May 13, 2011. Bank of America, one of the world’s largest financial institutions and a mainstay of support in South Florida’s cultural community, will receive the 2011 Miami Art Museum Corporate Honors for its community development activities including its Museums on Us program, and its philanthropic efforts and consistent support of South Florida’s cultural institutions. Since 1998, Bank of America has provided sustaining support to the Annual Fund for exhibitions and education at Miami Art Museum.

This year’s MAM Corporate Luncheon, presented by South Motors Automotive Group, will be held at the Four Seasons Hotel in downtown Miami from 11:30am until 2pm. Luncheon proceeds will support The Record: Contemporary Art and Vinyl, an exhibition which Miami Art Museum will present in 2012 with the support of the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation’s Knight Arts Challenge initiative.

“We are proud to honor Bank of America for its longtime commitment to enacting positive change in South Florida,” said Aaron Podhurst, chairman of Miami Art Museum’s board of trustees. “Bank of America’s support for the arts is a shining example of how our community’s corporate citizens are directly impacting our cultural institutions, and in the process, our economy and quality of life. Miami Art Museum’s strength as a public-private partnership will take on added significance as we continue our capital campaign in the span leading up to the debut of our new building in Museum Park.”

Antonio L. Argiz, CEO and managing partner of accounting firm Morrison, Brown, Argiz & Farra, LLC, will serve as 2011 Luncheon Honorary Chair. Pedro A. Fernandez, principal of Bernstein Global Wealth Management, and Alex Espenkotter, partner with law firm Heller Waldman, PL, will serve as Luncheon Chairmen.

Thomas Collins, director of Miami Art Museum, and Dennis Scholl, Vice President, Arts, for John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, will serve as keynote speakers during the luncheon. In an address, entitled “Growing Miami, Growing Miami Art Museum: A Dialogue for the Corporate Community,” Collins and Scholl will discuss the current state of affairs in Miami’s arts and cultural landscape, which has undergone a dramatic resurgence in recent years.

“Miami Art Museum’s annual Corporate Luncheon is an opportunity for our business and civic community to reflect on the collective impact the private sector has had on raising Miami’s profile as an international arts destination,” said Collins. “Looking ahead, our corporate partners will play an increasingly pivotal role in our institutional advancement as we expand our programming and educational initiatives in our new Museum Park home.”

Collins is an arts administrator, art historian, educator and author with more than 15 years of museum experience. He joined the Museum as director in 2010 after serving for five years as director of the Neuberger Museum of Art in Westchester County, New York. An art collector for more than 30 years, Scholl has lead local and national philanthropic efforts in the visual arts. In addition to having served as founding co-chair of the Miami Art Museum Collectors Council, he has served as founding chair of the Guggenheim Photography Committee and of the Tate Modern American Acquisitions Committee.

Luncheon sponsorships are available, ranging from $2,500 for a partial table to $20,000 for two tables of ten. Individual tickets range from $150 for a single ticket to $1,500 for a partial table and recognition in the event program. For additional information or to reserve seats, please contact Brooke Minto at (305) 375-2617, or by email at bminto@miamiartmuseum.org.

Miami Art Museum Corporate Luncheon supporters include: Presenting Sponsor South Motors Automotive Group; Diamond Sponsor The Fairholme Foundation; Gold Sponsors Bank of America, Bilzin Sumberg Baena Price & Axelrod LLP, Frank Crystal & Company, Grossman Roth, P.A., Hall, Lamb and Hall, P.A., Lehman Auto World, Mallah Furman, Morrison Brown Argiz & Farra, LLC, Podhurst Orseck, P.A., Rice Pugatch Robinson & Schiller, P.A., Shutts & Bowen LLP, SunTrust Bank Florida and U.S. Trust; Silver Sponsors Bernstein Global Wealth Management, John Moriarty & Associates, LAFCO New York / Santa Maria Novella and Merrill Lynch; and Media Sponsor PODER Magazine.

Miami Art Museum, a modern and contemporary art museum located in downtown Miami, FL, is dedicated to collecting and exhibiting international art of the 20th and 21st centuries with an emphasis on the cultures of the Atlantic Rim—the Americas, Europe and Africa—from which the vast majority of Miami residents hail. Recently, Miami Art Museum has presented exhibitions of works by Janet Cardiff and George Bures Miller, Carlos Cruz-Diez, Quisqueya Henriquez, Guillermo Kuitca, Wifredo Lam, Susan Rothenberg and Yinka Shonibare, and its Permanent Collection includes works by Doug Aitken, José Bedia, Mark Dion, Marcel Duchamp, Felix Gonzalez-Torres, Ann Hamilton, Arturo Herrera, Alfredo Jaar, Sol LeWitt, Vik Muniz, Wangechi Mutu, Robert Rauschenberg, Gerhard Richter, James Rosenquist, Tomas Saraceno, Lorna Simpson and Rachel Whiteread. Miami Art Museum’s educational programming currently reaches more than 30,000 people every year, with the largest art education program outside the Miami-Dade County Public Schools. The new Miami Art Museum at Museum Park, designed by Herzog & de Meuron, is scheduled to open to the public in 2013. The new facility will provide room to showcase growing collections, expanded exhibition space to bring more world-class exhibitions to Miami-Dade County, and an educational complex. For more information about Miami Art Museum, visit miamiartmuseum.org or call 305.375.3000.

Accredited by the American Association of Museums, Miami Art Museum is sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Arts Council, and the National Endowment for the Arts; with the support of Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, the Cultural Affairs Council, the Mayor and the Board of County Commissioners. Miami Art Museum is an accessible facility. For sign language interpretation or assistive listening devices please call Miami Art Museum’s education department 305.375.4073 at least five days in advance. Materials in accessible format may be requested.

The CJ Foundation 2nd Annual Gala and Silent Hero Award Ceremony 5/21/11

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The CJ Foundation 2nd Annual Gala and Silent Hero Award Ceremony
5/21/2011, 6:30-9:30
The Hamlet County Club
3800 Hamlet Drive
Delray Beach, Fl 33445
www.cjfoundation.net

SAVE THE DATE for our 2nd Annual Gala and
“Silent Hero” Award Ceremony
@ The beautiful Hamlet Country Club!
Hosted by community leader, Gregg Weiss
Join us for this special evening to honor those special heroes that quietly and tirelessly work behind the scenes for the benefit of children in our communities.

STAY TUNED: An exclusive evening full of surprises, entertainment, food and drink

Sponsorship Packages Available; contact 561-512-7862

Debbie’s Dream Foundation Dream Makers Gala 5/6/11

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Debbie’s Dream Foundation Hosts 2nd Annual Dream Makers Gala To Raise Money For Stomach Cancer Awareness And Research
Friday, May 6, 2011
The Westin Beach Resort & Spa
Fort Lauderdale

Debbie’s Dream Foundation (DDF) will host its second annual Dream Makers Gala on Friday, May 6, 2011 at The Westin Beach Resort & Spa in Fort Lauderdale. The event benefits DDF which was founded by Debbie Zelman to raise awareness of stomach cancer and increase funding for research for this difficult-to-treat disease. Zelman, a Davie resident, was diagnosed in 2008 at the age of forty with advanced stomach cancer and founded DDF in 2009.

“My dream is that we will learn enough about this disease to find it early, or even prevent it,” Zelman says. “We want our Gala to continue to be a wonderful celebration of life but also a way to raise funds to make this dream a reality.”

Last year’s inaugural event raised $140,000. The 2011 Gala co-chairs, Jennifer andStuart Kapp and Debi and Jason Chalik, are hoping to surpass that total this year by encouraging more people to attend and obtaining additional sponsorships. Sponsors for this year’s Gala include Title Sponsor Proskauer, and Gold Sponsors Sheridan HealthCare, and Newport Beachside Hotel and Resort.

“We are thrilled by the support we are receiving for this event and expect it to be a huge success. This money will go to encourage much needed research for stomach cancer,” Jennifer Kapp said. “By joining us, you will have a wonderful evening and make a real contribution to a very important cause.”

The evening will begin at 7:00 pm with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and a silent auction, followed by dinner, dancing, and an exciting live auction featuring a one week stay in a picturesque four bedroom mountain home in North Carolina, a catered cocktail party for up to one hundred people and several other priceless items. The program also includes award presentations and remarks from several world renowned guest speakers. This year’s award recipients are: Kathleen Wesa, MD, Assisting Attending Physician of the Integrative Medicine Service at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center; Julie and Jeffrey Cornfeld and Susanne and Steven Hurowitz of the Newport Beachside Hotel & Resort; Libia Scheller, PhD, Medical Director of the Institute for Medical Education and Research; Madelyn Zelman, M.Ed.; and Duree Ross, President of Duree & Company.

Following the awards ceremony, guests will have the opportunity to hear brief remarks from Dr. Kathleen Wesa who will discuss the role of integrative medicine in cancer treatment, and #1 New York Times best-selling author Brad Meltzer.

Tickets for the gala are $175 per person. Sponsorships range from $600 to $25,000. To become a sponsor or purchase tickets, call 954.889.5825 or email events@debbiesdream.org.

Debbie Zelman was forty years old, the wife of a physician, mother of three young children and owner of her own law firm when she was diagnosed with advanced stomach cancer. In the course of searching for effective treatment options, she quickly learned how difficult this disease is to detect and treat, and that the prognosis is often grim. She decided to begin Debbie’s Dream Foundation to raise awareness of the disease and encourage research into the causes of and cures for stomach cancer. In its first two years, DDF has become a strong voice in South Florida for stomach cancer research and is emerging as a national leader in raisingawareness and providing patient services for this under-recognized and under-funded disease.

Over 22,000 Americans are diagnosedannually with stomach cancer and 10,000 die of the disease. Worldwide, stomach cancer is the fourth most common cancer and the second greatest cancer killer and is very prevalent in many parts of Asia and South America. Research is yielding important information about the role of diet and genetics in stomach cancer, but much remains to be done to improve the treatment and outcomes for this disease.

DDF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charity. For more information, visit www.debbiesdream.org.

The Blacks’ Annual Gala 4/2/11

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Blacks’ Annual Gala
Sat Apr 2, 7:00 pm -12:00 am
Eden Roc Renaissance
4525 Collins Ave
Miami Beach 33140
Buy Tickets Online.

The Blacks’ Annual Gala “That’s What Friends Are For”featuring performances by Dionne Warwick and Pharrell and Friends

The 16th annual charity gala presented by Roy and Lea Black for the benefit of The Consequences Charity, Foundation and a host of other not for profit concerns, will take place at Eden Roc Renaissance Miami Beach on April 2nd, 2011.

The annual event, always on the top of Miami’s social calendar, will feature the theme, “That’s What Friends Are For” and offer guests an amazing array of things to do in one evening benefitting at-risk youth.

The event will kick off with celebrity red carpet arrivals, a cocktail reception with auction items and luxury couture shopping to benefit charity, followed by a four course gourmet fine dining experience while watching extraordinary performances by grammy winning / platinum selling artists.

French-American Chamber of Commerce Grand Annual Gala Dinner 5/19/11

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Sofitel – Luxury Hotels
5800 Blue Lagoon Drive
Miami, 33126
Dress Code: Chic & Elegant Suggested
gala@faccmiami.com

Live Auctions – Raffle – Silent Auctions*
Jazz Performance

Members
Opal Package $1,750
Amber Package $1,500
Corporate Table $1,250
Individual Ticket $150

Friends of the Chamber
Opal Package $2,000
Amber Package $1,750
Corporate Table $1,500
Individual Ticket $175

The French-American Chamber of Commerce’s Grand Annual Gala Dinner is a unique event in Miami to celebrate French American Business collaboration. It is our major fundraiser and its success is essential to our mission. It brings together executives representing leading corporations in Florida and top officials of the State of Florida and the French Embassy.

Archbishop Curley Notre Dame High School Alumni Hall of Fame New Members Induction Gala 4/16/11

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Archbishop Curley Notre Dame High School Will Induct Eight New Members into its Prestigious Alumni ‘Hall of Fame’ Gala
Saturday, April 16, 7pm
The Surf Club
9011 Collins Avenue
Surfside, FL.

Archbishop Curley Notre Dame High School will induct William Brickman ’58, Nick Silverio ’61, Rosemary Kelly Parnell ’65, Sonia Escobio O’Donnell ’70, Barney Moody ’76, Br. Richard DeMaria, CFC, and John and Gabrielle Quirno into the school’s 2011 Hall of Fame to be held on April 16, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. at The Surf Club, 9011 Collins Avenue, Surfside, FL.

Induction into the ACND Hall of Fame is the highest honor bestowed by the school. It recognizes alumni with outstanding lifetime achievements in society and professional life.

William ‘Bill’ Brickman ‘58

Bill’s family includes seven brothers and one sister. Guy ‘56, Jack ’58, Pat ‘60, Mike ‘61, Dick ‘64, and Joe ’58, all graduated from Curley High School; his sister Julie graduated from Monsignor Edward Pace High School. While in high school, Bill received many athletic awards and received football scholarship offers from 10 universities. He signed a grant-in-aid with the University of Miami, along with 1958 classmates Bill Diamond and Larry Wilson. His playing career ended after he sustained two head injuries. Bill began his professional career as a student-coach, scouting future opponents and developing scouting reports. Upon earning a degree in education, he was hired to coach full time. In 1964 he left coaching and accepted a job with CITGO Petroleum. Bill has held various managerial positions in Florida and received the “Salesman of the Year” award. During this time, he continued to coach part-time. For the past 22 years, Bill has worked for Pizza Hut of America as a Senior Real Estate Manager. Bill is married to his high school sweetheart, Sandra Pariseau; they have two daughters and four grandchildren.

Nick Silverio ‘61

Nick is a graduate of St. John the Apostle and Curley High School. After completing post-secondary education at Miami-Dade College, Barry University, Wharton, and Harvard Business School, he formed his own business Nick Silverio and Associates, Inc. – a computer software, services, and consulting firm. Nick’s life would forever change after his wife Gloria died in a car crash caused by a speeding driver. She had been shopping for a party they had planned to celebrate their 31st wedding anniversary. To continue the memory of Gloria’s work helping children, Nick formed ‘A Safe Haven for Newborns’ (www.asafehavenfornewborns.com.) The organization tackles the tragedy of infant abandonment in Florida. The Safe Haven law is a safety net for both the mother and the newborn infant, allowing the mother, father, or whoever is in possession of an unharmed newborn (seven days old or less) to leave the baby at a Safe Haven facility such as a hospital; fire, rescue or emergency medical service station, with no questions asked, anonymously, and free from fear of prosecution.

