17th Annual “Wild About Kids” Gala “GALAxia Night”
The Stellar Evening Raised Over $700,000 to Support Great Futures for Miami-Dade Youth
Miami’s brightest stars aligned for an out-of-this-world evening. On Oct. 18, Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade hosted its 17th Annual “Wild About Kids” Gala “GALAxia Night, at the elegant Loews Coral Gables Hotel, raising more than $700,000 to empower area youth through academic, creative and athletic programs. From one-on-one mentoring and STEM education to tutoring, sports, and the arts, proceeds raised from “GALAxia Night” power the Clubs’ mission to help every child reach their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens.
More than 300 supporters, including South Florida’s top philanthropists, business leaders, and community champions, gathered for an interstellar black-tie celebration featuring a sparkling cocktail reception, gourmet three-course dinner, live entertainment and dancing, to support thousands of Boys & Girls of Miami-Dade’s youth members.
WSVN’s Belkys Nerey and Lynn Martinez returned to the spotlight as the evening’s dynamic emcees and kept the crowd engaged with their renowned humor and energy. Guests enjoyed a mesmerizing performance by Latin soul sensation Lucy Grau and a spirited showcase by Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade Dance Stars, highlighting the talent, creativity and confidence nurtured by the Clubs’ programs.
Throughout the evening, supporters had the opportunity to make an impact by sponsoring a youth member or by participating in a curated silent auction featuring VIP experiences, exclusive travel, fine jewelry, and more.
“We are sincerely grateful for the support from all those who made our 17th Annual ‘Wild About Kids’ Gala ‘GALAxia Night’ at Loews Coral Gables Hotel a success,” said Alex Rodriguez-Roig, president of Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade. “The evening wouldn’t be possible without our Gala Chair, Michelle Zubizarreta, our board members and donors who are committed to supporting great futures for our area youth. This evening helps fuel the programs that open doors for thousands of kids each year.”
“GALAxia Night was not only a celebration of our community’s generosity but also of the dreams and determination of the children we serve,” said Gala Chair Michelle Zubizarreta. “Together, we’re helping the next generation of Miami-Dade youth reach for the stars.”
The stellar event was chaired by longtime supporter Michelle Zubizarreta, with Olga Guilarte serving as the Special Event Chair. The Host Committee featured many of Miami’s most influential civic leaders, including Board Chair Rodolfo “Rudy” Lleonart, Alina Bezold, Liana de Mena, Jackie Gonzalez, Isabel Jettinghoff, Lisa Mendelson, Yuni Navarro, Kristina Perez-Cubas, Abigail Pollak, Karen Rodriguez, Andy and Allison Stuart, Eris Thomas, and Meredith Virnig.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade extends a heartfelt thank you to its generous sponsors, including Supernova Presenting Sponsor Carmen Rebozo Foundation and Mission Control Sponsor The Ansin Foundation/WSVN. The Lunar Luminary Sponsors were DRRT, Lisa and Victor Mendelson Family, OceanBank, Allison and Andy Stuart, Thoma Bravo and Meredith and Kenneth Virnig, and Michelle Zubizarreta and Jorge Xiques. The organization also recognizes its Stellar Supporters, Abigail Pollak, Anthony R. Abraham Foundation, Baptist Health, Bermont Gold Wealth Advisory of Raymond James, Florida Power & Light, Margaret and Clint Gulley, Gemini, Harding+, INB, and USI Insurance and Underwriters included Amazon, Bernhardt Family, Coconut Grove Bank & Trust, Planning & Economics Group, Bob Parks, Mark & Greta Walker Foundation, Amanda Rodriguez, WSVN 7, Ada and Jose Armas, for making the evening a success.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade
Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade has been serving youth in the community since 1946. What once was a single building and site for boys has grown to six Clubs and sites combined 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 area youth and provide them with the resources to succeed and share in the American Dream. For more information, please call 305.446.9910 or visit www.bgcmia.org, Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.
