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Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade’s 15th Annual “Claws for Kids” Raised Over $300,000 to Crack Open Opportunities for Miami-Dade Area Youth

By May 1, 2026May 12th, 2026No Comments

Supporters cracked open opportunities for Miami-Dade area youth at Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade’s 15th Annual “Claws for Kids” fundraising luncheon on Tuesday, May 5, at Joe’s Stone Crab in Miami Beach. More than 350 of South Florida’s top community leaders, philanthropists and influencers attended the annual event, making it the largest “Claws for Kids” event in the organization’s history.

The signature event continued Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade’s year-long 80th anniversary celebration. For eight decades, Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade has been committed to improving the lives of Miami-Dade area youth through mentorship, care and educational programs designed to prepare them to become productive and caring citizens in the community.

“Claws for Kids” raised over $300,000 that will support Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade’s services and programs at its six Clubs and sites combined, which provide educational after-school programs, tutoring and homework assistance, STEM, social skills, dance, arts and crafts, mentoring and summer and athletic programs for area youth who need them the most. These programs help children realize their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens.

Guests enjoyed Joe’s world-famous stone crabs and additional signature items without the wait while listening to the sounds of Brett Miller. Emmy award-winning journalist and WSVN Channel 7 Anchor Belkys Nerey was the Master of Ceremonies.

Mother-daughter Lisa Mendelson and Lindsey Mendelson Pearson returned as co-chairs alongside Special Events Chair, Olga Guilarte. The “Claws for Kids” host committee included Jackie Gonzalez, Melissa Pallette-Vasquez, Lily Pardo and Rae Stein.

Supporters had the opportunity to participate in a curated raffle featuring VIP experiences, exclusive travel, fine wines and liquors, restaurant gift cards, fine jewelry, and more. Big ticket items included the choice of either a seven-day Carnival cruise or a private VIP Art Basel Tour 2026 and art consultation at a private residence by Nina Johnson Gallery, a Trump National Doral Golf Club round of golf for four on Red Tiger, Golden Palm or Silver Fox, a KAY Milestones Diamond Teardrop Necklace, two tickets to the Giants vs. Marlins game s with access to The PNC Club, and a Girl’s Day Out with lunch for 10 at Mariposa Café at Neiman Marcus at Merrick Park, among other luxury items.

Guests also participated in Sponsor-a-Child, where they pledged to donate to make a positive impact on the life of a child.

“Claws for Kids” is held in memory of Judy Kramer, a longtime Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade Board member, who was not only a part of the Claws team that created the event, but she also chaired it since its inception until her passing in February 2021.

ACADEMICA was honored with the 2026 “From the Heart Award” in recognition of its incredibly strong partnership and support of Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade. ACADEMICA’s efforts have profoundly influenced the lives of countless youth served by the Club.

ACADEMICA is a leading education service provider committed to supporting high-quality public charter schools and strengthening educational opportunities for students and families. Through its strong partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade, ACADEMICA has demonstrated a deep commitment to community impact and expanding access to resources that help young people succeed. Their continued generosity and collaboration reflect a shared mission to make a meaningful difference across our communities.

“We are proud to celebrate the 15th Annual ‘Claws for Kids’ at Joe’s Stone Crab during our 80th anniversary, bringing our community together to create brighter futures for youth across Miami-Dade,” said Alex Rodriguez-Roig, president of Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade. “This luncheon is an annual highlight for our supporters, and its success is made possible through the continued generosity of our longtime partner Joe’s Stone Crab, the leadership of Special Events Chair Olga Guilarte, returning Co-Chairs Lisa Mendelson and Lindsey Mendelson Pearson, as well as the dedication of our board members and generous donors.”

“We were proud to honor ACADEMICA with our 2026 ‘From the Heart’ Award in recognition of its strong partnership, generous support, and enduring commitment to strengthening and empowering youth and families across Miami-Dade and our broader community. For eight decades, we have been committed to inspiring and enabling Miami-Dade youth and provide them with the resources to succeed and share in the American Dream, and this wouldn’t be possible without our supporters,” he continued.

The 2026 Presenting Sponsor was the Carmen Rebozo Foundation. The Premier Sponsors were Lisa and Victor Mendelson, Lindsey Mendelson Pearson and Ryan Pearson, and Fortune International. The Jumbo Claw Sponsors were Amazon, the Anthony R. Abraham Foundation, Coastal Construction, FPL, Murgado Automotive Group, Ocean Bank, and Thoma Bravo. The Large Claw Sponsors were Baptist Health, Bermont Gold Wealth Advisory Group of Raymond James, Charter America Holdings, DRRT, First American Bank, Jackie and Nelson Gonzalez, Julie Grimes, Ryder System, Inc., Rae and Barry Stein, The Miller Saiontz Family, Joe Traba, Jr., and WSVN 7.

Board Members in attendance included Board Chair Rudy Lleonart, Peter Bermont, Jim Bernhardt, Tom Bezold, Bob Cuevas, Liana de Mena, Jackie Gonzalez, Maria Luisa Gonzalez, Olga Guilarte, Bob Kramer, Raul Marmol, Silvio Martniez, Victor Mendelson, Yuni Navarro, Melissa Pallett-Vasquez, Kristina Perez-Cubas, Fred Rebozo, Karen Rodriguez, Barry Stein, Dan Susik, Joe Traba, Jr., and Michelle Zubizarreta.

Underwriting and in-kind support was provided by Jayne & Leonard Abess (audio/visual), Abigail Pollak (PR/marketing and photography services), the Bernhardt Family (the reception), and Colin Cowie (graphic design and printing). Organic wines were provided by Domaine Bousquet.

About Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade

Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade has been serving youth in the community since 1946 and is proudly celebrating its 80th anniversary in 2026. What once was a single building and site for boys has grown to six Clubs and sites combined serving thousands of boys and girls year-round, providing programs in the areas of character and leadership development, educational enhancement, career preparation, health and life skills, cultural arts and sports, fitness and recreation. Club staffing, initiatives, and programs are designed to inspire and enable area youth and provide them with the resources to succeed and share in the American Dream. For more information, please call 305.446.9910 or visit www.bgcmia.org, Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.

About Joe’s Stone Crab

Joe’s Stone Crab, which celebrated its 107th anniversary in 2020, was established when Joseph Weiss came to Miami for a change of climate to help his asthma. Weiss opened a lunch stand, originally offering fish and fries, on Miami Beach, which eventually evolved into today’s establishment. It is located at 11 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139. For more information, visit www.joesstonecrab.com.

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