Rosemary Kelly Parnell NDA ‘65

Rosemary was born in Philadelphia and is the third of four children. Her two brothers graduated from Curley and her sister graduated from attended Notre Dame Academy for four years. Her family settled in Miami Shores where Rosemary attended St. Rose of Lima and NDA. Rosemary was married to Bob Parnell, who passed away in 2004; they had two children, Kelly and Bobby. Rosemary and Bob, a US Marine Corps officer, travelled the world together. Sharing a desire to help humanity, they would change careers. Rosemary worked for the UN High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) and Bob joined UNICEF. She left UNHCR after a year and then worked for the United Nations World Food Programme for 15 years and then joined the American Red Cross as Director of Logistics in Washington D.C. Since 2010 she has been stationed in Haiti, managing logistics for the International Federation of the Red Cross’ earthquake and cholera operations.

Sonia Escobio O’Donnell ‘70

Sonia is a Partner in the Miami office of Jorden Burt LLP. Following her clerkship for the Honorable Peter T. Fay in the Court of Appeals (5th Circuit), she became an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, working on civil and criminal trials and appellate litigation. As an Assistant for 16 years, she participated in criminal cases, wrote and argued criminal appeals, supervised the appellate division, and became the Executive Assistant U.S. Attorney and Special Counsel to the U.S. Attorney. As the Executive Assistant she reviewed and approved indictments, created the program for the Drug Task Force in Miami, and worked on high-profile criminal cases. As Special Counsel, she advised the U.S. Attorney on major legal issues. She was assigned to the civil division for three years, during which time she defended lawsuits against the United States. Sonia and her recently deceased spouse had two children, both of whom are attorneys and Harvard Law graduates.

Barney Moody ‘76

Barney is one of ten children, all ACND graduates. His wife Yvonne ’82 and their daughter Danielle ’03 are also ACND graduates. He proudly served four years in the United States Navy with the VS22 Antisubmarine Warfare Airborne Squadron out of Cecil, Florida and was deployed on the carrier USS Saratoga. Barney returned to South Florida and established Moody Electric with his brother John ‘70. Their work has left a lasting imprint through projects that include South Beach Art Deco restorations and, their proudest achievement, helping to build many new churches and schools for the Archdiocese of Miami. Barney is an avid fisherman. Another of his passions is the development and support of The Moody Manor Foundation (now 20 years old), which operates a residence for women who have sustained a Traumatic Brain Injury. The light of Barney’s life now is his granddaughter Mckenzie.

Brother Richard DeMaria, CFC

This year marks Br. DeMaria’s 50th anniversary as a member of the Congregation of Christian Brothers. He holds degrees in science and in religious studies, including a doctorate in theology from St. Michael’s College, University of Toronto. He taught at Iona College for 18 years, holding various positions, including department chair, dean of students, provost, and chief operating officer. In 1989, he worked as an educator with Hispanic migrants on the west coast of Florida. He then served as Principal of Archbishop Curley Notre Dame High School in Miami from 1993 to 1998. Since 1998, he has been Superintendent of Schools for the Archdiocese of Miami and Executive Director of Christian Formation. For years, Br. DeMaria continued to teach a class at ACND and most recently tutored students.

John and Gabriella Quirino

John and Gabriella have been married since 1964. After obtaining his general contractor license, John along with Gabriella formed Quirino Construction Company. By 1980, they were blessed with their son Johnpaul ’98 who would graduate from St. Rose of Lima, ACND, and Barry University. Johnpaul joined the family business shortly after graduation. Since Johnpaul was an ACND student, both John and Gabriella have continuously given time, talent, and financial support towards various projects, including a football field scoreboard; helping to beautify the football bleachers; designing and remodeling the library’s computer lab, cafeteria kitchen, school restrooms, gym locker room, the school’s main office; and relocating the Notre Dame crest, girls’ softball field, and, most recently, the new baseball field. Gabriella was on the school’s PTA for three years, managed the book sale, and, together with John, founded Festa Italiana – a school fundraising event held in their home that would, over the course of its history, raise more than twenty five-thousand dollars.

The ACND Hall of Fame gala is organized by a committee headed by dinner chair, Swanee DiMare ’65, and committee chair, Diane Stead ’70. Spero Canton and Lisa Petrillo ’81 will serve as Masters of Ceremony. The school recognizes contributions made by The Batchelor Foundation, Iona College and Barry University along with underwriting from Tom Shannon, Swanee DiMare, and Jeb Bush. Sponsorship and advertising opportunities are still available and tickets to the gala are $150.00. For more information, contact Amanda Gonzalez, ACND Alumni and Special Events Coordinator at (305) 751-8367 *19 or by email alums@acnd.net.

Event Contact: Amanda Gonzalez, alums@acnd.net (305) 751-8367

Archbishop Curley Notre Dame is a college preparatory high school of the Archdiocese of Miami. The school is conducted by the Congregation of Christian Brothers and accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
The Brother Rice Honors Academy accepts students who are at or above grade level and offers an enriched and challenging middle school curriculum.
4949 NE 2 Avenue, Miami, FL 33137 (305) 751-8367 www.acnd.net

City Year Miami Red Jacket Ball 3/26/11

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Comcast presents the City Year Miami Red Jacket Ball
Saturday, March 26th
Ritz-Carlton
South Beach

Honoring The Miami Dolphins CEO, Mike Dee and Univision President, César Conde.

Community and corporate champions will join Comcast and City Year Miami to celebrate the work of 82 young leaders who dedicate a full year of tutoring and mentoring in Miami-Dade County’s most challenged public schools.

City Year Miami deploys 82 exceptional young leaders, known as corps members, to dedicate one full year of service in local schools and the community. Corps members work towards lowering the high school dropout rate by serving in eight of Miami-Dade County’s lowest performing schools. Since its inception to our community in 2008, City Year Miami corps members have served over 160,000 hours each year to Miami-Dade County.

As City Year Miami completes its third year of service in Miami-Dade County Public Schools, it will be joined by corporate and community leaders during its annual Red Jacket Ball on Saturday, March 26th at the Ritz-Carlton in South Beach. Corporate and community leaders such as, Comcast, The TriMix Foundation, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., Univision, The Miami Dolphins, The Miami Herald, Publix, Deloitte and many others will support City Year Miami as it celebrates its impact and local efforts.

“As the presenting sponsor of this year’s Red Jacket Ball, Comcast believes strongly in the work City Year does in our most underperforming schools, putting students back on track towards high school graduation,” said Klayton Fennell, Regional Vice President, Comcast – FL East Coast Region. “Comcast has proudly partnered with City Year for more than ten years and we are thrilled to support the young leaders who have answered their call to service.”

Univision, President, César Conde; Miami Dolphins, CEO, Mike Dee; Miami-Dade County Public Schools, Superintendent, Alberto Carvalho; Bestselling Novelist, Brad Meltzer and Senator Anitere Flores will be amongst the honorees and speakers for the evening in recognition of their commitment and dedication to City Year and the community as a whole.

Other notable attendees include: Stephen M. Ross, Owner, Miami Dolphins; Jorge Perez, The Related Group; Emilio Estefan; Miami-Dade County Commissioner, Carlos Gimenez; Miami-Dade County School Board Member, Raquel Regalado; City of Miami Mayor, Tomas Regalado; City of Hialeah Mayor, Julio Robaina; State Representative Erik Fresen and Venus Williams.

It is through the efforts and partnership with these corporations, among others, that City Year has been able to demonstrate a high level of success in the public schools it serves. The critical support of government, individuals, foundations and corporate partners have allowed City Year Miami to serve over thousands of students throughout Miami-Dade County Public Schools over its first three years of operations. Proceeds raised from the event will allow City Year Miami to grow its program for the 2011-2012 school year.

“We are truly excited to host City Year Miami’s closest champions and supporters on a night when we celebrate the work of our 82 corps members who are everyday heroes to the students we serve in Miami– Dade County schools,” said Saif Y. Ishoof, Esq, Executive Director, City Year Miami. “We are thrilled to channel the support from tonight’s event towards our organization’s future growth.”

For more information about City Year Miami and the Red Jacket Ball, please contact Lee Grever, Development Director, City Year Miami: lgrever@cityyear.org or 786-406-7902.

City Year unites young people of all backgrounds for a year of full-time service, giving them the skills and opportunities to change the world. As tutors, mentors and role models, these diverse young leaders help children stay in school and on track, and transform schools and communities across the United States, as well as through international affiliates in Johannesburg, South Africa and London, England.

Bali Ha’i Party at The Kampong 3/27/11

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17th Annual Bali Ha’i at The Kampong
Sunday, March 27, 2011
The Kampong
4013 S. Douglas Road
Coconut Grove, FL 33133
www.balihaiparty.com

The 17th annual Bali Ha’i Party – presented by Pointe Group Advisors – will take place Sunday, March 27, 2011, 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The event is held at The Kampong, an exotic botanical oasis in Coconut Grove that offers a glorious setting to enjoy fine wine and gourmet foods. Bali Ha’i will entice guests with exquisite wines, champagnes and exotic libations along with tempting culinary samplings from 25 top South Florida restaurants. In addition, a cornucopia of luxurious auction items will be available for bidding by event participants. Event planners are very excited to announce that A Joy Wallace Catering has been named the event production group for 2011. Their experience and expertise promises to make Bali Ha’i 2011 an extraordinary event.

The event, a collaborative effort between The Kampong of the National Tropical Botanical Garden and the South Florida Chapter of The American Institute of Wine & Food, along with many influential sponsors, raises funds to maintain and expand The Kampong’s tropical botanical collection, providing a living classroom and laboratory for visiting scientists, students, and garden visitors. Bali Ha’i also raises funds to further the goals of the American Institute of Wine & Food, providing educational and nutrition based programs (Days of Taste) and scholarships to some of the finest culinary institutes in South Florida. Regarded as one of the most important food and wine events on the Miami social calendar, Bali Ha’i at The Kampong has sold out each of its sixteen years with over 500 upscale gourmets in attendance.

New at Bali Ha’i 2011 – Event theme is “Bollywood at Bali Ha’i” experience all the sights, sounds and pleasures direct from India. Entertainment to include live Sitar player and Henna artist (VIP only), authentic Bollywood music and the beautiful fire dancer’s from Pyro Fusion performing at Sunset. New VIP exclusive Jakarta Lounge open from 5 to 8 PM and located in the Schokman Education Center with glorious views of The Kampong Main Lawn, featuring the cuisine of Rosa Mexicano and 3030 Ocean and beautiful Italian, Argentine and California wines. VIP plus accommodations with reserved seating and table service, located in the Jakarta Lounge, are sold out for 2011! Main event, in addition to our regular food and beverage station’s, selected chef’s cuisine will be paired with the perfect beverage – creating the ultimate food and wine experience for guests. Silent auction and lounge are located at Bollywood Central, under the big tent on The Kampong tennis court.

Restaurant/culinary participants announced to date include: Ortanique on the Mile, Wynwood Kitchen & Bar, Chef Allen’s, A Joy Wallace @ Vizcaya Café, 1500 at the Eden Roc, 3030 Ocean, Eos at the Viceroy, Hakkassan at the Fontainebleau, Rosa Mexicano, Quattro Gastronomica Italiana, River Seafood & Oyster Bar, The Fairmont Turnberry, A Piece of Cake, Inc., Bimini Boatyard, Gaby’s Farm, Ian’s Tropical Grill, Mango Café at The Fruit & Spice Park, Por Fin, Sawa Restaurant, Vino & Olio, Florida International University Café and Techniques Restaurant at Le Cordon Bleu. More to come in the next few weeks!

Always a highlight of the event is our “People’s Choice Awards” selected by attending guests at our main event from previous year’s. Featured at our VIP “Party Under The Palms”, from 4 to 5 PM are People’s Choice Winner’s Chef Cindy Hutson – Ortanique on the Mile, Chef Marco Ferraro – Wynwood Kitchen & Bar and Chef Brandon Whitestone – Chef Allen’s Restaurant.

Wine/libations and beverages offered by the following: Preview Party Champagne “Tattinger” sponsored by Republic National, event wine retailer Leon’s Wine’s & Liquor’s, featured wine maker’s Deering Winery and Gauthier Select Vineyards, Water by Re:newel water. Main event beverage suppliers include Bullet Proof Wine and Spirits, Fresh Beer, International Wine Importers, Premier, Republic National, Vinamericas, United Fine Wines, Barry Alberts for El Carajo Wine Shop and Vine Connections – featuring wine, beer and sake. Bali Ha’i is pleased to announce our 2011 sponsor’s: Presenting Sponsor – Pointe Group Advisors and Chef Sponsor – Whole Foods Market’s. Additional sponsors include A Joy Wallace Catering Production & Design Team, UPS – United Parcel Services, Grove Village on Grand, Lucini Italia, United Automobile Insurance Company, Poyo Photo Inc., Diamonette Party Rentals, Republic National Distributing Company, Re:newal Water, Espirito Santo Bank, Plymouth Congregational Church and Punch Inc. Marketing Solutions. Bali Ha’i, Miami’s treasured garden party wine and food event, ticket pricing: VIP tickets are $250.00 per person and include VIP party under the palms from 4 to 5 PM, VIP Jakarta Lounge and main event entrance from 5 to 8 PM. Main event tickets $150.00 per person (175.00 per person the day of the event) include main event from 5 to 8 PM. Bali Ha’i organizers believe there is no other event like this in Miami where you can sample such amazing food, drink wonderful wines and beverages, enjoy the splendid garden and bid on a remarkable array of auction items. VIP ticket sales are limited at 200 guests and are not available the day of the event. 70% of the cost of tickets is a tax deductible contribution. Complimentary parking with shuttle service for event guests will be provided at Plymouth Congregational Church, 3400 Devon Road, Coconut Grove. Bali Ha’i is an all- weather outdoor event. Should inclement weather be in the forecast all Bali Ha’i venues will be under tent. For more information, please visit our even web site – www.balihaiparty.com. Photo images are available upon request. Media Contact: Daniel Richeal, AIWF South Florida Chairman, AIWF National Board Member and Bali Ha’i Party Co-Chair. Email spikeanddan@aol.com – phone – 305-899-5847, cell – 305-542- 8762.

Communities In Schools of Miami It Takes Two Gala An Evening of Duets! 4/16/11

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Communities In Schools of Miami “It Takes Two Gala, An Evening of Duets!”
Saturday, April 16th, 2011, 7:00 PM
InterContinental Hotel, downtown Miami

www.cismiami.org

Communities In Schools of Miami (CIS) will be celebrating its annual Gala on Saturday, April 16th, 2011 at downtown Miami’s alluring InterContinental Hotel. Gala, It Takes Two, An Evening of Duets, will feature exquisite food and wine pairings, and one of Miami’s premiere local and nationally acclaimed bands, ¡Suénalo!, who will be debuting their mentor and student paired musical and entertainment performances. All funds raised will help provide educational and emotional support to more than 5,000 students in 21 schools and community-based sites.

