2017 Be A Voice, Be A Light Gala

Benefiting Voices For Children’s programs to uplift abused, abandoned and neglected local children

Voices For Children Foundation and presenting sponsor Harry Winston, Inc. celebrated the 21st Annual “Be A Voice, Be A Light” Gala. The lavish gala welcomed approximately 450 of Miami’s most influential and philanthropic individuals for a sparkling evening of diamonds and dancing to benefit foster children in Miami-Dade County.

The premier fundraising event, hosted by Mandarin Oriental, Miami, began with a cocktail reception filled with a glistening display of Harry Winston diamond pieces for guests to enjoy, including the remarkable 70-carat radiant-cut Yellow Diamond Necklace. Guests also had the opportunity to bid on luxury goods and services and one of a kind services at the silent auction.

During dinner in the glamorous ballroom, guests heard an inspiring testimonial from a young woman whose life was changed by the work of Voices For Children. “The power of owning your story will propel you to liberation”. Said the brave young speaker. Gala Chairs Brad and Suzanne Meltzer honored Steve and Aimee Owens for their unwavering support of Voices For Children over the last 16 years, before guests took to the dance floor to the sounds of DJ Kucha. One lucky attendee went home with a Harry Winston Midnight Monochrome 18k Rose Gold Watch.

Funds raised at the gala will be used to ensure that abused, abandoned and neglected children in the Miami-Dade County foster care system each have the resources to meet their legal, health, educational and social needs. “Suzanne and I are thrilled to be a part of an organization doing such great work to help children in Foster Care. Voices for Children helps change lives and is making a difference every day,” said Gala Chair, Brad Meltzer.

The “Be A Voice, Be A Light Gala” was made possible by presenting sponsor Harry Winston; Golden Fan Guardian Sponsors Jeff and Yolanda Berkowitz; Bluedog Capital Partners, LLC & The Procaccianti Group; Jay and Susan Shapiro; Stearns Weaver Miller Weissler Alhadeff & Sitterson, P.A.; and Swire Properties,

Inc.; and Dynasty Guardian Sponsors Akerman LLP; Bilzin Sumberg Baena Price & Axelrod LL; Paul and Swanee Dimare; John Moriarty & Associates of Florida, Inc.; Roberto Isaias; Kaufman, Rossin & Co., P.A; and PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP. Media sponsors include Brickell Magazine and Selecta Magazine, with public relations support from TARA, Ink.

Photoghraphy by Manny Hernandez, World Red Eye, and Orlando Garcia