11th Annual Wild About Kids Gala
Benefiting Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade
Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade celebrated its 11th Annual “Wild About Kids” Gala, a “The Great Gatsby” themed event on Saturday, raising more than $1.3 Million.
More than 400 guests attended the 11th Annual “Wild About Kids” Gala at the JW Marriott Marquis Miami that was brought to life by WOW MKGT. It featured a pre-gala Champaign Reception compliment of Total Wine & More and including: spirits compliments of Bacardi, live entertainment by the Rodriguez-Roig Brothers and an evening wear fashion showcase compliments of Bloomingdales Miami at The Falls. There was a silent auction with over 150 items ranging from unique travel opportunities and memorabilia to exquisite jewelry and an elegant three-course dinner. Actress, model and acclaimed singer Elizabeth Elias, an alumnus of Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade, joined Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade’s Hank Kline Dance Club dancers in their rendition of “Scars to Your Beautiful.” There was a live performance by Grammy Award-winning SanLuis and dancing and entertainment by Hammocks Entertainment.
The highlight of the evening came when Andy Ansin, vice president of The Ansin Foundation, surprised guests with a check he presented to Alex Rodriguez-Roig, president of Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade, for a $1 million donation for the clubs current Capital & Endowment Campaign to rebuild two of its oldest facilities. The Ansin gift is earmarked for the renovation of Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade’s Northwest Club.
Lynn Martinez, anchor of WSVN Channel 7 News and Deco Drive, emceed the event and Pastor Nick Del Vento with Vous Church gave the invocation.
Event co-chairs were Juan Jose Delgado and Gabriela Rachadell de Delgado, and Jorge Luis and Marile Lopez. The special event chair was Olga Guilarte. Dee Gordon, second baseman for the Miami Marlins was awarded the “Community Builder” Award and Dr. Michael S. Gordon (posthumously) and Lynda Gordon were awarded the “Charles ‘Bebe’ Rebozo Humanitarian” Award for their work, commitment and care for the children of Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade.
Gala committee members included Saskia Bowers, Ivonne De La Vega, Karen Dudley, Judy Kramer, Carolina Lanao, Maria Cecilia Rachadell de Rodriguez, Peter Rodd, Melissa Pallett-Vasquez and Raul Rodriguez-Jacome.
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 young people, provide them with the resources to succeed and share in the American Dream. Visit www.bgcmia.org.