¡Suénalo’s! hands-on participation with CIS of Miami is a direct reflection of what the student-mentorship program strives to accomplish at CIS – self confidence and passion for personal growth

Tickets are available for purchase online at www.cismiami.org. You can also RSVP Elizabeth Mejia by phone or email at 305.252.5444 or emejia@cismiami.org

Sustainatopia Honors 2011 4/3/11

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Sustainatopia Honors 2011
April 3, 2011, 6:30PM
Frank Gehry/New World Center Miami Beach
500 17th St
Miami Beach, FL 33139
www.sustainatopia.com

Sustainatopia Honors 2011, presented by PLUM TV is the world’s premier awards ceremony honoring those doing GOOD through impact investing, philanthropy, and sustainable business practice. Hundreds of global leaders in investment, social entrepreneurship and philanthropy will gather to celebrate those committed to doing GOOD and changing our world forever.

Please follow us on Twitter for all the celebrity updates! Twitter.com/Sustainatopia

Photographs of We Cannot Forget Hope for Haiti Cocktail Gala on 3/18/11

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We cannot forget Hope for Haiti Cocktail Gala at Players Car Rental Center on Friday, March 18, 2011.  All proceeds from this benefit the Haiti Cherie Heritage.

Haiti Cherie Heritage is working with rural communities in Haiti to help bring about growth, and improve quality of life while focusing on youth and youth related activities.
Their mission is Helping to make a difference one community at a time.

{Please feel free to download and share.}

Mayor Myron Rosner Of North Miami Beach Among Those Honored At The First Annual Legacy Gala At The Ancient Spanish Monastery

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The Historically Designated Ancient Spanish Monastery, widely regarded as the oldest building in the Western Hemisphere, was built in 1133 AD in Sacramenia, Spain. Cistercian monks occupied The Monastery for nearly 700 years. Dismantled and shipped to the United States by William Randolph Hearst in 1925, the Cloisters of The Monastery were reassembled in North Miami Beach, Florida in 1952. In 1953 TIME magazine called The Monastery “history’s biggest jigsaw puzzle” and chronicled the journey and the ancient artifacts of the collection.

In keeping with the unique legacy of The Ancient Spanish Monastery, The Cloisters Foundation of The Ancient Spanish Monastery is proud to honor individuals whose distinguished achievements and contributions have provided a legacy for community involvement and exceptional leadership. At 7:00 PM on Saturday, April 9, 2011 on the picturesque grounds of The Ancient Spanish Monastery the First Annual Legacy Gala, rightly deemed “Preserving the Legacy,” will honor selected community leaders whose legacy in Miami-Dade County has been longstanding.

The distinguished honorees of the First Annual Legacy Gala are: The Honorable Myron Rosner, Mayor of North Miami Beach, Dr. Dorothy Jenkins-Fields, Founder of the Black Archives History and Research Foundation, Mr. Michael Snyder Esq. President of North Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce, and Mr. Tony Lesesne, Co-founder of Lesesne Media Group and InFocus Magazine.

The Board of Directors and Trustees of The Cloisters Foundation of the The Ancient Spanish Monastery cordially invite the South Florida community to join them and Mistress of Ceremonies Neki Mohan of WPLG Local 10 in an elegant evening of cocktails, dinner, and dancing under the stars in honor of these exceptional community leaders.

In addition to a silent auction, cocktails, dinner, and dancing, invited guests can look forward to the musical stylings of Jazz performer Jon Saxx, a special designer fashion show presented by The Teen Board, and a festive steel band ensemble. Meet with living legacies at the historically designated Ancient Spanish Monastery located at 16711 West Dixie Highway, North Miami Beach, Florida 33160 on Saturday, April 9, 2011 at 7:00 pm. Attire, Black tie.

For more information or invitations to this event, please contact The Monastery at 305-945-1461, or visit http://LegacyGala2011.wordpress.com to RSVP. Cost per person is $100. All benefits are used for the preservation of art, antiquities, building and edifices of this historic site.

The Cloisters Foundation of The Ancient Spanish Monastery is a non-profit organization that brings together community supporters, individuals, organizations and businesses to advocate and support the preservation of art, antiquities, architecture of the Historically Designated Ancient Spanish Monastery. For more information visit: http://LegacyGala2011.wordpress.com.

k. Melanie Marketing Consultants provides innovative solutions to meet your marketing needs. We specialize in Brand Management, Strategic Marketing, and Publicity for your special event, your growing business, and for your individual talents. k. Melanie ensures Bold Moves and Proven Results. For more information on k. Melanie Marketing Consultants, please contact info@kmelanie.com.

Comcast presents the City Year Miami Red Jacket Ball 3/26/11

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Comcast presents the City Year Miami Red Jacket Ball
Saturday, March 26th
Ritz-Carlton South Beach

Honoring The Miami Dolphins CEO, Mike Dee and Univision President, César Conde.

Community and corporate champions will join Comcast and City Year Miami to celebrate the work of 82 young leaders who dedicate a full year of tutoring and mentoring in Miami-Dade County’s most challenged public schools.

City Year Miami deploys 82 exceptional young leaders, known as corps members, to dedicate one full year of service in local schools and the community. Corps members work towards lowering the high school dropout rate by serving in eight of Miami-Dade County’s lowest performing schools. Since its inception to our community in 2008, City Year Miami corps members have served over 160,000 hours each year to Miami-Dade County.

As City Year Miami completes its third year of service in Miami-Dade County Public Schools, it will be joined by corporate and community leaders during its annual Red Jacket Ball on Saturday, March 26th at the Ritz-Carlton in South Beach. Corporate and community leaders such as, Comcast, The TriMix Foundation, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., Univision, The Miami Dolphins, The Miami Herald, Publix, Deloitte and many others will support City Year Miami as it celebrates its impact and local efforts.

“As the presenting sponsor of this year’s Red Jacket Ball, Comcast believes strongly in the work City Year does in our most underperforming schools, putting students back on track towards high school graduation,” said Klayton Fennell, Regional Vice President, Comcast – FL East Coast Region.“Comcast has proudly partnered with City Year for more than ten years and we are thrilled to support the young leaders who have answered their call to service.”

Miami-Dade County Public Schools, Superintendent Alberto Carvalho, Univision, President, César Conde, The Miami Dolphins, CEO, Mike Dee and Senator Anitere Flores will be amongst the honorees and speakers for the evening in recognition of their commitment and dedication to City Year and the community as a whole. It is through the efforts and partnership with these corporations, among others, that City Year has been able to demonstrate a high level of success in the public schools it serves. The critical support of government, individuals, foundations and corporate partners have allowed City Year Miami to serve over thousands of students throughout Miami-Dade County Public Schools over its first three years of operations. Proceeds raised from this event will allow City Year to grow its program reach for the 2011-2012 school year.

“We are truly excited to host City Year Miami’s closest champions and supporters on a night when we celebrate the work of our 82 corps members who are everyday heroes to the students we serve in Miami–Dade County schools,” said Saif Y. Ishoof, Esq, Executive Director, City Year Miami. “We are thrilled to channel the support from tonight’s event towards our organization’s future growth.”

For more information about City Year Miami and the Red Jacket Ball please contact Lee Grever, Development Director, City Year Miami: lgrever@cityyear.org or 786-406-7902.

City Year unites young people of all backgrounds for a year of full-time service, giving them the skills and opportunities to change the world. As tutors, mentors and role models, these diverse young leaders help children stay in school and on track, and transform schools and communities across the United States, as well as through international affiliates in Johannesburg, South Africa and London, England.

Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA, CMCSK) (www.comcast.com) is one of the nation’s leading providers of entertainment, information and communications products and services. Comcast is principally involved in the operation of cable systems through Comcast Cable and in the development, production and distribution of entertainment, news, sports and other content for global audiences through NBCUniversal. Comcast Cable is one of the nation’s largest video, high-speed Internet and phone providers to residential and business customers. Comcast is the majority owner and manager of NBCUniversal, which owns and operates entertainment and news cable networks, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, local television station groups, television production operations, a major motion picture company and theme parks.

A Night In Bollywood benefiting Orphaned Children 3/26/11

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Saturday, March 26th, 7pm-11pm
1400 S. Greenway Dr.
Coral Gables FL 33134

VIP TICKETS: 7:00 Early Admission, VIP Reception with Champagne & Cupcakes, Special Entertainment, Unlimited Drinks, $150

GENERAL TICKETS: 7:30 Admission, Cash Bar, $100

Buy Your Tickets Today!
Help Build An Orphanage To Transform Children’s Lives!
With Your help, we can all make a difference.
www.sunilshome.com/tickets

Join us as we celebrate Sunil’s Home Orphanage’s 4th annual “A Night In Bollywood”, Coral Gables’ most exotic and “over-the-top” event benefiting orphaned children in India! Sunil’s Home Orphanage is an organization which provides homeless and starving children in India with a place to call home, food, love, attention, and the education needed to break the cycle of homelessness to achieve his or her fullest potential and dreams. With an impressive 1,200 people in attendance throughout the evening at last years’ event, we raised the funds necessary to complete the construction of a second story which allowed us the opportunity to house and help even more children! This year, we strive to continue our high level of care while expanding to reach more homeless children. To date,Through our In-care program, soup kirchens, and clothing drives, Sunil’s Home Orphanage has helped more than 3,000 children!

Featured on numerous television networks and also touted by the media as “the most fun fundraiser of the century” and “the ‘funnest’ fundraiser in South Florida”, “A Night In Bollywood” is an event you won’t want to miss! Come prepared for a total sensory overload as you experience the sights and sounds of India without having to leave South Florida. Decadent Indian delicacies for the discerning palate, imaginative entertainment, amazing Bollywood dance performances, beautiful Indian decor, light shows, exotic aerial acrobats, live animals, Indian costume/sari contest, special video messages from the children, a massive silent auction, your chance to bid on and win dream vacations all around the world, and much much more! Buy your tickets now before we sell out, as ticket sales are limited!

HYPE Awards and Reception at the Four Seasons 3/16/11

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The HYPE Awards
Wednesday, March 16th from 5:30pm to 9:00pm
Four Seasons Miami
1435 Brickell Ave.

hosted by Adam “Koop” Kuperstein. Please register to attend.

Register Online
72-hour cancellation notice required in writing for refund.

Recognition carries immense power. Join us at the second annual HYPE Awards to recognize Miami’s brightest young professionals on March 16th at the Four Seasons.

The event will be emceed by Adam Kuperstein of NBC6 and will feature live musical performances, complimentary drinks and passed hors d’Å“uvres.

Cost is $45 for Members and $55 for Non-Members or On-Site Registrants. Visit www.MiamiChamber.com to register today.
…
The Awards will be presented in five categories that include: The Entrepreneur Award, The Go Getter Award, The Difference Maker Award, The Rookie of the Year Award and The MVG (Most Valuable Graduate) Award.

The HYPE Awards will be presented at an evening cocktail and networking reception on Wednesday, March 16, 2011 from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm at the Four Seasons located at 1435 Brickell Avenue, Miami, FL.

Corporate and table sponsorship packages are available for a limited time. For information please contact Crystal Renta: 305-577-5486 or email crenta@miamichamber.com

First Annual Legacy Gala at The Ancient Spanish Monastery featuring Neki Mohan, Jon Saxx, and The Teen Board 4/9/11

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First Annual Legacy Gala at The Ancient Spanish Monastery featuring Neki Mohan, Jon Saxx, & The Teen Board
Saturday, April 9, 2011, 7:00 PM
The Ancient Spanish Monastery
16711 West Dixie Highway
North Miami Beach, Florida 33160
Website.

The Trustees and Board of Directors of The Cloisters Foundation of The Ancient Spanish Monastery cordially invite you to the:
2011 First Annual Legacy Gala
“Preserving the Legacy”

$100 donation accepted per ticket.
All benefits are used for the preservation of art, antiquities, building and edifices of this historic site.

Honoring:
The Honorable Myron Rosner, Mayor of the City of North Miami Beach
Mr. Michael J. Snyder, President of the Greater North Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce.
Mr. Tony Lesesne, Co-founder of Lesesne Media Group and In Focus Magazine
Dr. Dorothy Jenkins-Fields, Founder of the Black Archives History & Research Foundation of South Florida, Inc.

Please join The Cloisters Foundation of The Ancient Spanish Monastery and Mistress of Ceremonies Neki Mohan of WPLG Channel 10 to celebrate these exceptional leaders. Guests can look forward to the musical styling’s of Jazz Performer Jon Saxx, a special designer fashion show presented by The Teen Board, and a festive steel band ensemble. Join us for cocktails at 7:00 PM and gourmet dinner at 8:00 PM. Black tie attire preferred.

For more info, to RSVP, to pre-purchase tickets, and for advertising opportunities, please visit: http://LegacyGala2011.wordpress.com

A Gourmet Evening of Art, Wine and Music to benefit Angel Cruz and Family 3/15/11

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A Gourmet Evening of Art, Wine and Music to benefit Angel Cruz and Family
Tuesday, March 15, 2011. 5:30 – 10:00 p.m.
The Margulies Collection at the WAREhOUSE
591 NW 27th Street
Miami, FL 33127

Admission: Tickets: $125 in advance. $150 at the door.

The Borinquen family is deeply saddened by the heartbreaking car accident on January 30th, involving our staff member Angel Cruz and his family. As reported by the media, this horrific event took the life of Angel’s two-year-old son Juniel and left Angel, his wife Angie and mother-in-law Mercedes in critical condition, each suffering multiple severe injuries.

Your love and support for Angel Cruz and his family will be an important part in his ability to cope and recuperate with this loss and at the same time continue on with his personal and professional life. Angel and family members will require several surgeries, followed by recovery and rehabilitation. The expense will be enormous. We are hoping you will contribute to a special fund we have established to support the family. The fund will be used to help defray both medical and personal expenses. You can also help by attending the exciting fundraising event we have planned.

With generous help of Ms. and Mr. Constance and Martin Z. Margulies of the Warehouse Art Gallery, celebrity Chef, Michelle Bernstein of Michy’s and Seniora Martinez restaurants, Premier Beverage Catering, the Larkin Hospital and Solera MSO, Inc, Borinquen Health Centers invite you to a special fundraising event to help Angel Cruz and his family. A cocktail reception, silent auction and art show on Tuesday March 15 at The Margulies Collection at the WAREhOUSE located in the Wynwood art district at 591 NW 27 Street from 5:00 – 10:00 p.m. Tickets are $125 in advance and $150 at the door.

Please pass this invitation on to 10 of your friends, partners, co-workers, family members, business associates, clients, vendors, neighbors …etc and ask them to participate in this noble cause to help this needy family. If you are unable to attend, please make a contribution to this worthy cause by contacting the organizers.

