|
By Rosalind Rush Moore
nutrode@aol.com
There was great anticipation for the over 300 supporters who attended the Boys & Girls Clubs “Wild About Kids Gala” since this was one of the first groups to make use of the famous and newly revised Eden Roc Hotel in Miami Beach. The hotel has recently completed the venue’s $180 million renovation and expansion and got fantastic comments from this group for the glamorous additions.
This special night began with a cocktail reception where a silent auction was held featuring something for everyone’s taste such as a Tiffany package from Tiffany & Co, a one-night stay at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and two tickets to the Super Bowl along with dozens of gift baskets, jewelry pieces, paintings and weekend getaways. Next the doors opened as everyone arrived at the exquisite Pompeii dining hall where tables were adorned with elaborate flower and orchid centerpieces decorated with toy ornaments. The highlight of the evening was when children of Boys & Girls Clubs, all dressed in wild animal costumes, danced and sang to three heartfelt scenes from The Lion King.
Board member Olga Guilarte was as chairman of this event with WSVN’s Anchor and Deco Drive Host Lynn Martinez serving as emcee. At this gala Miami Beach Mayor Matti Bower was honored for her unlimited support to this organization. Guests were given the opportunity to sponsor a child with a $250 donation and the Boys & Girls Club collected approximately $17,000 in child-sponsor donations. After the ceremonies, everyone enjoyed dancing to Jerry Wayne’s Private Party Band and enjoying Artist Romero Britto’s event’s colorful images.
Jubilee Gala benefited Catholic Charities
Can you believe what The Jubilee Gala, an event that benefitted Catholic Charities and Catholic Health Services, went through days before their gala yet still had a fantastic evening? Scheduled to be at the Fontainebleau Hotel, five days before the large crowd was to attend the event, they were informed that the hotel couldn’t get its CO (Certificate of Occupancy) and therefore would not hold the gala. Thankfully, in this short time the charity was able to move the gala to the Doral Resort and Spa. After notifying the more than700 guests, everyone attended the gala at this new location whose staff bent over backwards to accommodate the attendees.
Following the opening reception where everyone enjoyed hors d’oeuvres, cocktails and viewing the many items in the silent auction guests went into the main ballroom for dinner and were dazzled by the stunning décor of the room.
This was a very special landmark event since it celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Archdiocese of Miami. In honor of this anniversary Keith Koenig was named the Jubilee Honoree, a one-time award, for his philanthropic and social advocacy efforts through the years. Bunny Bastian, chairman of the Jubilee Gala, was lauded for her devotion to the charity. Next Emilio Alonso-Mendoza, President of Catholic Community Foundation and the Archdiocese of Miami of MiamiDevelopment Corporation, greeted guests and talked about the accomplishments of the Archdiocese and the many lives it has touched throughout its 50 year history. Archbishop John Clement Favalora also addressed the group.
After the program guests enjoyed a delicious dinner and danced the night away to the music provided by the Galaxy Band. It was a perfect evening, proving that often change is for the better.
Kristi House hosted Ninth Annual Touch a Heart Dinner
Despite difficult economic times, a sold-out group of generous supporters for Kristi House attended the Ninth Annual Touch a Heart Dinner & Action at Four Seasons Hotel. Everyone enjoyed the five-course gourmet dinner and accompanying wines along with an auction of cruises, exclusive travels, wines and luxury gifts thanks to the efforts of co-chairmen Julia Bianchi, Debbie Burman and Lindy Colson.
The 300 guests were greeted by hundreds of votive candles, white roses and hydrangeas, donated by French Market and Sunburst Farms and arranged by Layne Tidwell. Kristi House Executive Director Trudy Novicki said how delighted the organization was to see Kristi House supporters and friends supporting children who have been victimized by sexual abuse.
Recognized as Honorary Chairs were Eliza and Hugh Culverhouse, Swanee and Paul DiMare, Diane and Allen de Olazarra and the de Olazarra Family Foundation. Trish and Dan Bell were named as Gold Heart Sponsors. Thanks to the help of everyone who attended the event along with other supporters there was a success netting of $300,000 for Kristi House.
