12th Annual Imagine Charity Gala
Benefiting His House Children’s Home


Victor Marrero, Iris Marrero (Development Director at His House Children’s Home), Jessica & Jay Leyva (Honorary Hosts)
His House Children’s Home hosted their 12th Annual “Imagine” Charity Gala on Saturday, October 3rd at The J.W. Marriott Marquis Miami sponsored by Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Azamara Club Cruises and Leyva Capital.
This memorable occasion exceeded guests’ expectations, with the production of A Touch of Class services, known for creating some of the most spectacular events throughout Miami. Chaired by Jay and Jessica Leyva, the event counted with the participation of TV personality and Master of Ceremony Felipe Viel, and was attended by over 450 guests. His House welcomed dignitaries such as Florida State Senator Rene Garcia and Salvadorian Consul Ricardo Salvador Martinez. Amongst the distinguished guests, were former Major League Baseball player Jeff Conine, former HEAT point guard & sports analyst with the Miami Heat Radio Network, John Crotty and Cuban artist Leonor Garcia-Tunon. Through the annual Imagine Gala, His House raises much needed support and awareness for South Florida’s growing number of foster kids.
Known for their exciting Live & Silent Auction items, guests enjoyed the many extraordinary options available this year, this included highly sought after vacation getaways, autographed sports memorabilia, exquisite jewelry and various once in a lifetime experiences. Jim Gall, the professional champion auctioneer was on hand to auction off dream vacations such as an Azamara Club Cruises’ 14-19 day voyage to anywhere in the world within 66 countries and luxurious vacation homes in east Hampton and Tuscany during the live auction.

Dr. Dominguez, Ace Cruz, Senator Rene Garcia
Agnes, a former resident at HHCH, gave a very moving account of how the organization impacted her and helped shape her into the woman she has become today. A victim of an abusive relationship after losing her parents at a very young age, Agnes became a single mother at age 14 and HHCH was the only organization willing to accommodate both her and her baby. Now, Agnes who is enrolled at Florida International University, pursuing a degree in Sociology and minor in Journalism, actively mentors other young people, especially kids in the foster care system to aim high, believe in themselves and imagine themselves overcoming their present circumstances to strive for excellence!
“It was a great pleasure to attend the His House annual gala. I want to thank everyone for your ongoing support to ensure that every child has a safe and nurturing home. Your commitment to serve the children in our community is truly inspirational.” affirmed State Senator Garcia.
Liz Anon (General Counsel at His House Children’s Home), Lucy Pineiro, Paula Caballero, Felipe Viel (Emcee)
Elisabet & Pastor Robert Fountain
Agnes Saint Preux, Guest Speaker and Former HHCH Resident
Pedro & Dr. Amada Romano-Silva
Jeff Conine, Greg Marsh, Silvia Smith-Torres (Executive Director at His House Children’s Home) and Daniel Peruyero.
Liz Anon, Richard Calienes and Maria Elena Rubio.
Rebecca & Renaud and Vanessa Ayala
Mark Rufeh, Al Jinete, Mario Forgione, Jake Fogliano and Chris Montello.
Emcee Felipe Viel
Martha Lopez- Gray & Richard L. Gray Jr.
Dance performed by In-Motion Miami/Aimm Higher Team
Felipe Viel
Senator Rene Garcia
Evelyn & Edgar Lopez
Mario & Elisa Forgione, Rosemary & Louis Montello Sr., Arlene & Chris Montello, Lia & Jake Fogliano, and Alysse & Al Jinete.
Guests dancing to the music of Junior's Entertainment Group, Inc.
Claudia A. Ellmen and Ignacio Rojas
Dustin & Stacee Jacobs, Sara Mercado, and Claudia Gallego
One of many silent auction items
Patricia Rufeh
Mark & Patricia Rufeh and Ada & Tony Cabrera.
Myriam Masihy, Gino Reyes and Hugo Perez
Bill Martin (Chairman of the Board at His House)
Jim Gall (Champion Auctioneer)
Table setting