To purchase tickets or make a donation, please call: 305.576.6611 Ext. 608 or email: bmn4288@gmail.com and/or macruz@borinquenhealth.org

Thank you in advance and we look forward to seeing you.
Robert E. Linder, CEO/President
Eva Perez, Chairperson
For more information about local openings and events, please visit www.miamiartguide.com

23rd Annual In the Company of Women Awards Celebration 3/31/11

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23rd Annual In the Company of Women Awards Celebration
March 31, 2011, 6-9 p.m.
Awards Presentation/Cocktail Reception
a cocktail-reception and an awards-presentation Biltmore Hotel, 1200 Anastasia Ave., Coral Gables.
http://www.miamidade.gov/parks/women.asp

In celebration of Women’s History Month, the Miami-Dade Park and Recreation Department (MDPR) and the Miami-Dade County Commission for Women are hosting the 23rd Annual In the Company of Women Awards Celebration on Thursday, March 31, from 6-9 p.m., at the Biltmore Hotel, 1200 Anastasia Ave., Coral Gables. The event includes a cocktail-reception and an awards-presentation recognizing 12 local women for their long-standing contributions to the residents of Miami-Dade County.

WPLG Channel 10 reporter Neki Mohan will emcee the festivities. As part of the program, a representative from the Office of the Mayor will present the Mayor’s Pioneer Award, which honors a woman who has proven leadership, creativity, and vision in addressing community issues in Miami-Dade County within the past 10 years.

The honorees include: Arts & Entertainment–Eveline Pierre, Founder of the Haitian Heritage Museum; Business & Economics–Patricia Thorp, Senior Counselor, RBB Public Relations; Communications & Literature–Michele Gillen, Chief Investigative Reporter, CBS Miami; Education & Research–Dr. Stacey Mancuso, Principle, DASH; Government & Law–Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz; Health & Human Services–Lucy Morillo-Agnetti, President & CEO, Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation; Science & Technology–Sherry Thompson Giordano, Executive Director, IT Women, and June Randall, Chief, Administration & Technology Division, Miami-Dade County Police; Sports & Athletics–Marta Montenegro, Founder, Publisher & Editor-In-Chief, SoBeFit Magazine; Mayor’s Pioneer Award–Elaine Bloom, former member of the Florida House of Representatives; Community Spirit Award–Donna Ginn, Founder & Managing Partner, Crossroad Consulting Group; and posthumous honors–Amanda Haworth, Detective, Miami-Da
de Police Warrants Bureau.

Nominations were solicited from the general public from October through December 2010. Nominees must have a history of continued accomplishments in their field and have met these five criteria: professional development, community responsibility, leadership and vision, contribution to women’s progress and promotion of pluralism. Award recipients were selected by a panel, comprised of some of last year’s winners and the event’s organizing committee.

Tickets for In the Company of Women $40 and can be purchased by calling Ticketmaster at 305-358-5885, or visiting their web site: www.ticketmaster.com; or at Miami-Dade County Auditorium, 2901 West Flagler Street.

Past recipients of the In the Company of Women Awards have included: Florida State Senator Larcenia Bullard (D-Miami) (1996), Celia Cruz (1990), Marjory Stoneman Douglas (1989), Gloria Estefan (1989), Arva Moore Parks (2002), Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (1997), Cristina Saralegui (1992), Dorothy Shula (1992), Florida State Senator Frederica Wilson (D-Miami) (1994), Teresa Zubizarreta (1993), and many other distinguished female role models of Miami-Dade County.

Since 1989, men and women have gathered to honor the outstanding achievements of women from throughout Miami-Dade County, during the annual In The Company of Women event. This popular and prestigious event serves as part of Women’s History Month, observed annually in March. The event has received recognition from the National Association of Counties and the Southern Region of the U.S. Civil Rights Commission

Hearts & Stars Gala at Shangri La Benefiting the Little Lighthouse Foundation 3/19/1

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Saturday March 19,  8:00pm- 12:00am
Shangri La Mansion
17 North Hibiscus Island Drive
Hibiscus Island, Miami Beach, FL

Event Hosts: Buster and Miss Denmark 2010 Natalia Averina
Event Co-Chairs: Rob Sena and RS Schmitt
Board of Directors: Charlie Venturi, Robert Sena, Aaron Resnick, Aracibo Quintana
Sponsors: Grey Goose, Everlast, and Primp Salon

The Little Light House Foundation Presents the Second Annual “Hearts and Stars Gala”
Bringing Together Miami’s Best for One Night to Sip, Dance and Play all for a Good Cause

Rob Sena, R.S. Schmitt and Aaron Resnick invite you the Second Annual “Hearts and Stars Gala” event on Saturday, March 19 to benefit the Little Lighthouse Foundation. The goal of the Little Lighthouse Foundation is to seek, identify and provide support to South Florida children and families that have suffered health, educational and financial challenges.

Only in its second year, The Little Lighthouse Foundation has made strides for South Florida families. After raising over $100,000 in 2010, Hearts and Stars looks forward to another successful fundraising year. The prestigious event will be held at the beautiful SHANGRI LA waterfront mansion of George Wallner and will feature delectable bites, cocktails courtesy of GREY GOOSE Vodka, a fashion presentation by Luis Valenzuela, live music and an incredible auction.

Miss Denmark 2010 Natalia Averina will welcome guests and kick off the nights festivities. Renowned singer Shelly Renee and Agape with Nadia Harris will provide a live performance. Just in case that wasn’t enough, the evening will also feature a “surprise” musical guest.

Tickets and VIP tables can be purchased at www.thelittlelighthouse.org or by calling 305-438-7941.

The Little Lighthouse Foundation (LLF) seeks, identifies and provides support to children and their families with health, educational, and financial challenges. This support comes through the deployment of LLF trained volunteers and/or select financial contributions. Beneficiaries include children, families, and select child orientated charities throughout southern Florida. For more information visit www.thelittlelighthouse.org.

Miami International Film Festival’s Red Carpet sizzled on Opening Night and Festivities continued at Freedom Tower By Betty Alvarez

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28th Annual Miami International Film Festival (MIFF) produced and presented by Miami Dade College (MDC) launched a new chapter with a new executive director. the official lineup of the Miami International Film Festival (MIFF) will be repleting with Red Carpet Gusman Galas, Premieres, Competition Categories and Awards, REEL Education Seminars and other special presentations that make up the Festival’s showcase of more than 100 films from 40 countries during the 10-day event, which runs to March 13, 2011.

The Festival launched on March 4 with the first Opening Night animated feature in its 28-year history: Chico & Rita by Oscar- and Goya Award-winning Spanish director Fernando Trueba and Barcelona designer Javier Mariscal. Already a sensation in theaters across Europe, Chico & Rita is the love story of Chico, a penniless piano player, and Rita, a sultry singer, who meet by chance one night in 1948 at Havana’s world-famous Tropicana Club. From there, the star-crossed lovers begin a tumultuous affair that spans decades and takes them to the glamorous stages of New York City, Paris, Hollywood and Las Vegas. Their complex tale of heartache and longing, much like a traditional bolero, unfolds to a musical soundtrack of spirited re-recordings of favorites by jazz legends Nat King Cole, Dizzy Gillespie, Israel ―Cachao‖ López, Thelonious Monk, Charlie Parker, Chano Pozo and Tito Puente, among others. The red carpet arrivals was lined up with the producers and stars of the movie. At the end of arrivals a luxurious top of the line Lexus automobile was parked at the top of the Red Carpet as Lexus is one of the major sponsors of the film festival.

Trueba previously directed Belle époque, starring Penelope Cruz and Jorge Sanz, which won the 1994 Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. His Latin Jazz documentary, Calle 54, won MIFF’s Audience Award in 2001. He also previously opened the 14th edition of MIFF, in 2004, with Belle époque. The critically acclaimed film marks Trueba’s return to the Festival, after a 10-year absence.

Following the film, an opening night gala party, held at Miami Dade College’s historic and beautiful Freedom Tower featured a tribute to Cuban music. Guests enjoyed light bites by La Estancia Argentina, Hard Rock Cafe, and other notable area restaurants. Cocktails were sponsored by Rums of Puerto Rico and Coffee drinks by Illy.

For more information on the Miami International Film Festival please visit www.miamifilmfestival.com

Photographs by Betty Alvarez copyright 2011

We Cannot Forget Hope For Haiti Cocktail Gala 3/18/11

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We Cannot Forget Hope For Haiti Cocktail Gala
March 18, 6:00pm
Players Car Rental Center
4101 NW 25th St
Miami, FL

With Danielle Knox and Kelly Saks

A night of fashion, music and dancing. Shop for the cause at the pop-up boutiques with mini fashion shows and enjoy savory bites and sweets from top local restaurants.

Special invited guests include celebrities, musicians, athletes, socialites and more.

General ticket: $50.00
Includes: Open bar, heavy hor deouv’res and dessert bar.
Purchase tickets online at www.celebrityglamsquad.com
RSVP with Ysset Boan at rsvp@sceneprmiami.com

All proceeds benefit the Haiti Cherie Heritage

Featured Designers: Cloak, Serati, Franovik Designs, Tanya-Marie, Viranski

Miami Science Museum Galaxy Gala 3/26/11

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Saturday, March 26
JW Marriott Marquis & Hotel Beaux Arts

Pricing: $500 per person or VIP seating at Saturn Ring tables for $5,000; $50 per person for Big Bang after party (can be bought separately)

To buy tickets: ·
Online Registration.
Ruth Robinson (305) 646-4249 or rrobinson@miamisci.org
Facebook Page.

Miami Science Museum’s Ninth annual Galaxy Gala will be their most extravagant event yet in anticipation of their new building. Guests will be invited to an extraordinary four-course evening of multi-sensory previews, including a journey inside the 600,000-gallon aquarium (a virtual underwater tour). Interactive cocktail parties will direct guests to solar and lunar themed rooms with silent auctions. The night will come alive with animals, performance artists and dancing the night away under a planetarium dome. Immediately following the Galaxy Gala, the Big Bang after party will feature live music from dance fusion bands and two DJ’s to keep the night alive, while enjoying a full dessert bar.

Marlee Matlin to Headline VIP Reception at Winter Party 3/5/11

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Marlee Matlin To Headline Winter Party Vip Reception
Saturday, March 5, beginning at 7:30 p.m
Bass Museum of Art
2100 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach

Winter Party Festival 2011: The Hottest Winter in the World
March 2 – 7, 2011

Academy Award winning actress Marlee Matlin will be the guest of honor at Winter Party Festival’s VIP Cocktail Reception, Saturday, March 5, beginning at 7:30 p.m. at the Bass Museum of Art, 2100 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach. Joining Matlin will be Rea Carey, executive director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, as well as Winter Party sponsors and VIPs. Tickets to the reception are also available to the public.

Matlin won the Academy Award for her performance in “Children of a Lesser God.” At 21, she became the youngest recipient of the Best Actress Oscar and only one of four actresses to receive the honor for her film debut. In addition to the Oscar, Matlin received the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Drama. In 2007, she joined the cast of Showtime Network’s groundbreaking series “The L Word” for three seasons.

“We are thrilled to welcome Ms. Matlin as our special guest at this year’s VIP Reception,” said Chad Richter, Festival chairperson. “Not only is she an accomplished actress but also she’s a successful author and noted humanitarian, donating her time for several important causes, including the American Red Cross, Easter Seals, and the Children Affected By AIDS Foundation. We look forward to hosting her at the reception.”

Produced by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, Winter Party Festival raises funds to build power, take action and create change for the LGBT community. Two-thirds of the net proceeds generated from Winter Party Festival go to work locally through grants administered by the Miami Foundation (formerly the Dade Community Foundation), while the remaining one third goes to support The Task Force’s efforts nationally. Since its inception in 1994, Winter Party Festival, along with The Task Force’s annual Recognition Dinner, has raised more than $2.2 million for LGBT organizations in South Florida.

Tickets to the VIP Reception are $85 in advance and $100 at the door and include hors d’oeuvres courtesy of Vita by Bâoli in Miami Beach and cocktails courtesy of GREY GOOSE. Tickets for the VIP Reception as well as for other events are also available as part of discounted, multi-event passes. For more information, to purchase tickets and passes, or to check out the complete schedule of events, visit www.winterparty.com.

About The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force:
The mission of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force is to build the grassroots power of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community. We do this by training activists, equipping state and local organizations with the skills needed to organize broad-based campaigns to defeat anti-LGBT referenda and advance pro-LGBT legislation, and building the organizational capacity of our movement. Our Policy Institute, the movement’s premier think tank, provides research and policy analysis to support the struggle for complete equality and to counter right-wing lies. As part of a broader social justice movement, we work to create a nation that respects the diversity of human expression and identity and creates opportunity for all.

Winter Party Festival Sponsors as of February 23, 2011:
Alegria, Aqua Girl, Amazing Gay Travel, Ascension, Atlantic Broadband, Babalu, Barefoot Wines, Black & Blue, Blue Ball, Ca-Rio-Ca Wear, Cherry, ChrisRyanNYC, Circuit Festival, CiRKuit Dreams/RefleX, Clublezlife.com, Dale Stine Photography, Da Leo Trattoria, DNA Magazine, DoubleTree Surfcomber Hotel, EdgeontheNet.com, Elite Software, fab Magazine , Fiji, Fleet, Florida Agenda, Florida Department of Health, French Connection, Frontiers Magazine, Gancho Tampa, Gay Internet Radio Live, Gaypartix.com, GAYSTAR, GayTravel.com, Gayzette, Gir(L) Magazine, Give Me a Beat Productions, GreatPartyPics, Grey Goose, Grindr, Gourmet Station, Halloween New Orleans, Hell & Heaven, Hilton Wolman Events, HotSpots Magazine/Genre Latino, Icandee Events, IGLTA, Independence 2011, Instinct Magazine, Jason Snead Events, JOEMYGOD.com, JumpOnMarksList.com, Kiehls, Since 1851, Let’s Go Play, La Lupa di Roma, Logo, LocalGayBusiness.com, Lord’s South Beach, MackPlanet, Macy’s, Manhunt.net, Mark Nelson Events, Mark Magazine, Masterbeat, Matinee New York/Florida, MRNY.com, MyGayToronto.com, MyLesbianRadio, National Beverage Corporation, Next Magazine, noiZe Magazine, NYC Pride, Office Depot, OMG Magazine, Orbitz, Outlook Columbus, Palace Bar, Pandora Events, Paul N Presents, Pizza Rustica, PopLife Designs, Printing Corporation of America, Purple Party, Route 7 Productions, Saint at Large/Black Party, Sand Blast, SeekWay Technologies, She Magazine, Showtime Networks, Sizzle Miami, SobeGayInfo.com, SobeSocialClub, Southern Decadence, Splash Days, Spris, Sun-Kissed Productions, Tom Bercu Presents, TownHouse Hotel, Twisted Life, Verve, XLsior Festival – Mykonos, WayOut Events, WeHo Party, Wet Platinum, White Party – Miami, White Party – Palm Springs, Wire Weekly, Wolfe Video

Fort Lauderdale Gold Coast Jazz Society Annual Jazz Gala 2/26/11

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Saturday, February 26, 2011 at 7:00 PM
Hyatt Regency Pier 66 Resort
2301 S.E. 17th Street,
Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33316
On the Intercoastal Waterway
at the 17th Street Causeway

Gold Coast Jazz Society’s Swingin’ Jazz Fundraising Gala
An evening of dinner & dance with The Gold Coast Jazz Society Band, directed by Eric Allison w/vocalist Wendy Pedersen

Once the hottest jazz club in New York City, the Cotton Club was the stomping ground of the rich and famous and the beginning for many of the great jazz legends. This year the Gold Coast Jazz Society will revisit those days of hot jazz, bathtub gin and glamorous women at the 2011 jazz gala. An Evening at the Cotton Club will take place on Saturday, February 26, 2011, in the spectacular Pier Top of the Hyatt Regency Pier 66 Hotel and Resort in Fort Lauderdale. Gala guests will enjoy an evening of fabulous food, music and fun. At 7:00pm, the evening will begin with a cocktail reception, music and silent auction. Dinner and jazz by the Cotton Club Cool Kats, featuring jazz vocalist Wendy Pedersen, will provide toe tappin’ jazz for dining and dancing. Roberta Young is chairing the event with the help of an extensive committee that includes Sue Astor, Alex Danburg, Flo Eisenberg, Susan Goldstein, Al Kanovsky, Fran Koerner, Maria LaValley, June Miller, Judy Murfin, Joan Schot, Michelle Tuggle, Melissa Weaver and Betty Young. Host committee chairs are Johnnie Glantz and Sally Robbins.

