Norwegian Cruise Line, longtime supporter of Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade, donated its brand-new billion-dollar ship, Norwegian Encore, for the nonprofit organization’s exclusive 13th Annual “Wild About Kids” Gala, on Nov. 16–17, 2019, raising over $1.4 million. The proceeds from the event benefitted Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade’s many positive programs, including after school programs, homework assistance, computer training, social skills, dance, arts and crafts, professional mentoring, and summer and athletic programs, for area children who need it the most.

Guests of the “Wild About Kids” Gala were among the first aboard Norwegian Encore for this one-of-a-kind, VIP experience. Over 1,600 attendees enjoyed this Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade exclusive overnight affair that included access to Norwegian Cruise Line’s signature attractions such as the Speedway, its two-level go-kart race track; the Galaxy Pavilion, its more than 10,000-square-foot indoor virtual reality complex; and its open-air laser tag arena, designed as the resurrected lost city of Atlantis. Attendees also enjoyed a variety of first-rate entertainment including a performance of “Kinky Boots,” the 6 time Tony Award®-winning musical, the headlining act on Norwegian Encore.

Gala guests had the opportunity to indulge in wide selection of culinary and open dining options aboard Norwegian Encore. Featured specialty restaurants included Cagney’s Steakhouse, Le Bistro, Los Lobos, Ocean Blue, The Local, American Diner, The Manhattan Room, Savor and Taste. All guests enjoyed complimentary open bar throughout the course of their stay.

Guests of the gala enjoyed a variety of accommodations including mini-suite, balcony and ocean view staterooms. Hidden away at the top of the ship is The Haven, home to the most luxurious, well-appointed and spacious accommodations on the ship. The Haven offered guests complete privacy and tranquility and an exclusively reserved sundeck. Guests who took sponsorships above $75,000 organized private VIP events onboard including The Michael and Lynda Gordon Family Foundation, the Carmen Rebozo Foundation and NV2A-Haskell JV.

Attendees were invited to partake in an incredible silent auction featuring 60 items ranging from unique travel opportunities, elegant jewelry, memorabilia and lifestyle experiences. Guests also participated in Sponsor-aChild where they pledged to donate to make a positive impact in the life of a child.

An exclusive VIP reception was held in the Observation Lounge where guests enjoyed expansive views of the sea. Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade President, Alex Rodriguez-Roig, Gala Co-Chairs, Andy and Allison Stuart and Mayor of Miami-Dade County, Carlos A. Giménez shared personal stories about their experiences with the organization and kept guests informed on how the dollars raised during the gala will help Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade’s positive programs. President Alex Rodriguez-Roig presented the Heart to Heart Award to Norwegian Cruise Line’s Supply Chain Department for their generous support of the organization. The Heart to Heart Award was accepted by Oliver Buton, Vice President of Marine and Technical Supply Chain Management.

The “Wild About Kids” Gala was co-chaired by Norwegian Cruise Line President and CEO Andy Stuart and his wife Allison Stuart, both avid supporters of Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade. Olga Guilarte was the special event chair. Gala committee members were Jane Barrellier, Tom Bezold, Belinda Biggs, Liana de Mena, Stacy Donayre, Karen Dudley, Marisa Farrell-Arteaga, Lynda Gordon, Alicia Hawkins, Judy Kramer, Marile Lopez, Melissa PallettVasquez, Jennifer Price, Gabriela Rachadell de Delgado, Eris Thomas, Raul Rodriguez-Jacome, Marianne Schmidhofer and Durée Ross.

“We are incredibly grateful for the overwhelming support from all those who joined us aboard Norwegian Encore in an effort to provide thousands of children in Miami the opportunity to enjoy Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade’s positive programs,” said Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade President, Alex Rodriguez-Roig. “This one-of-a-kind experience could not have been possible without the support of Andy and Allison Stuart and the executive team at Norwegian Cruise Line.” Every cent of proceeds raised from sponsorship sales and cruise revenue from the event funded crucial Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade programs which help children realize their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens. Norwegian Cruise Line further showed its support for the community by donating balcony staterooms to 50 families from Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade.

This year’s “Wild About Kids” Gala sponsors included Presenting Sponsor The Michael and Lynda Gordon Family Foundation; Diamond Sponsors: Carmen Rebozo Foundation and NV2A-Haskell JV; Emerald Sponsors: Vivian and Richard Sepler and ProSys Information Systems; Gold Sponsors: Allison and Andy Stuart, CDW, Central Civil Construction, Empirical Foods/Two Rivers, Icon International, Inc., J.M. Field Marketing, PCM, and Presidio|Cisco; Sapphire Sponsors: PortMiami, Publix Charities and Ocean Bank.

Photography courtesy of Manny Hernandez and Norwegian Cruise Line.