2016 Be a Kid Again Gala
Benefiting Miami Children’s Museum
Considered by many to be the most unique and playful event of the South Florida social season, Miami Children’s Museum’s Be A Kid Again Gala featured exceptional live entertainment, luxurious auctions and a culinary experience unlike any other. This year’s gala, chaired by Michael and Paula Fay, was held at Soho Studios located in the Wynwood Arts District. Miami Children’s Museum transported guests to “Miami Vice & Spice,” a world of fast cars, fast boats, exotic cuisine and the pastel streets of Miami! The event honored community leader Merrett R. Stierheim who for the past five decades, has been a visionary in so many roles for Miami-Dade County. The gala, produced by WOW Factor, also showcased a one of a kind silent auction and live auction conducted by Paul Castronovo and Russ Kodner of Kodner Galleries. Miami Children’s Museum raised $1 million which will directly support the Museum’s educational programs.
Guests enjoyed a performance by “Party on the Moon,” America’s #1 Party Band, which had everyone heating up the dance floor. Adding the spice to the “Miami Vice & Spice” themed extravaganza was a taste tempting array of treats provided by Chef David Schwadron Catering and Event Design and stylish décor by So Cool Events that brought to life all the iconic visions of this landmark television legend.
Premier Sponsors for the event were Dr. Brigitt Rok Potamkin and Mr. Alan Potamkin and the Fairholme Foundation and Presenting Sponsors included Jeff and Yolanda Berkowitz and the Miami Marlins. Guests felt like a kid again from the moment they entered Soho Studios. The night kicked off with a thrilling cocktail reception and extensive silent auction featuring unique and priceless pieces. The main event of the evening was an energetic live auction with spectacular items such as a TRG Aston Martin Racing Sonoma Race Weekend Package to experience The Pirelli World Challenge races at Sonoma Raceway, an experience with the Miami Heat that included courtside seats sponsored by The Collins Family and a chance to attend pre-game and post-game action in the TV Studio with broadcaster John Crotty, and an Audi Q7 36 month lease provided by The Collection.
The Be A Kid Again Gala was followed by the 4th annual Play After Dark After Party, chaired by Adam Haas and hosted by Miami Children’s Museum young philanthropists, The Playmakers. The much anticipated Play After Dark began at 10:00pm and hosted Miami’s most influential emerging young professionals. Guests enjoyed premium bar with delicious late night treats and an unforgettable silent auction as well as live performances by freestyle legend Debbie Deb and DJ ZOG of Power 96. Play After Dark also raise funds that directly support the Museum’s educational programs. Sponsors for Play After Dark included AvMed, Golden Sands General Contractors, Michael and Jolie Berkowitz, Kelly and Chris Melchiondo, Ironview Capital Management, Holland & Knight, Rennert Vogel Mandler & Rodriguez, The Keyes Company, and Tomorrow Solutions Inc.
Photos by Jason Koerner