Committee members were thrilled to have Shirley Stone, wife of the former Arthur Stone, founder of the Museum, participate in a photo shoot at the Ft. Lauderdale Antique Car Museum. Located on SW 1st Avenue, the Museum has a collection of pre war Packard automobiles and other memorabilia, which represents Mr. Stones love for this unique automobile.

Sponsors for An Evening at the Cotton Club include American National Bank, DeMeo Young McGrath, SingerXenos Wealth Management, Parducci Wines, JazzBlues Florida, American Dream Vacations, the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, The PaperMill, and the Hyatt Regency Pier 66 Hotel and Resort.

Reservations begin at $175 per person. Proceeds from the evening will benefit the Gold Coast Jazz Society’s program of jazz presentation, preservation and jazz education. To RSVP or to receive an invitation, please contact the Gold Coast Jazz Society office at 954-524-0805 or online at www.goldcoastjazz.org.

The mission of the Gold Coast Jazz Society is to perpetuate and advance the cultural art form of jazz through performances, education and outreach activities.

The Gold Coast Jazz Society was incorporated as a not-for-profit organization with the Florida Secretary of State on April 27, 1992 (N48564). The Society received its 501(c)(3) determination from the IRS effective April 27, 1992 (EIN 65-0335986) and its renewal on November 12, 1996.

Jazz & Blues Florida
www.JazzBluesFlorida.com

Miami Beach Cinematheque grand opening and Oscar Night America event 2/27/11

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Miami Beach Film Society’s New Cinematheque To Host 2011 Oscar Night® America, Miami Beach
Sunday, February 27, 2011.
Red carpet will begin at 7:00 p.m
The Miami Beach Cinematheque
Miami Beach City Hall
1130 Washington Avenue, 1st floor
Miami Beach, FL

Tickets to the 2011 Oscar Night America Miami Beach are available for $125 or $110 for Miami Beach Film Society & Cinematheque and MIFF members. Ticket prices include food and beverages, tax and gratuity, a $25 Escopazzo gift certificate, the official 83rd Annual Academy Awards® program booklet and other event memorabilia.

Please visit www.MBCinema.com for tickets.

Oscar celebration to coincide with grand opening & Frank Worth “Hollywood Legends” exhibit

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has selected the Miami Beach Film Society to host and be the beneficiary of the official celebration in Miami for the Oscar Night® America (ONA) party. Oscar Night® America viewing parties are the official nationwide celebrations of the Oscars®. ONA Miami Beach 2011’s cocktail soirée will also act as a grand opening event hosted at the film society’s yet to be unveiled cinematheque, located inside the historic Miami Beach City Hall, on Oscar® Sunday, February 27, 2011.

Additional Oscar Night® sponsors include Escopazzo, Bombay Sapphire, Francis Ford Coppola Presents, Nespresso, Perrier and Audio Visual Services.

The Oscar Night® America, Miami Beach red carpet and silent auction will be hosted by Miami Beach Film Society founder Dana Keith. Red carpet arrivals and fabulous evening looks courtesy of Ema Savahl Couture – most recently seen on E!’s Giuliana Rancic and Glee’s Amber Riley – and Beautiful People will begin at 7:00 p.m. followed by a welcome champagne reception. Guests will then watch the Oscar® telecast live from the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center® in Hollywood starting at 8:00 p.m. (EST) on WPLG Local-10. Attendees will toast Oscar winners while enjoying Escopazzo’s signature 100% organic Italian hors d’oeuvres with Bombay Sapphire signature cocktails and Sofia Blanc d’ Blancs, Director’s Cut Chardonnay and Director’s Cabernet Sauvignon by Coppola Wines, while bidding on extravagant items during the event’s silent auction. Oscar® fans will also be able to predict the night’s winners using a ballot system and become eligible to win great prizes! Oscar Night® promises an experience that exudes the classic glamour and luxury of the 83rd Annual Academy Awards, complete with the Academy Awards® show program booklet for all guests.

The Miami Beach Cinematheque, Miami’s premier art house cinema, recently relocated to Miami Beach City Hall (1130 Washington Avenue, 1st floor) after spending eight years at its original Española Way location on South Beach. MBC’s new sustainable home features high-definition digital projection with Bose surround sound, 75 plush stadium-style seats, a photographic arts gallery, gourmet concession stands featuring the new MBC line of baked goods and Nespresso coffees, and unique programming throughout the year including screenings of Oscar® winning and nominated films in many categories. MBC is the only officially sanctioned beneficiary of the Miami Oscar Night® America.

MBC’s inaugural photographic art exhibition will feature the work of renowned photographer Frank Worth in collaboration with Rudolf Budja Gallery. Worth’s “Hollywood Legends” exhibit will showcase unique images of Hollywood stars such as James Dean, Frank Sinatra, Elizabeth Taylor, Marilyn Monroe and many more. “Hollywood Legends” will be on view through March.

Oscar Night® America, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ grassroots program, enables local charities to be the official hosts of glamorous Oscar® viewing parties across the country. Since its inception in 1994, Oscar Night® America has generated funding for a wide spectrum of charitable organizations — every cent staying within the community where it was raised, none of it going to the Academy. ONA, now in its second decade, has raised nearly $17.5 million for charities throughout the United States.

About Frank Worth
As a freelance photographer during Hollywood’s Golden Age, Frank Worth befriended many of the stars he snapped at parties, on movie sets and at play. But he stored away many of his best shots as private mementos until the day he died. Only now are this largely unknown artist’s remarkable images finally coming to light.

With his gregarious, big-hearted, outsize personality, photographer Frank Worth befriended Hollywood’s biggest names in the 1940s and 1950s, gaining access to their most private moments. He bonded with James Dean over their mutual love of fast cars, hung out with Sinatra and the Rat Pack, took photos at Elizabeth Taylor’s first wedding and charmed a young Marilyn Monroe.

He photographed the stars at work, at home and at play, from glitzy parties and awards shows to casual outings at Dodger Stadium and trips to Las Vegas. These weren’t the cloak-and-dagger stalkerazzi photos of today; the stars enjoyed Worth’s company and he had and instinctual knack for getting them to let their guards down, comfortable enough so that he could snap Rita Hayworth sunbathing in her garden or James Dean talking on the phone while taking a pee.

Worth amassed an intimate pictorial history of Hollywood in the boxes strewn about his cramped apartment in West Hollywood and that’s where they remained, almost unseen by the public, until he died at age 77 in 2000, close to penniless.

Miami Science Museum Ninth annual Galaxy Gala 3/26/11

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Saturday, March 26
JW Marriott Marquis & Hotel Beaux Arts
Purchase Tickets Online.

Pricing: $500 per person or VIP seating at Saturn Ring tables for $2,000 per couple
$50 per person for Big Bang after party

Miami Science Museum’s Ninth annual Galaxy Gala will be their most extravagant event yet in anticipation of their new building. Guests will be invited to an extraordinary four-course evening of multi-sensory previews, including a journey inside the 600,000-gallon aquarium (a virtual underwater tour). Interactive cocktail parties will direct guests to solar and lunar themed rooms with silent auctions. The night will come alive with animals, performance artists and dancing the night away under a planetarium dome. Immediately following the Galaxy Gala, the Big Bang after party will feature live music from dance fusion bands and two DJ’s to keep the night alive, while enjoying a full dessert bar.

United for Bolivia hosts fundraiser at D. Rodriguez Ocean by Betty Alvarez

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United for Bolivia held a fundraiser event at D. Rodriguez Ocean at The Hilton Bently on Jan. 27. This fundraising gala and concert benefited the children with leukemia from the Oncologic Hospital of Santa Cruz de la Sierra in Bolivia.

Courtesy drinks by Pisco 100 and appetizers sampling menu by Andes Seafood and renowned Chef Douglas Rodriguez. The red carpet shined with local and international celebrities followed by International Singer Monserrat Franco and DJ Javi.

Photographs by Betty Alvarez copyright 2011

Photographs of the New World Center Gala Red Carpet on 1/29/11

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New World Center Gala Red Carpet on Saturday, January 29, 2011.  What a beautiful crowd that walked down the red (blue) carpet for the New World Center Gala.   Some that were spotted were:  the Prince of Yuoslavia, Dimitri Karadordevic,  Jonathan Tisch, Joe Arriola, Diane and Alan Lieberman, Lin Arison, Neisen Kasin, Fanny and Charles Dascal and many more, with over 400 tickets sold.  New World Symphony raised $2 million, with all proceeds going towards the underwriting of NWS fellowships and community engagement programs.

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HistoryMiami Moon Over Miami After Party 1/29/11

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Moon Over Miami After Party
January 29, 10:00pm
Surf Club
9011 Collins Avenue, Surfside

Relive the glamour and elegance of the 1940’s in our Starlight Jazz Club and dance the night away! Swing by the after party for cocktails & hors d’oeuvres and celebrate HistoryMiami’s 70th anniversary! Proceeds from the event will support expansion plans at HistoryMiami.

HistoryMiami Members: $50 advance $75 at door
Non-Members $75
Complimentary Valet Parking

RSVP 305-375-5356 or rsvp@historymiami.org

www.historymiami.org

MOCA Bash Surf’s Up Annual Fundraiser 2/19/11

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MOCA Bash Surf’s Up!
February 19th 8 pm – 12 am
Museum of Contemporary Art
770 NE 125th Street
North Miami, FL 33161

Tickets: $150 before January 21; $175 after January 21. Ten tickets available for $1250. Call 305 893 6211 to purchase.
Purchase Online Now.

The excitement is growing for MOCA BASH Surf’s Up, the Museum of Contemporary Art’s annual cocktail and dance party. This year, the MOCA BASH celebrates the thrill of surfing. On February 19, guests will enjoy live entertainment, cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and dancing in imaginative settings designed by Miami artists which evoke surf culture from South Florida to the South Pacific.

Tickets to MOCA BASH Surf’s Up are $150 in advance, $175 after January 21 and may be purchased by calling 305 893 6211 or visiting www.mocanomi.org. Proceeds will benefit the museum‘s public programs and art acquisition fund.

To launch the event, MOCA will host a kick-off party Thursday, January 13 at The Catalina Hotel & Beach Club, 1732 Collins Avenue in Miami Beach. Complimentary GREY GOOSE Vodka cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and music will be offered from 8 to 10 pm while guests have the chance to purchase the advanced priced tickets.

With the support of sponsors Audi, Morgan Stanley/Smith Barney, Barbara Z. Herzberg, Alan and Diane Lieberman, Janice and Alan Lipton, Ray Ellen and Allan Yarkin, the MOCA Bash Surf’s Up February 19th fundraiser will allow partygoers to experience all aspects of the surfing lifestyle. Colorful surfboards suspended from the ceiling, undulating fabrics evoking ocean waves, lifeguard stands, and bonfires will capture the essence of beach life. Skateboarders and classic surf films will showcase the athletics of the sport. and beach bunnies will inspire partygoers while guest DJs keep the dance floor packed. Suggested attire is Beach Chic.

Top Miami restaurants such as China Grill, Asia de Cuba, Blue Door Delano, Adriana Restaurant, Meat Market, Sushi Samba and Shiraz Events Catering will serve a selection of their best menu items. Cocktails will be provided by GREY GOOSE Vodka, with Samuel Adams Beer and wines fromTouch Catering.

Fundraiser Chairs Barbara Herzberg, Alan and Diane Lieberman, Janice Lipton and Ray Ellen Yarkin, and Honorary Chair Belkys Nerey head the Surf’s Up Committee which includes Gary Kessler of Quiksilver and artists Kevin Arrow, Bhakti Baxter, Alvaro Ilizerbe and Jen Stark.

The MOCA BASH Surf’s Up Silent Auction will offer a fantastic array of items and opportunities including original artwork by Raymond Pettibon, Daniel Arsham, and Russell Crotty; surfing lessons and 2 night stay at Hans Headman Surf School in Honolulu, Hawaii; 3 nights at Ollie’s Surf Camp in Tamarindo, Costa Rica; hotel stays at the Taj in India, Rustic Inn in Jackson Hole, WY and Villa D’Este on Lake Como, Italy; VIP passes to The Armory Show in New York and Art Basel Miami Beach; dinner for 8 prepared by the chef from STK; and a tour of Wynwood galleries with MOCA Director Bonnie Clearwater. Bidding will be available online after January 10 at www.mocanomi.org/cmarket.

MOCA BASH Surf’s Up builds on the excitement of MOCA’s previous benefits: Bohemian Bash, POP Love, POP Soup, POP 10, POP 8 ½ and POP Bollywood which all raised funds for the museum’s Permanent Acquisition Fund and MOCA Programs. Over 800 guests are expected to attend.

