29th Annual Be A Hero Luncheon
Benefitting Voices for Children Foundation, the event has for three decades served as a cornerstone of community generosity, celebrating those who champion the belief that every child deserves safety, stability, and a voice in their future.
More than 500 community members gathered at the Loews Coral Gables Hotel on Halloween for Voices For Children Foundation’s 29th Annual Be A Hero Luncheon, a beloved Miami tradition celebrating the real-life heroes who advocate for children in foster care.
Presented by Co-Presenting Sponsors Stearns Weaver Miller and Gilded Group Decor, the event brought together philanthropists, advocates, and system partners dedicated to ensuring that every child in Miami-Dade’s foster care system feels safe, seen, and supported.
The luncheon honored Senator Ileana Garcia and Voices For Children Board Member Kira Grossman for their outstanding dedication to improving the lives of children and youth impacted by foster care.
In her remarks, Voices For Children Foundation President (& Chief Joy Officer) Kadie Black reminded attendees of the organization’s enduring mission and the urgency of its work.
“At Voices, our mission is simple: to be a beacon of hope for abused, abandoned, and neglected children,” said Black. “In foster care, joy doesn’t just happen, you have to fight for it and our job is to replace trash bags with dignity, stability, and care.” Furthermore, “none of this happens without our donors, partners, and friends: your generosity literally changes trajectories.”
The program also featured a moving keynote by Isiah Griffin, a Voices For Children volunteer who spent time in the foster care system as a child. His story deeply resonated with the audience.
“What Voices For Children gives youth is not just resources, it’s a sense of family, community, and possibility,” said Griffin. “You’re recognized as heroes, not because you can lift a building over your head like Wonder Woman, but because you lift burdens off the shoulders of children who have carried far too much for far too long.”
The ‘Be A Hero Luncheon’ raises critical funds for Voices For Children’s four pillars of impact: Children’s Needs, Kinship Care, Changing Trajectories, and Child Advocacy, which provide essentials, experiences, and long-term support to children and youth navigating the foster care system.
For nearly three decades, the event has served as a cornerstone of community generosity, celebrating those who champion the belief that every child deserves safety, stability, and a voice in their future.
Sponsors
Gilded Group Décor
Stearns Weaver Miller
Shipley Foundation
Lowell S. and Betty L. Dunn Family Foundation
Astor, Miami Reinsurance Golf Foundation
Hal & Madalyn Rosenbluth
Michael and Ellen Block
Jorge M. Pérez Family Foundation
Merrill
Senator Rene Garcia
Alliant
Mangum Opus
Hotaling Insurance Services
Greenberg Traurig
Commissioner Danielle Cohen Higgins
Kaufman Rossin
amazon
Vince and Jennifer Castro
Yolanda and Jeffrey Berkowitz
Angel and Lynette Ferrer
Juan and Susana Cordona
Amerant Bank
KPMG
Commissioner Roberto J. Gonzalez
Northern Trust
Lloyd’s
Lennar
Brodsky Fotiu-Wojtowicz
Driven Brands
Bilzin Sumberg
Kandell
Kandell & Petrie
AT&T
John and Suzel Broe
Stuart Fort
Elise Betancourt and Raul Rodriguez
Mario and Jessica Cristobal
Yolanda and German Valencia
Kira Grossman, Esq.
Commissioner Micky Steinberg
Michael and Diane Rosenberg Family Foundation
Commissioner Juan Carlos Bermudez
Chairman Anthony Rodriguez
Commissioner Natalie Milian Orbis
Swire Properties
Mamone Villalon
Citrus Family Care Network
WestCare
Elisa Gibellini
Patricia Fuller
Mark Ferrer Hayden
Banesco
Stabilify
Miami-Dade Clerk of Court and Comptroller Juan Fernandez-Barquin
Different Look
Cool Corner
Commissioner Ralph Rosado
Out of Foster Foundation
Miami Parking Authority
RPJ INC.
Morgan Stanley
Economy Sign Supply
Lindsay Genet
Julie Jones and Ann Stith
Fran Feinberg
Bertha Pino
Renee Lopez Cantera
Voli 305 Vodka
PSID Group
Brickell Magazine
305 Hive
About Voices For Children Foundation
Voices For Children Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of abused, abandoned, and neglected children in Miami-Dade’s foster care system. By providing critical support for advocacy, essential needs, and positive experiences, Voices ensures that every child can heal, grow, and thrive.
Learn more at beavoice.org.
