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Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade’s Nov. 8 “Wild About Kids” Gala Raises Over $310,000 to Benefit its Positive Programs for Local Youth

By November 15, 2014No Comments

Miami, Fla. – Nov. 15, 2014 Over 430 attendees enjoyed a “night of stars” at Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade’s Nov. 8 “Wild About Kids” gala at the JW Marriott Marquis in Miami. The eighth annual event raised over $310,000, which will benefit Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade’s accredited and outcomes-driven after school and summer programs.

During the event, local philanthropists/husband and wife Jorge Luis Lopez, Esq. and Marile Lopez were honored with Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade’s Charles “Bebe” Rebozo Humanitarian Award for their vision, leadership and dedication given to the organization and its children. St. Louis Cardinals outfielder/former Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade member Jon Jay was honored with the Community Leadership Award as an alumnus who has demonstrated tremendous support, leadership and commitment to the enrichment, development and well-being of the children in the Miami-Dade community.

Acclaimed local artist Alexander Mijares, a Miami native with Cuban and Spanish roots, created/donated a beautiful piece for the gala. Internationally renowned fashion designer Angel Sanchez was among the VIP guests at the event. Miami Marlins infielder Adeiny Hechavarria gave a special and surprise donation on the spot.

The event kicked off with a cocktail reception at 6:30 p.m., followed by dinner, the program, dancing and live entertainment from 8 p.m.–12 a.m. A fun-filled after party including entertainment, D.J. music, dancing, an open bar and small bites, also at the JW Marriott Marquis, took place from 12–3 a.m.

South Florida’s top community leaders, philanthropists and socialites were among guests who enjoyed an evening full of surprises, luxurious and unique raffle and auction items and much more. Guests also have a special opportunity at the event to sponsor a child through donations.

Longtime supporters of Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade and local philanthropists, Dr. Robert H. Thomas and Eris Thomas (Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade Executive Board member) served as chairs of the event. Serving as gala honorary co-chairs were Dr. Michael S. Gordon and Lynda Gordon, and Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade former Board President and current Special Events Chair Olga Guilarte.

“Wild About Kids” gala committee members were Donna Abood, Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade Board of Directors Member Charlie Barton, Tom Bezold, Katie Cabanas, Gabriela Rachadell de Delgado, Jackie Gonzalez, Judy Kramer, Eddie Lacasa, Marile Lopez, Alfredo Mesa, Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade Executive Board Member Yuni Navarro, Melissa Pallett, Elizabeth & Ralph Patino, and Maggie Zulueta.

Event sponsors included Dr. Michael S. & Lynda Gordon, Carmen Rebozo Foundation, Juan Jose Delgado & Gabriela Rachadell de Delgado, Academica, Peter L. & Kerrin Bermont, Coca-Cola®, Coral Gables Executive Physicians, Ocean Bank, A-Rod Corp™, DLA Piper, Baptist Health South Florida, Wheels Up, Jorge Luis Lopez Law Firm, Robert & Judith Kramer, Barry & Rae Stein, Pinecrest Magazine, WSVN Channel 7, Modern Luxury Miami Magazine, FPL, Alpine Creative Group, Galaxy Productions, Offices of Ring Bender McKown & Castillo, LLP, Bacardi®, Winn-Dixie, Rodolfo “Rudy” Lleonart & Family, Northern Trust, Angels Entertainment, and Chic Parisien.

“This year’s ‘Wild About Kids’ gala was a wonderful success, in terms of funds raised, how much the guests enjoyed it, and the awareness that we created of what Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade does to change the lives of area youth,” said Eris Thomas. “We are very grateful to all who attended and participated.”

About Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade  

Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade has been serving youth in the community since 1940. What once was a single building and site for boys has grown to five Clubs 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 young people and provide them with the resources to succeed and share in the American Dream. For more information, please visit www.bgcmia.org.

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