Auction: www.mocanomi.org/cmarket after January 10
Benefits: MOCA Programs and Permanent Collection Fund
Sponsors: Audi, Morgan Stanley/Smith Barney, Alan & Diane Lieberman, Janice & Alan Lipton, Barbara Herzberg, Ray Ellen & Allan Yarkin
Chairs: Barbara Herzberg, Alan & Diane Lieberman, Janice Lipton, Ray Ellen and Allan Yarkin. Honorary Chair: Belkys Nerey.
Beverage Sponsors: Grey Goose Vodka, Samuel Adams Beer, ,VitaminWater, Fuji Water, Vita Coco.
Food Sponsors: China Grill, Asia de Cuba Mondrian, Blue Door Fish Delano, Shiraz Events Catering, Adriana’s Restaurant, Meat Market, Sushi Samba, Stella’s Sweet Shop
Décor: Quiksilver, Absolut Flowers, Karla Conceptual Event Experiences

New World Center Grand Opening Gala featuring Audra McDonald 1/29/11

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Saturday, January 29, 2011
New World Center
500 17th Street
Miami Beach, FL 33139
Tickets for performances and events may be obtained by calling the New World Symphony at 305-428-6748.

6:30 PM The Grand Opening Gala
Music and art lovers from Miami and beyond celebrate the opening of New World Center with cocktails, a concert by New World Symphony led by Michael Tilson Thomas, dinner under the stars, late night dancing and an after-party performance by four-time Tony Award-winning Broadway star Audra McDonald.

The concert will include a special performance of Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition featuring the world premiere of video animations created by students, faculty and alumni of The University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts (see below for further details).

To purchase tickets, please contact Rebecca Mandelman at 305-428-6733 or Rebecca.Mandelman@nws.edu.

Neat Stuff Inc. Casino Night Fundraiser at Coral Gables Country Club 1/29/11

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Neat Stuff, Inc. Setting The Stage For A Fabulous Casino Night For A Great Cause
January 29, 7:00PM to 11:00PM
Coral Gables Country Club
997 N. Greenway Dr
Coral Gables, FL
www.neatstuffhelpskids.org

Pre paid tickets to the Neat Stuff Casino Night: $75. $100 at the door. For more information on tickets please email: casinonight@neatstuffhelpskids.org
Purchase Tickets Here.

Cocktails courtesy of Chambord Vodka, Jack Daniels, and Barceló Rum. Other promotional partners: The Robert G. Segel & Janice L Sherman Family Foundation, The Treatment Center Coral Gables Country Club, Creativas Group Branding & Public Relations.

The non for profit organization Neat Stuff, Inc. is ready to host its first Casino Night fundraising event this January 29, 2010 from 7:00PM to 11:00PM at the newly renovated Coral Gables Country Club. The Casino Night fundraising event is planned to be a fabulous night filled with “Las Vegas” style fun intended to help raise funds for a an amazing organization that aids our South Florida youth.

Neat Stuff, Inc. was founded in 1995 with the mission to provide free new clothing and school uniforms to abused, neglected, abandoned and other at-risk children. Neat Stuff was created by local community child advocate Phyllis Krug, who identified a critical need for children involved in the social services system. Today, under the direction of Executive Director Franklin Monjarrez the organization is proud to be the only agency of its kind in South Florida proudly serving an average of 8,000 at-risk children and distributing over $.7 million worth of new clothes, school uniforms and accessories annually. The major story is not just what they do but how they do it.

Neat Stuff for Kids which has been dubbed “the little engine that could” by Franklin raises its funds from the private sector with no Government help which presents its challenges. Neat Stuff works hard to create strong relationships within community while running a very lean and efficient operation. The agency has been recognized by being awarded the prestigious Four-Star rating by Charity Navigator for its sound fiscal management. Inspired to celebrate Neat Stuff’s success Franklin felt it was time for the agency to coordinate a fabulous event to share their vision with others in the community. The Casino Night fundraising event is an opportunity for others to jump on “little engine that could” while having a great time.

The Neat Stuff Casino Night is planned to be a spectacular affair. Fittingly the upscale, newly renovated Coral Gables Country Club was chosen for this event. Guests will experience a red carpet welcome complete with Las Vegas-style show girls which are sure to set the mood for a “Sin City” inspired event. After ticketing, guests will receive their “play money” and enter the Coral Grand Ballroom and be transported to Las Vegas for one night. Those present will be treated to an open bar to get those pesky pre-gambling jitters out of the way. Experience the sights and sounds of a real casino as players roar with every roll of the dice at the craps table. Try your hand at out hustling the blackjack dealer while sipping on vodka martinis. The roulette table is sure to be popular as participants decide what to bet only moments before the dealer flicks the ball into the spinning wheel. If the tables aren’t the fancy or just taking a break between bets guests are encouraged to take part in the fabulous silent and live auction. Music will fill the air as guests move to the rhythm with cocktails in hand. Palates will be pleased as guests savor delicious hors d’ouerves throughout the evening. The Neat Stuff Casino Night is sure to be a spectacular event but more importantly it is an event to bring people together for the sake and welfare of less fortunate children in our community.

The Neat Stuff Casino Night will be another milestone of what has been an amazing journey for this agency. What began as a humble operation 16 years ago has turned into an inspiring tale of how a group of caring people can help others who are not as fortunate. The “little engine that could” is ready to turn into a furious locomotive.

DCOTA VIP Preview Gala 1/18/11

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DesignHouse l Film+Design: The Golden Age of Hollywood
Greg Gorman: A Distinct Vision 1970-2010
Tuesday, January 18, 7:00 PM
Design Center of the Americas
www.dcota.com

Design Center of the Americas VIP preview gala celebrating the debut of the cultural giant’s new glamorous showcases DesignHouse l Film+Design: The Golden Age of Hollywood and Greg Gorman: A Distinct Vision 1970-2010. Held at DCOTA on Tuesday, January 18 and beginning at 7:00 PM, the gala is slated to be the premier design event of 2011 and will be attended by the “who’s who” of Miami, Palm Beach and Broward, including celebrity photographer Greg Gorman and featured designers from South Florida’s top firms.

100% of the proceeds from ticket sales will benefit three of South Florida’s unparalleled cultural institutions: The Wolfsonian Museum (Miami), The Museum of Art/ Fort Lauderdale (Broward) and The Palm Beach County Cultural Council (Palm Beach).

DesignHouse l Film + Design: The Golden Age of Hollywood showcase features nearly 20 breathtaking installations reminiscent of iconic films of the influential era. In following the Hollywood theme, Greg Gorman, who is best known for his celebrity portraits and nudes, will debut his 200 piece retrospective exhibition, Greg Gorman: A Distinct Vision 1970-2010.

Private Preview Gala At The Design Center Of The Americas (Dcota) Benefitting The Wolfsonian–Fiu

Tuesday, January 18, 7pm
The Wolfsonian–FIU is very excited to be one of the beneficiaries of the 2011 Design Center of the Americas (DCOTA) DesignHouse, which will feature nearly twenty breathtaking installations reminiscent of iconic films that influenced a universal culture and transformed a way of life. The topic forges a dialogue between the creative disciplines of film and design and reveals the visual impact that environments have in telling a story.

The VIP preview and gala will be held on Tuesday, January 18 at 7pm in DCOTA’s Atrium and DesignHouse to celebrate the debut of the showcase. A 200-piece retrospective by Hollywood photographer Greg Gorman, Greg Gorman: A Distinct Vision 1970-2010, will also be open for viewing during the festivities. Please visit www.dcota.com for more information.

Tickets for the event are $100 per person and 100% of the proceeds will benefit The Wolfsonian. Please call 954.920.7997 xt. 240 or marketing@dcota.com to purchase your tickets, and don’t forget to specify The Wolfsonian as the beneficiary of your choice!

Educate Tomorrow Hosted Monte Carlo night at its Sixth Annual Gala by Betty Alvarez

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Educate Tomorrow, a non-profit organization whose mission is to create independence for disadvantaged and foster youth through education, mentoring, and life skills training, hosted its 6th Annual Gala and Fundraiser on January 8.

The Educate Tomorrow Gala returned with a Monte Carlo Night. The festivities was at the luxurious private bay front estate on Old Cutler Road, whose grand architecture, beautiful courtyard and bay front view will transport guests to the experience of Monte Carlo. Guests enjoyed a variety of casino games and silent auction; exceptional wine, cocktails and food; and the company of Miami’s top executives and professionals.

Educate Tomorrow’s Monte Carlo Night included an assortment of casino games featuring blackjack, craps, roulette, and poker. At the end of the evening, guests traded in their chips for raffle tickets, which were randomly drawn. Raffle prizes and silent auction items included fabulous hotel stays, art work, cruises and more. All of the proceeds from ticket sales, auction items, sponsorships and donations for casino chips directly benefited Educate Tomorrow.

Guests enjoyed a selection of South Florida’s best restaurants including Smith & Wollensky, Aladdin’s Grill, Captain’s Tavern, Joanna’s Marketplace, Miami Chop House, Tap Tap, and Red the Steakhouse. Parties by Pat also passed their delicious appetizers. A tasty selection of gourmet desserts will be provided by Jennifer’s Homemade, Platinum Desserts, Homebaked by Tara, and Cakes by Denyse. These scrumptious South Florida favorites paired well with a selection of fine wines provided by Mattebella Vineyards and others and a variety of premium cocktails courtesy of Bacardi. The latest hits from the airwaves filled the dance floor courtesy of DJ Tony.

Additional event sponsors include the TriMix Foundation, Kaufman Rossin & Co., Crispin Porter + Bogusky, Ver Ploeg & Lumpkin, P.A., Robert and Edith Hudson, Stearns Weaver Miller Weissler Alhadeff & Sitterson, P.A., ProSource Solutions, and Antonio Misuraca,.

Every year hundreds of foster care children “age out” of the foster care system and are expected to transition into society as adults. Although the State of Florida provides them with financial aid for continuing education, many of them lack the required skills, guidance, and basic information needed to take advantage of these programs. Educate Tomorrow volunteers mentor these young adults and guide them in the process of completing high school and applying for college or technical school. The cost of mentoring, life skills training, and in-school support groups is approximately $2,000 per child for the first year, far less than the cost to society when a former foster child ends up homeless or incarcerated.

Educate Tomorrow is a non-profit organization whose primary mission is to provide one-on-one educational mentors to foster care children that are turning 18 and “aging out” of the system. Believing that education is the catalyst that will help these young adults reach their greatest potential, it seeks to work with organizations throughout the nation to implement the proven methods of one-on-one mentoring and to promote education as the path to independence and self-sufficiency for disadvantaged youth in this country. For more information please call 305.374.3751 or visit www.educatetomorrow.org.

Photographs by Betty Alvarez copyright 2011

Cancer Support Community Greater Miami Annual Heart and Star Award Dinner 4/7/11

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Cancer Support Community Greater Miami Annual Heart & Star Award Dinner
Thursday, April 7, 2011, 6:30 p.m.
Temple Beth Am
The Richard and Janet Yulman Campus
5950 N. Kendall Drive
Pinecrest, FL 33156

http://cancersupportcommunitymiami.org

The Annual Heart & Star Award Dinner will celebrate “life beyond cancer” by honoring South Florida community leaders Adam E. Carlin and Joseph Roisman.

Carlin, a wealth manager in The Bermont/Carlin Group at Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, will receive the Champion of the Community Spirit Award in recognition of his commitment to the South Florida community, as well as his efforts to unite others toward a clearer focus and greater good.

Roisman, Executive Vice President of Perry Ellis International, will receive the Champion of Human Spirit Award as a tribute to being a cancer survivor and a beacon of light and hope for others faced with the illness.

Over 300 business and philanthropic leaders from the Greater Miami area will be in attendance for the event, along with Emmy Award-winning news reporter, philanthropist and cancer survivor, Laurie Stein, who will participate as Mistress of Ceremonies.

Sponsorship opportunities are available; call Danielle F. Spiegelman, Cancer Support Community Greater Miami Executive Director at 305-668-5900 for more information.

2nd Annual Allianz Championship Golf and Wine Experience 2/11/11

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2nd Annual Allianz Championship Golf & Wine Experience
Friday, February 11, 2011, 5:30 p.m.
The Old Course At Broken Sound Club
2401 Willow Springs Dr.
Boca Raton, FL 33496
Tickets: $125 per person; Sponsorship Packages Available
For tickets call the tournament office at 561-241-GOLF or visit www.allianzchampionship.com.

As part of the fifth annual Allianz Championship tournament event week, wine connoisseurs and golf enthusiasts will get the chance to hobnob on the green with legends of golf while popping the cork on the green to sample reds and whites from the private wine collections of golf pros’ own vineyards all while benefiting the Boca Raton Regional Hospital. In addition to indulging in the varietals from vineyards owned by golf pros Arnold Palmer, David Frost, Ernie Els, Gary Player, Fred Couples and more, attendees will enjoy hors d’oeuvres by chefs at the Old Course at Broken Sound Clubhouse. There will also be interactive golf experiences, prize drawings, including the opportunity to win VIP tickets to the championship tournament.

Educate Tomorrow Monte Carlo Casino Gala 1/8/11

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January 8, 2011
7:00 pm – 12:00 am
Private Bayfront Estate
17575 Old Cutler Road
Palmetto Bay, Fl
VIP Tickets: $250
Tickets: $200
Tickets available through our website or by calling 305.374.3751
Tickets are limited, please reserve soon.

Casino games provided by Royal Casino Events.
Enjoy the culinary offerings of: Smith & Wolensky, Tap Tap, Red And More!

Desserts Provided By: Platinum Treats, Jennifer’s Homemade, Cakes By Denyse, Homebaked By Tara

Corporate Sponsorships Available: $1,000 – $20,000

Gala Chair: Jason Mazer
Auction Chair: Kara Sharp
Steering Committee
Ivette Day
Mirelle Enlow
Natalie Escudero
Erica French
Eunice Irizarry
Shawn Joost
Mary Kondrachuk
Natalie Roling
Scott Shrey
Elizabeth Smith
Sandra Upegui
Patti Valdes

Contact Shawn Joost for further information by calling 305.374.3751 or emailing joost@educatetomorrow.org

A portion of your ticket is tax deductible. Educate Tomorrow is a certified 501(c)(3) organization.

Graphics Donated by Amaniac Design

Save 50%: In honor of National Mentoring Month, ET Mentors can purchase a Mentor Appreciation Ticket at half price!All current Educate Tomorrow mentors can purchase a Gala ticket at 50% off. Please call the Educate Tomorrow office at (305) 374-3751 to purchase Mentor Appreciation tickets.

Fourth Annual American Fine Wine Competition Gala Dinner 2/2/11

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Fourth Annual American Fine Wine Competition Gala Dinner
February 12, 2011, 6:00pm – 11:00pm
Hyatt Regency Pier Sixty-Six Resort & Spa
2301 S.E. 17th Street
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316

www.AmericanFineWineCompetition.com

The Fourth Annual American Fine Wine Competition Gala Dinner, presented by Patriot Risk Management, Inc., will feature 600 wines from the competition and a five-course dinner prepared by Hyatt Pier 66.

