29th Annual Be A Hero Luncheon

Over 500 supporters, including elected officials, community leaders, philanthropists, and citizens, gathered to honor the organization’s significant impact on the lives of thousands of children in foster care.

Chairman Oliver G. Gilbert, III, Kira Grossman, Kadie Black, and Commissioner Kevin Marino Cabrera

Voices For Children Foundation, Inc. (Voices) marked its 40th anniversary with its 29th Annual Be A Hero Luncheon at the Loews Coral Gables Hotel. Over 500 supporters, including elected officials, community leaders, philanthropists, and citizens, gathered to honor the organization’s significant impact on the lives of thousands of children in foster care.

During the event, attendees learned about Voices’ four-decade journey of providing essential services and advocating for the best interests of children in foster care. In 2022, the organization expanded its focus to include experiential learning, recognizing the power of positive childhood experiences to inspire dreams and hope.

During the luncheon, Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts and Comptroller Juan Fernandez-Barquin and Congressman Carlos Gimenez were honored for their unwavering commitment to improving the lives of children in foster care. The event also paid tribute to the legacy of Anabel “Bunchy” Gertner, a dedicated child welfare advocate and former Voices Board Member.

“Our luncheon not only raises awareness but also provides critical funding to support our mission of offering opportunities, love, and support to every child in foster care,” said Kadie Black, President and CEO of Voices For Children. “It’s heartwarming to see everyone come together, channeling their inner hero and celebrating childhood.”

The dress-up event featured live music, a caricature artist, and plenty of photo opportunities, creating a festive atmosphere for attendees to celebrate the power of community and the impact of acts of heroism. This year’s event raised over $222,000 to benefit children and youth experiencing foster care throughout Miami-Dade County.

Derek Duzoglou, Morgan Duzoglou, Dustin Mangas, Kira Grossman and JP Broche
Carly and Victor Alarcon
Carly and Victor Alarcon
Tania Rodriguez and Giovanna Maldonado
Tania Rodriguez and Giovanna Maldonado

Presenting Sponsor

Stearns Weaver Miller

Major Sponsor

Amazon

Sponsors

Shipley Foundation, Inc., Hal and Madalyn Rosenbluth, Astor, The Jorge M. Pérez Family Foundation, Merrill, Senator Rene Garcia, Moriarty, Hotaling, Amerant Bank, Gabriela B. Ibarra and Ron Goncalves, Greenberg Traurig, Commissioner Danielle Cohen Higgins, Driven Brands, Kandell, Kandell & Petrie, Galleria Farms, John Broe, Stuart Fort, Michael Block, Commissioner Eileen Higgins, Kira Grossman, Bilzin Sumberg, Turner, Commissioner Juan Carlos Bermudez, Michael and Diane Rosenberg Family Foundation, Commissioner Kevin Marino Cabrera, Vice Chairman Anthony Rodriguez, Citrus Family Care Network, Jessica Cristobal, Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, Brodsky Fotiu-Wojtowicz, Patricia Fuller, Commissioner Micky Steinberg, Commissioner Roberto J. Gonzalez, KPMG, Mandarin Oriental, Miami, FPL, Morgan Stanley, Chairman Oliver G. Golbert, III, Kingdom Charitable Trust, Address Real Estate, Mayor Cindy Lerner, Judge Vivianne del Rio, Rana Florida and Michelle Lari, Brickell Magazine, El Vocero News and Voli 305 Vodka

Brittanie Merritt, Lauren Woodiel, Jessica Cristobal, Berta Mirabal and Monica Taylor
Rana Florida, Michelle Lari, Linda Walker and Brigitte Hall
Rana Florida, Michelle Lari, Linda Walker and Brigitte Hall
Congressman Carlos Gimenez, Kira Grossman, Kadie Black and Miami-Dade Clerk of the Courts and Comptroller Juan Fernandez-Barquin
Nelson Hincapie, State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle and Alice Bravo
Kat Barrow-Horth and Reed Horth
Kat Barrow-Horth and Reed Horth
Magali Sanders, Erin Michelle Newberg, Gabriela B. Ibarra, Wendy Garcia-Toledo, and Alexis Sophia Read
Lieutenant Governor Jeanette M. Nuñez, Judge Martin Zilber, Kadie Black
Courtney Whitney, Patricia Fuller, Carly Alarcon and Ivonne Dorrego
Courtney Whitney, Patricia Fuller, Carly Alarcon and Ivonne Dorrego
Aida Diaz Silveira, Ody Lugo, Heide Dans, Bertha Pino, Vanessa Meyer, Sabrina Pino, Debbie Floyd and Ursula Arner

About Voices For Children

Voices For Children Foundation is a not-for-profit organization that raises money to help ensure that abused, abandoned, and neglected children in Miami-Dade County receive critical advocacy, and access to necessities, dignity items, and enriching experiential learning opportunities. For more information about Voices For Children and its programs, please visit BeAVoice.org