CHARLEE and the Chocolate Factory
The 1,000 adults and children who attended the “CHARLEE and the Chocolate Factory” were taken into the world of the1971 movie “Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” since the five-acre Coral Gables home of Nancy and Rob Hector was transformed into a literal chocolate and candy wonderland. Paula Brockway served as chairman of this extraordinary event with WPLG/Channel 10 News Anchor Laurie Jennings serving as Mistress of Ceremonies.
Dressed as many of the characters from the movie – Willie Wonka, the orange-faced, green haired Oompa-Loompas and the Lady in the Clouds – these actors fascinated the group. Under the artful direction of Chairman Paula Brockway and caterer Lasso the Moon, guests were treated to chocolate foundations, a lollipop lane, Camp CHARLEE activities, magic shows, special presentations by the actors and much more. Additionally, there was no shortage of activities to raise additional funds including exciting opportunities such as the sale of Wonka Bars in search of a “golden ticket” where the lucky winner went home with a diamond ring from Neiman Marcus Coral Gables, CHARLEE and the Chocolate Factory t-shirts and visors, crazy fun in Veruca’s Corner and a raffle drawing to win a convertible smart car.
The committee greeted all the attendees and gave warm thanks for their participation in celebrating the great gift of helping children of our community. Special thanks went to notable sponsors Paula and Bob Brockway, Nancy and Rob Hector, Trish and Dan Bell, Swanne and Paul DiMare, Diane and Al de Olazarro, Kendra and John Malloy, Lydia and Rudy Touzet.
Make-A-Wish Ball made $1.6 million
A fantastically successful 14th Annual InterContinental Miami Make-A-Wish Ball in that it raised more than $1.6 million for children with a mystical-themed dinner, musical performance by The Honey Brothers, extravagant live auctioned emceed by reality television star Kim Kardashian and the debut of the Ball’s InterContinental Miami Make-a-Wish Nightclub that was hosted by Michael Capponi and Shareef Malnik.
The evening began with a lavish cocktail reception featuring seasonal décor by Sutka Productions, hors d’oeuvres, drinks and a silent auction, which raised $87,000. Next guests were summoned by performers camouflaged as walking foliage, centaurs, butterflies and mythical creatures into an enchanted ballroom where a gourmet three-course dinner was served. During dinner a video presentation by Make-A-Wish Foundation President/CEO Norman Wedderburn, Ball Chairman Shareef Malnik and InterContinental Miami General Manager Jack J. Miller.
Next was a surprise musical performance by 16- year-old Jonathan Rios, a Wish Child, who through the help of the Foundation now has an in-home music-recording studio. The gala continued with musical beats by Miami Heat’s own resident DJ Irie and an action-packed live auction hosted by Kim Kardashian, star of E’s Keeping Up with the Kardashians and former contestant on Dancing With the Stars. The grand finale of the event featured live music entertainment by The Honey Brothers, featuring actor Adrian Grenier.
Following the ball and for the first time in its 14 year history, the InterContinental Miami Make-A-Wish Nightclub celebrated the ball’s endeavors and reintroduced the Make-A-Wish Foundation to its next generation of contributors and Miami’s premier buzz creators in fashion, arts, music and nightlife industries.
|
Calendar of events
November
19 – 35th Annual Love and Hope Preview Party to benefit Diabetes Research Institute, Diplomat Country Club
20 – 35th Annual Fashion Show Luncheon to benefit New Born, Fairmont Turnberry Resort & Club
20 – The Women’s Guild of The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis’ Beaujolais Nouveau Release Party, Fairchild Tropical Garden Ballroom
21 – American Fine Wine Gala, Four Seasons Hotel
21 – Best Buddies 12th Annual Miami Gala-La Fiesta Espanola, Watson Island
21 – Miami City Ballet’s Latin Heritage Celebration, Miami City Ballet Studios
21 – Twelfth Annual Miami Gala: La Fiesta Espano hosted by UBS & Best Buddies International, Watson Island
|
|