Join Emcee Alan Kalter, announcer for the David Letterman show, and enjoy live entertainment by famed performance artist Michael Israel, who will create original works of art for the live auction. Other auction items include packages of wine bottles signed by the winemakers themselves. Entertainment will also include live music by Dayve Stewart and the Vibe and guests can enter to win a “bejeweled” Lexus IS

A portion of the proceeds from ticket sales and the live auction; and 100% of the silent auction will benefit the Diabetes Research Institute and the Sun-Sentinel Children’s Fund.

Tickets are $200 per person. For additional information or to learn more about sponsorship opportunities, please visit www.AmericanFineWineCompetition.com or call Shari Gherman at 561.504.VINE (8463).

Miami Magic Gala for the Junior League of Miami 12/10/10

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Unlock The Magic Of Miami
Junior League of Miami Celebrates Community Leaders at Festive Fundraiser
The Four Seasons Hotel
Friday, Dec. 10 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Miami Magic tickets are $150 per person and $1,500 for a table of 10.
For more information or to purchase Miami Magic event and raffle tickets, visit www.jlmiami.org.

The Junior League of Miami (JLM) is celebrating Miami and honoring those who make the city magical at a festive holiday fundraiser at the Four Seasons Hotel on Friday, Dec. 10 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. This year’s Miami Magic will be emceed by NBC reporter Jeff Burnside and will feature tasty mojitos by Ron Atlantico, wine and champagne by Barefoot, and dinner and dancing under the stars. Proceeds benefit projects of JLM, an organization of approximately 1,000 women dedicated to the empowerment of Miami’s women, children and families.

“Miami Magic is a wonderful event that is open to everyone in the community. It celebrates the spirit of our great city, all while raising funds for JLM’s community projects,” says Loretta Nido, JLM President. “We will honor five remarkable people who, in line with the mission of JLM, have had a huge impact on the lives of women and children and we are thrilled to recognize their outstanding work.”

The five honorees that JLM will pay tribute to are agriculturist and philanthropist Swanee and Paul Dimare, successful trial attorney and restaurateur, James L Ferraro, former Miami Herald publisher and early childhood development specialist David Lawrence Jr., and founder of popular South Florida online e-newsletter Just Ask Boo, Boo Zamek.

Throughout the evening, guests will also have an opportunity to try their luck at winning 15 amazing raffle packages including a 7-night Royal Caribbean Cruise, a 2-night stay at the popular Hawk’s Cay Resort, a sports package that includes a Dwayne Wade autographed plaque, a golf foursome at the Biltmore, tickets to the Sony Ericsson, and gorgeous jewels by H & H Jewelry among many others.

Sponsors include Greenberg Traurig, Marlene & George Karavetsos, Erin Knight, Legon Ponce & Fofiman, PA, Loretta and Miguel Nido, April and Jason Pizzo, Sears Family, White & Case, Amicon Construction Services, Philip W. George, Fidelity National Title, Vicky & Bert Hucks, Meland Russin Budwick Attorneys at Law, Mary Young and Smoothie King.

The Junior League of Miami, founded in 1926, is an organization of approximately 1,000 women sharing a common vision to empower Miami’s women, children, and families to conquer tomorrow’s challenges and to build a united community. The mission of the Junior League of Miami is to promote voluntarism, develop the potential of women and improve communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. The Junior League concentrates its resources to make a significant impact on our community within the areas of homelessness, family violence, early childhood education, children’s & women’s health and foster care. This year, in addition to providing $100,000 in direct funding, another $600,000 in volunteer hours will be dedicated to the community for projects that address our five focus areas. For more information, visit www.jlmiami.org.

Miami Art Museum Ball 12/4/10

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Miami Art Museum Ball
Saturday, December 4, 2010, 7pm-midnight
Mandarin Oriental, Miami
Tickets/tables available at events@miamiartmuseum.org or 305.375.5935

Celebrating the groundbreaking for the Museum’s new, expanded facility at Museum Park, the Miami Art Museum Ball 2010 is chaired by Diane and Robert Moss. As one of the season’s most anticipated social events, this year’s Ball includes a cocktail reception, silent auction, dinner, dancing, and other delightful surprises. The Ball is the Museum’s single most important fundraising event of the year, providing support for vital public programs that bring art to life for visitors of all ages, throughout the year. In conjunction with the MAM Ball 2010, the Miami Art Museum launched its first-ever online auction at www.biddingforgood.com/miamiartmuseum. The auction will run Monday, November 8, 2010 through Sunday, November 28, 2010 at midnight, and carry over to the silent auction at the Ball. For more information, please contact events@miamiartmuseum.org or 305.375.5935.

The Miami Art Museum Ball 2010 is supported by Bacardi U.S.A, Ltd, Diageo, Ocean Drive Magazine and Plum TV.

Mercy Hospital Celebrates 60s in Style

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Mercy Hospital turns 60 this December, and to celebrate the milestone, hundreds joined together for the annual Mercy Foundation Gala, paying tribute to both the hospital and the Foundation’s numerous achievements.

Fittingly titled “Diamond,” the October 30th fundraiser at the InterContinental Hotel Miami also honored the past presidents of the Mercy medical staff. Recognized for their service, which has spanned, collectively, more than half a century, the former leaders received the prestigious Monsignor Bryan O. Walsh Humanitarian Award, and were singled out for their exemplary dedication to the hospital’s growth and development — both in South Florida and beyond its borders.

The “Diamond” Gala featured entertainment by GRAMMY award-winning singer Willy Chirino, as well as fashions, created specifically for the Gala’s silent auction, by Miami-based couture designers. Mayda Cisneros, Rene Ruiz, Victoria Lopez Castro, Gabriela Arango and Rosina Malta (fur designer) unveiled signature gowns and a fur, designed in purple and/or red (the colors of the Gala), proceeds of which benefited the Mercy Foundation. The silent auction additionally offered a myriad of generously donated items including works of art, sports memorabilia and jewelry.

“We are grateful to the countless supporters and enthusiastic volunteers who have helped make this special edition of our time-honored fundraiser a true success,” said Josie Romano Brown, Mercy Foundation President. “Each year, the Gala spotlights service to cause and community. It’s an honor to celebrate the depth and longevity of that dedication by Mercy Hospital and the ongoing commitment by its Medical Staff to delivering compassionate, quality care.”

Additionally receiving special recognition were the “Diamond” event organizers: Gala Chairpersons, Mr. & Mrs. Jacobo Gadala-María, Jr. and Dr. & Mrs. Rolando De León; Journal Chairs Dr. & Mrs. Rafael J. Mas; Auction Chairs Dr. & Mrs. Michael Gordon; and Gala committee members.

About the Mercy Foundation:

The Mercy Foundation exists to advance and support the mission and healthcare ministry of the Sisters of St. Joseph of St. Augustine. During the last 60 years this has been accomplished through fundraising for Mercy Hospital and its outreach programs, such as the St. John Bosco Clinic. In the last five years, the Foundation has been instrumental in the success of many valuable projects and community outreach programs, including the St. John Bosco Clinic, the School of Licensed Practical Nursing, the Ortega Bonet Miami Cancer Center, the Kohly Center for Rehabilitation and the Colt Neuro-Intensive Care Unit. The Foundation was successful in raising $15 million during the VISION campaign for the expansion and renovation of the Emergency Department.

Photographs of the event

Chris Bosh Presents Homestrong Gala with Miami Heat 11/21/10

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Chris Bosh Presents Home Strong Celebrity Gala
Sunday, November 21, 6pm
Fontainebleau Miami Beach
444| Collins Avenue | Miami Beach, Fl 33140

Join NBA Superstar Chris Bosh along with the Miami Heat for an intimate evening of dinner, entertainment, & supporting our troops with Ocean Drive Magazine.
Proceeds From The Event Will Benefit Home Strong

For Information On Tables, Tickets, Or Sponsorshipps Please Contact
Ian Grutman 305 534 7101 Or ian@miami-mg.com

It’s Groovy! Third Annual Hot Hollywood Glam Fund-raiser 11/20/10

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It’s Groovy! — Third Annual Hot Hollywood Glam Fund-raiser
Saturday, November 20, 2010
7 – 10:30 pm
Art and Culture Center of Hollywood,
1650 Harrison Street, Hollywood, Florida
ArtAndCultureCenter.org

A sophisticated, ’60s-era vibe, the Art and Culture Center of Hollywood invites you to its Third Annual Hot Hollywood Glam fund-raiser, “It’s Groovy!”

Enjoy, engage, and experience . . .
• Join us in recognizing the Center’s 2010 Groovy Couple, Neil and Sigrid Gold (pictured) – Center members, donors, and art collectors!
• Groovin’ on the dance floor with go-go dancers to the sounds of the 60s
• Scrumptious foods by one of South Florida’s top caterers, Michael Meltzer
• Featured drinks – beer, wine, and vodka compliments of Black Art Beer and Southern Wine & Spirits
• Live body-painting performance by Georgette Pressler
• Fantastic silent and Chinese auction items such as Miami Heat tickets; hotel stays at the W Fort Lauderdale; Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa; memorabilia from the Seminole Hard Rock & Casino; restaurant certificates; jewelry; and much more!
• Complimentary valet parking
• Experience three contemporary art exhibitions
• And there’s more!

Our coveted sponsors and Platinum-level guests will experience an exclusive, private area — our “Lava Lounge” — featuring open bar, champagne room, exquisite hors d’oeuvres, music, and more!

Click here to purchase tickets and for sponsorship info.

Tickets are $85 and $140, and 100% of ticket sales benefit the Art and Culture Center of Hollywood.

Miami Dade Chamber of Commerce 5th Annual Holiday Gala Auction and Toy Drive 12/5/10

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Join the Miami Dade Chamber of Commerce at its 5th Annual Holiday Gala
Saturday, December 4th, 2010
Miami Hyatt Regency Hotel.
400 SE 2nd Ave.
RSVP Here.

Take advantage of our Online Auction, bring joy to a child by donating a toy during our Toy Drive, and dance the night away at our Annual Holiday Gala by purchasing a ticket or table.

For more information, or call 305-751-8648

Paula Abdul To Emcee 16th Annual Intercontinental Miami Make-A-Wish Ball 11/6/10

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Pop Culture Icon Paula Abdul To Emcee The 16th Annual Intercontinental Miami Make-A-Wish Ball
Saturday, November 6
7:00 p.m. Cocktail Reception
8:30 p.m. Dinner, Live Auction, Celebrity Entertainment, Dancing
InterContinental Miami
100 Chopin Plaza Miami, FL

Tables, wishes and other sponsorship opportunities can be purchased by calling 954.967.9474, extension 318, or by visiting www.makeawishball.com.

InterContinental Miami Make-A-Wish Enter the Dragon Nightclub to follow
Reservations for the InterContinental Miami Make-A-Wish Nightclub After Party with the Jersey Boys can be made at 305-695-4410 or rsvp@capponigroup.com

Star of CBS’ new show Live To Dance to bring star power to raise funds for Southern Florida children in need, November 6, 2010

On Saturday, November 6, 2010, the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Southern Florida and InterContinental Miami will celebrate the 16th Annual InterContinental Miami Make-A-Wish Ball with an Asian-inspired, Zen-like theme. With world-recognized host Paula Abdul as the emcee of the much-buzzed-about live auction, an energetic live performance by Tony Award-winning musical Jersey Boys and the third anniversary of the Ball’s InterContinental Miami Make-A-Wish Nightclub, the evening will undoubtedly capture the “Art of the Wish.”

“This year’s Ball is destined to be the most memorable yet,” said Norman Wedderburn, President and CEO of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Florida. “We have a very special and impactful line-up of events planned this year that, when coupled with the impressive list of participants and supporters – most notably, Paula Abdul – will make for an unforgettable evening and the perfect celebration following a record-breaking year of wish granting.”

The Ball’s “Three Amigos” – President/CEO of Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Florida, Norm Wedderburn; Ball Chairman Shareef Malnik, proprietor of The Forge | Restaurant and Wine Bar; and, InterContinental Miami’s General Manager Robert Hill – have together made the Ball a reality. Hill stated, “It is an honor to again join forces with these two outstanding gentlemen for a cause that has become near and dear to my heart and all of us here at the InterContinental Miami. With their contagious energy, unwavering support of South Florida’s kind-hearted philanthropists and the plentitude of enticing auction items, I have no doubt we will exceed our expectations yet again this year. Other notable contributors include Lifetime Benefactors Al and Nancy Malnik; Grand Benefactors Stanley and Gala Cohen; Founding Benefactors Howard and Barbara Glicken; and Wish Star Benefactor James L. Ferraro, as well as Wish Benefactors Harvey and Roberta Chaplin, Stuart A. Miller of Lennar Corporation and Robert Press of Trafalgar Capital Advisors.

Upon arrival, guests will immediately experience the excitement of this year’s Ball as they transcend into an Asian realm reminiscent of their great cultures. Produced by Javier Velarde of Triton Productions, the hotel’s mezzanine will be transformed by Geishas, Samurai swordsmen, ribbon dancers, a gigantic Orange Blossom tree and other Asian visions that will be brought to life by the palpable energy of live Taiko drummers.

During the cocktail reception, guests will enjoy hors d’oeuvres and cocktail stations while having the opportunity to bid on more than 130 premier items donated by top hospitality, entertainment, fashion and luxury brands

Highlights include a guitar autographed by John Mayer; children’s Mercedes-Benz ride-on SUV; luxury goods by Betsey Johnson, Valentino, Burberry, Diane Von Furstenberg, Longchamp USA, Judith Ripka and more; and hospitality packages that range from local Miami stay-cations to destination packages such as a week-long luxury stay in the Grand Cayman Islands, and a number of worldwide travel experiences courtesy of the InterContinental Hotels and Resorts: InterContinental Athens, InterContinental Boston, InterContinental Carlton Cannes, InterContinental Chicago, InterContinental Le Grand Paris, InterContinental Madrid, InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto, InterContinental, InterContinental Monte Lucia, InterContinental New Orleans, InterContinental The Barclay New York, InterContinental Rio de Janeiro, InterContinental Toronto Yorkville and InterContinental Willard Washington DC, among others.

Following the reception, resident Ball and Miami Heat celebrity beat-master DJ Irie will lead guests into the main ballroom with lively music along with the aroma of Chef Feher’s decadent dinner. After the 4 course meal, the Ball’s famous action-packed live auction will ensue and will be emceed by none other than Paula Abdul, host of some of the world’s most notable television and award shows, who recently announced her venture as creative partner, executive producer and lead expert on a panel of judges for CBS’s new show Live To Dance.

