The Voices For Children Foundation celebrated 40 years of service with a resounding success at its “Be A Voice” Gala at the Mandarin Oriental, Miami. The black-tie event, themed ‘Fostering Hope,’ raised over $1 million to support the over 1,600 children in Miami-Dade’s foster care system.

The sold-out gala, VFC’s premier fundraising event, featured performances by “Modern Piano Man” Louis Middleton and America’s Got Talent semi-finalist Yoli Mayor. Guests sipped on Gérard Bertrand wines and signature cocktails by No. 3 Gin as the evening commenced with a silent auction during the cocktail reception. To kick off the night’s fundraising events, a Vespa Piaggio was also raffled, thanks to a generous donation from Warren Henry Automotive. This was followed by a delectable dinner and a dynamic live auction which raised over $100,000 and included a Hästens Maranga Bed from Hästens Miami and an Apa Aesthetic ‘Smile Makeover’ by Dr. Oscar Sanchez.

The evening showcased VFC’s transformative impact from a powerful testimonial from a youth, highlighting the organization’s impact. Miami-Dade County Mayor and VFC co-founder Daniella Levine Cava also delivered an inspiring speech underscoring VFC’s vital role in the community. The evening culminated in a high-energy dance party with Miami’s own DJ Zog.

“We are overwhelmed by the generosity of our community,” said Kadie Black, CEO of Voices For Children. “This incredible outpouring of support will allow us to continue providing vital resources and programs to the children who need us most.”

The funds raised will directly support advocacy efforts and provide essential needs and enriching experiences—from everyday necessities like braces and school supplies to transformative opportunities like college tours and mission trips—offering stability and a sense of normalcy during a challenging time.

“For 40 years, Voices For Children has been a beacon of hope for Miami’s most vulnerable children,” said Black. “We are deeply grateful to everyone who attended the gala and contributed to its remarkable success.”

Gala Committee

Michael Block
Ronald Goncalves
Gabriela Ibarra

Presenting Sponsor

Mandarin Oriental and Swire Properties

Luxury Sponsors

Acqua di Parma
ba&sh Paris

Sponsors

Shipley Foundation, Inc.
Astor Companies
Stearns Weaver Miller
Hal and Madalyn Rosenbluth
Moriarty
Amerant Bank
Greenberg Traurig
Hotaling
Senator Rene Garcia
Gabriela B. Ibarra and Ron Goncalves
Merrill
The Jorge M. Pérez Family Foundation
Amazon, Kandell
Kandell & Petrie
Commissioner Danielle Cohen Higgins
Driven Brands
Galleria Farms
Lloyd’s
John and Suzel Brow
Stuart Fort
Michael and Ellen Block
Elise Betancourt and Raul Rodriguez
Michael and Diane Rosenberg Family Foundation
Vice Chairman Anthony Rodriguez
Commissioner Kevin Marino Cabrera
Commissioner Roberto J. Gonzalez
Turner Construction
Commissioner Juan Carlos Bermudez
Kira Grossman
Bilzin Sumberg
Sanford L. Ziff Family Foundation
Jeffrey and Yolanda Berkowitz
Northern Trust
Read Law PLLC
DPB
KPMG
FPL
WOW MKTG
TD Bank
Citrus Family Care Network
Kaufman Rossin
AT&T
Banesco
Bertha and Paul Pino
Vince Castro
Jose and Heide Dans
Gérard Bertrand
No. 3 Gin
Brickell Magazine
drvn
Crema
Argo McDonalds
Quore

About Voices For Children Foundation

Voices For Children Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of abused and neglected children through critical support for advocacy, essential needs and positive experiences. To continue to stay engaged and committed to VFC’s mission, individuals can find out more about how they can donate or contribute at beavoice.org.