16th Annual Take a Walk in Her Shoes Luncheon

Chapman Partnership Celebrates Miami’s Leading Female Philanthropists

Najely Deleon, Dr Evalina Bestman, Mayor Daniella Cava, Trish Bell, Scott Hansel

Miami’s notable female philanthropists and community leaders gathered for Chapman Partnership’s 16th annual Take a Walk in Her Shoes Fashion Show and Luncheon at Hotel Colonnade in Coral Gables on May 14, 2026. The acclaimed fundraiser honored women who elevate the organization and support its mission to create a path to self-sufficiency for those experiencing homelessness.

Trish Bell, Chapman Partnership’s Board Chair Emeritus and Event Honorary Chair, alongside her husband Dan Bell hosted the sold-out event attended by over 350 guests and supporters. This fundraiser generated over $170K to provide life-changing resources for families overcoming housing and food insecurities.

“This event recognizes outstanding philanthropic contributions by an amazing array of female leaders, supporting the Chapman’s mission to wholly support families affected by homelessness,” said Trish Bell.

The luncheon program was emceed by Laurie Jennings and featured a special proclamation delivered by Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava to honor Dr. Evalina Bestman who has devoted her life to serving Miami-Dade County’s most vulnerable residents. In 1974 she founded what is now the Dr. Evalina W. Bestman New Horizons Community Mental Health Center- a vital resource for individuals and families facing mental health challenges, substance use, homelessness, and economic hardships. Dr. Bestman serves as Legacy Board Member and former Executive Committee Member of Chapman Partnership.

Chapman Partnership is grateful to the 2026 co-chairs Brittnie Bassant and Teresa Foxx, and is delighted to celebrate the following Take a Walk in Her Shoes honorees:

Brigid Cech Samole- principal shareholder, Greenberg Traurig; Chapman Partnership Board Chair
Emina Cunmulaj-Nazarian- Honorary Consul of Albania to Florida; Founder, Emina’s Hand Foundation
Meg Daly- Founder and Executive Chair, Friends of The Underline
Karen Fryd- Founder and Director, South Florida Youth Foundation
Beth A. Kaplanek RN, BSN, NCPT- Practitioner of Pilates for Rehabilitation
Carley Pina- Real Estate Advisor and Co-Founder, Power Haus Women
The success of this year’s event is due in great part to many sponsors and donors including Trish and Dan Bell; Dale Chapman Webb; Baptist Health; MDCPS Foundation; BCI; Greenberg Traurig and Emina’s Hand.

Attendees enjoyed a luxe marketplace and Miami Dade College Fashion Institute student-led fashion show as well as inspiring stories from individuals who have benefited from Chapman Partnership’s programs, highlighting the tangible impact of community support. All proceeds go directly to supporting essential services such as shelter, healthcare, job training, and permanent housing for those in need, reinforcing Chapman Partnership’s mission to empower vulnerable individuals and families in Miami.

Laurie Jennings, Oneka Davis
Alexia Callava, Elyssa Linares, Kate Santarcangelo, Alex Viloch,Lisa Magalian, Jessica Casanas, Jackie O’Malley, Allison Polk, Laura Fernandez
Teresa Foxx, Cristine Hernandez, Brittnie Bassant
Teresa Foxx, Cristine Hernandez, Brittnie Bassant
Maria Harris, Patsy Linares, Renee Lopez Cantera, Judge Bronwyn Miller
Karen Fryd, Beth Kaplannek, Carley Pina, Emina Cunmulaj - Nazarian, Meg Daly, Brigid Cech Samole
Trish Bell, Dr Evalina Bestman
Trish Bell, Dr Evalina Bestman
Jessica Cristobal, Linday Lynn Levy, Susannah Shubin, Shelby Quick, Liana Vassallo
16th Annual Take a Walk in Her Shoes Luncheon
16th Annual Take a Walk in Her Shoes Luncheon
16th Annual Take a Walk in Her Shoes Luncheon

About Chapman Partnership

Chapman Partnership was founded in 1995 and operates the largest emergency Homeless Assistance Centers with 800 beds with locations in Miami and Homestead. For 30 years the nonprofit has provided a comprehensive and innovative “village” of support for unhoused men, women, and children. The support includes housing, meals, health and psychiatric care, wellness programs, employment training and placement, and assistance with securing permanent homes. Aided by generous donors and sponsors, we uplift the unhoused, providing the tools and hope necessary to build a positive, independent future. An award-winning organization, Chapman Partnership is designated as a top ranked four-star charity from nationally recognized nonprofit evaluator Charity Navigator. Chapman Partnership is the private sector partner of the Miami-Dade County Homeless Trust. Learn more at www.chapmanpartnership.org.