Up for bid will be a 2011 Ferraro 458 Italia donated by Ken Gorin of The Collection; a walk-on role for the film Tower Heist starring Ben Stiller, donated by director Brett Ratner; another walk-on roll for the USA Network’s hit show Burn Notice, filmed on-site in Miami; a $30,000 gift certificate for Rene Ruiz Couture provided by the designer himself; the ultimate Los Angeles Jet-Setting weekend getaway courtesy of Jason Binn and Niche Media; a luxurious Judith Ripka-inspired New York City experience complete with a $5,000 shopping piece from the designer’s collection; and an all-expenses-paid getaway to chic hotspot St. Barth’s, as well as a spectacular tour of the Orient with accommodations courtesy of InterContinental Hotels.

After the auction, guests will be entertained with a live grand finale performance by Tony Award-winning music production Jersey Boys, a story-like show based on the lives of famed 1960s rock-‘n’-roll group, The Four Seasons.

For the third year in a row, the InterContinental Miami Make-A-Wish Nightclub “Enter the Dragon” will celebrate and support the Ball’s endeavors as well as introduce the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Florida to the next generation of contributors. “The InterContinental Miami Make-A-Wish Nightclub has been instrumental in raising awareness of the Ball and its mission to an entirely new group — a generation we hope will one day be our new lifetime benefactors and ultimately continue the power of the wish,” said Gala Chairman Malnik. You need to mention the fashion show by Nicole Miller – Michael Capponi, The Capponi Group and Antonio Misuraca – reservations for the After Party can be made at 305-695-4410 or rsvp@capponigroup.com

Tables for the InterContinental Miami Make-A-Wish Ball range from $5,000 to $20,000. Wish Sponsorships start at $5,000. Tables, wishes and other sponsorship opportunities can be purchased by calling 954.967.9474, extension 318, or by visiting www.makeawishball.com.

The mission of the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Southern Florida is to grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. In its 15-year history, the InterContinental Miami Make-A-Wish Ball has raised in excess of $8.6 million. With these much needed funds, the Foundation has been able to grant more than 1,900 wishes for deserving children in our community. Past VIP guests of the Ball have included Pamela Anderson, Sharon Stone, Kim Kardashian, Esteban Cortazar, Governor Charlie Crist, Scottie and Larsa Pippen, Russell Simmons, Venus and Serena Williams, Don King, Sex in the City’s Candace Bushnell, Marcus Schenkenberg, Pauly Shore, and performers Macy Gray, Natalie Cole and Wyclef Jean, Bernadette Peters, the late Nell Carter, Ricki Lake, Deborah Gibson, the Beatles tribute band Beatlemania and The Honey Brothers featuring Adrian Grenier.

The Roundup at Camp Mahachee 11/4/10

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November 4, 2010, 7:30 p.m.
Camp Mahachee
9950 Old Cutler Road, Coral Gables, Fl 33156

The Girl Scout Council of Tropical Florida will be hosting The Roundup at Camp Mahachee on Thursday, November 4, at Camp Mahachee. The event, produced by the Council’s Service Unit 18, promises to bring an evening of Western fun and entertainment to benefit the Girl Scout Council of Tropical Florida and its efforts to provide thousands of girls with programs that help build girls of courage, confidence and character.

The event will be emceed by Roxanne Vargas Co-Anchor of South Florida Today on NBC6 and co-chaired by troop leaders C. Patricia Cruz and Suzanne N. Levitt. Guest will enjoy live music and a silent audition with amazing items such as, lunch with Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen and a tour of the Capitol in Washington, DC, private cocktails with Jon Secada, just to name a few. Guest are encouraged to grab their boots and cowboy hats and mosey on down for a night of boot stompin’ entertainment straight from the Wild, Wild West.

The evening will start with a VIP cocktail at 7:30 p.m., followed by a VIP reception at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $75 per person for regular admission and $100 per person for VIP cocktail reception, which includes a special Deputy VIP Badge. For tickets or sponsorship opportunities, please contact C. Patricia Cruz at 305-562-6293 or email mahacheeroundup@gmail.com. To learn more about the organization visit www.girlscoutsfl.org.

Hialeah Honors 103 Year Old Resident 10/23/10

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Hialeah Honors 103 Year Old Resident!
Saturday, October 23, 2010 at 7:00 p.m.
Sofitel Hotel, 5800 Blue Lagoon Drive

Hialeah Mayor Julio Robaina and the Hialeah City Council will be making a special presentation to Epworth Village Resident, Maude Harris, who recently celebrated her 103rd Birthday. Mrs. Harris, originally from Minnesota, still lives independently and is quite active at Epworth Village. She is a member of a group of women from Epworth Village who knit and quilt beanie hats & sweaters for premature babies born at Jackson Memorial Hospital.

Mayor Robaina will be presenting Mrs. Harris with a proclamation during Epworth Village’s annual Gala, A Night in Paris at the Sofitel Hotel in Miami, this weekend. The funds collected at the Gala will benefit the Aldersgate Retirement Charity Fund which this year would like to buy a vehicle equipped to transport seniors around the city.

For more information, please contact the City of Hialeah Communications & Special Events Department at 305-889-5701.

2010 These Are All Our Children Too Gala and Award Ceremony 11/12/10

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2010 These Are All Our Children Too Gala & Award Ceremony
Benefitting the Youth of Art Studio Miami
Friday, November 12, from 6:30pm-11:00pm
Raleigh Hotel, 1775 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, Florida

“These Are All Our Children” in partnership with Art Studio Miami Continues to Make A Lasting positive Impact on the lives of impoverished youth in Miami’s Little Haiti community.

“These Are All Our Children” will hold their 2nd Annual Gala to benefit at-risk and impoverished youth in Miami. This Gala makes it possible for Art Studio Miami to continue to bring healing arts programs to impoverished youth with a goal of “Halting the Cradle To Prison Pipeline”.
The Gala takes place on Friday, November 12, 2010 at the RALEIGH HOTEL at 1775 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, Fl, 33139, from 6:30PM to 11:00 PM. Individual tickets are $75 ($100 after October 31, 2010).
CBS News Anchors Marybel Rodriguez and Jawan Strader will host the gala. The evening will include an exclusive VIP welcome reception, silent auction, delectable food & beverages and a diverse musical selection to enliven the senses. All in support of Art Studio Miami , a 501c3 npo organization committed to providing a safe location where young people are inspired and guided by teaching artists and professional mentors who support the student’s education and career development through the integration of creative holistic arts.

Miami’s poorest neighborhoods are producing young people who lack the skills and resources necessary to compete in the job market today. Many who grow up in poverty have few options to pursue gainful employment or higher education. The programs that the Art Studio Miami offers to youth living in the Little Haiti community concentrates on building the creative thinking skills necessary to gain stable employment and escape systemic poverty. Art Studio Miami utilizes the arts to focus on cultivating vital life skills, including etiquette, public speaking, and interpersonal relationship building. The students also learn resume building, graphic design, website construction, writing, culinary preparation, and are partnered with mentors to further develop skill sets in fields that interest each unique student.

“Our goal is to build awareness on behalf of our youth and raise the necessary funds need to make sure every child that wants to participate can attend our programs. Together we are committed to empowering the youth of our community to lead successful lives and have hope filled futures”, states Dee Dee Green,
Development Director, Art Studio Miami, and founder of “These Are All Our Children”

To purchase tickets visit www.artstudiomiami.org or call Dee Dee Green at p.305.528.3017 or email deedee@artstudiomiami.org.

Art Studio Inc. is a 501c3 non-profit organization, made up of skilled volunteers, teaching artists, and professional mentors. Our goal is to empower young minds by providing a safe space within the schools and communities, for career focused, creative-holistic art integrated programs and mentoring to take place. Art Studio’s engaging programs encourage creative thinking, personal responsibility, career development, environmental awareness, and positive self-images – all of which increase student’s chances for self-sufficiency and long-term success.
Our core values include utilizing the arts as a resource in advocating for human rights, developing Life Skills and exposing our youth to attainable professional career path solutions.

The Children’s Trust Champions for Children Award Ceremony 11/19/10

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The Children’s Trust ‘Champions for Children’ Award Ceremony
November 19, 2010, Noon – 2 p.m.
Jungle Island Treetop Ballroom
1111 Parrot Jungle Trail, Miami, FL 33132
www.thechildrenstrust.org

Now in its sixth year, The Children’s Trust Champions for Children awards ceremony honors individuals and programs that have achieved greatness in their service to children and families. Additionally, this year, The Children’s Trust Champions for Children Awards Ceremony will celebrate the resiliency of the Haitian people and its culture through the event’s décor, menu and entertainment. A portion of its silent auction will be donated to a charity helping children in Haiti. This annual, signature event has become one of the most coveted within the community of child advocates and in all of Miami-Dade County and serves as an inspiration to others to follow in the path of our award recipients. Tickets are $45.00 per person. To purchase tickets, please call 305-571-5700. To learn more about The Children’s Trust, please call 211 or visit www.thechildrenstrust.org.

J’Adore Paris Gala and Cabaret After-Party 10/29/10

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J’Adore Paris Gala and Cabaret After-Party
Friday, October 29, 2010, Gala from 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. and After Party from 10 p.m. – 1 a.m.
Comber Hall
1251 Palermo Avenuem Coral Gables, FL 33134
www.gablesfoundation.org

J’adore Paris themed black-tie gala, hosted by the Coral Gables Community Foundation. Now in its fifth year, the event will be the VIP event of the social season, with more than 250 Coral Gables community leaders, local celebrities and philanthropists attending. For the first time ever, guests will be able to dance the night away with a post-gala Cabaret After-Party featuring Bacardi© open bar, music and much more.

The 2010 Legacy Award will be presented to Jeannett Slesnick for her dedication to the organization. This year’s gala is co-chaired are Irela M. Bagué and Ana Maria Rodriguez and will be emceed by Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce President and CEO, Mark Trowbridge.

Tickets for the J’adore Paris Gala are $250 per person and include entry to the pre-gala reception, gala and Cabaret After-Party. Tickets may also be purchased separately for the after-party for $50 and will include Bacardi© open bar, music and dancing. Cocktail attire is suggested for the after-party. To purchase tickets, become a sponsor or obtain more information on the gala, please call 305-446-9670 or visit www.gablesfoundation.org.

Sponsors of the gala include Bacardi U.S.A., Baptist Health South Florida, FPL, Selecta Magazine and Tiffany & Company. An image called “Rêver de Vous” was created by George Rodez of the RODezart.com Gallery to represent the event.

Celebrate The Wolfsonian-FIU Quince at at Fontainebleau Miami Beach 11/12/10

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Celebrate our Quince!
Friday, November 12 at 8pm
Fontainebleau Miami Beach
www.wolfsonian.org

Put on your dancing shoes and help us celebrate our Quince! That’s right, The Wolfsonian is turning fifteen (and you thought we were born yesterday). To mark our coming of age, celebrate our accomplishments, and pay homage to our many friends, the Wolfsonian Visonaries are throwing the museum a fantastic, Miami-style Quince. “This is going to be a very fun party, one of the best of the season,” says Gingi Beltran, Wolfsonian Visionary Quince co-chair and vice president of The Patton Group, Inc.

Join us on Friday, November 12 at 8pm as we dine and dance the night away. The place? An oceanfront ballroom and outdoor terrace at Fontainebleau Miami Beach. The sounds? Miami’s own Grammy-nominated Latin jazz band, Conjunto Progreso, led by Johnny Aguiló, and DJ-about-town Jody McDonald. The food? Excellent, the best the Fontainebleau chefs can whip up. The libations? Spirits generously provided by Bacardi. Dress? Festive black tie, and why not wear a tiara and gloves while you’re at it? The cause? Funds raised by the Quince will help The Wolfsonian continue to do what we have done so well for the past fifteen years—bring you thought-provoking exhibitions, innovative academic and public programs, grow the unique collection, and stimulate thinking about the significance of design in our lives both historically and today.

“The Wolfsonian is a jewel in our city. It has made a major contribution to our community and it is such a respected museum internationally,” notes Beltran. “Look at all it has done. It is truly amazing that The Wolfsonian has accomplished all of this in only fifteen years.”

The Quince is the first major event to be planned and hosted by the newly formed Wolfsonian Visionaries. Event chairs, in addition to Beltran, are Adrian De Brasi and Jaime Odabachian. “We have been so honored that The Wolfsonian has allowed us to organize the ball. It has been a fantastic creative experience,” says Beltran. The Visionaries are a group of community leaders, many from the art and design world, who work with The Wolfsonian to plan events and who are engaged in an ongoing dialog with the museum, providing ideas and feedback in areas such as programming and fundraising. The group is open to new members; meetings are the second Monday of each month at The Wolfsonian from 6-8pm. Anyone interested in joining should contact ian@thewolf.fiu.edu or 305.535.2631.

The Quince is part of our annual Very Wolfsonian Weekend event on November 11-13, the whole of which is dedicated to celebrating fifteen years of The Wolfsonian.

Friends of The Orphans Fundraiser at The Ritz Carlton South Beach 10/22/10

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Friends of The Orphans Fundraiser
Friday, October 22, 2010
7:00 – 11:00 p.m.
The Ritz Carlton South Beach
One Lincoln Road
Miami Beach, FL 33139

More Info and Tickets.

Join us for an evening like no other! Open your heart and make a difference at this glamorous fundraising cocktail gala.

Enjoy the beauty and artistic surroundings of the Ritz-Carlton’s Evolution and feast on an unbelievable array of gourmet delicacies masterfully created by Ritz-Carlton chefs to tantalize all your senses. The event will also feature a stunning silent auction, fund-a-need and DJ Edwin Adams.

Mistress of Ceremonies: Neida Sandoval, anchor of Despierta America, Univision Network
Featured speaker: José Bermudez, former pequeño, NPH Mexico

Individual Tickets: $130 each and include gourmet chef tastings and open premium liquor bar

RSVP by noon Central time on October 21.

Parisian Bash for Charity in Coral Gables 10/29/10

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J’adore Paris Gala & Cabaret After Party
Friday, October 29th
Comber Hall (next to the Church of the Little Flower in Coral Gables).

The Coral Gables Community Foundation is having their annual fundraiser gala earlier the evening of October 29th downstairs in this same building with dinner and a band at $250 a ticket. This is the after party hosted by Bacardi and is intended for some of our younger audiences… at a lower price with a faster pace. It should be fun and is a great bargain for $50 for a four hour bash! Please forward to your friends and enjoy a great evening in the Gables together.

This year’s black-tie affair will be spectaculaire as we transport our guests to the glamorous and romantic city of Paris. The evening begins with our signature silent auction and sparkling Bacardi cocktail reception, followed by dinner, Bacardi bar, lively entertainment, and dancing (7 PM-11 PM).

Keep dancing into the night at our After Party (9PM-1AM). The CABARET After Party is new this year and is included with the purchase of a Gala ticket ($250). You may also attend just the After Party ($50).

PURCHASE Tickets / More Information
305-446-9670 www.gablesfoundation.org