Ronald McDonald House Charities® (RMHC) of South Florida’s 32nd Annual 12 Good Men Luncheon, held on Friday, May 2 at the Loews Coral Gables Hotel, was a resounding success. With a sold-out crowd of 450 guests, the event raised an outstanding $210,000 — a vital boost for families with critically ill children in South Florida.

The event highlights 12 leaders who have demonstrated unwavering dedication to philanthropy, exemplifying the spirit of service and community engagement. Since its inception, the luncheon has recognized 372 influential men and raised over $1 million. The funds directly contribute to the operational needs of the RMHC South Florida and ensure that families with seriously ill children have access to essential resources such as housing, meals, and community support.

The distinguished honorees for 2025 were:

Al Maulini, Founder/Managing Director of Private Wealth Management of Coral Gables

Alirio Torrealba, CEO of MG Developer

CliffViner, Founder of the Eda and CliffViner Community Scholars Foundation

Dr. Jose L. Dotres, Superintendent of Schools – Miami-Dade County Public Schools

Dr. Rudolph Moise, President and CEO of Comprehensive Health Center

Eduardo A. Ramos, Partner at Holland & Knight LLP

Jason Jackson, Radio Play by Play Announcer and TV Host for the Miami HEAT

Jose “Pepe” Cancio Goudie, President of North Florida Hauling LLC

Josh Fox, Founder and Executive Director of The Brady Hunter Foundation

Manny Alfonso, CEO of The A Group

Mark A. Trowbridge, President and CEO of the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce

Victor A. Diaz, President and CEO of CURATED.ART / Victor A. Diaz Interior

The event also honored the legacy of Mark A. Trowbridge, former President and CEO of the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce, whose impactful contributions to the community and RMHC South Florida were remembered through heartfelt videos featuring colleagues and local leaders, including Coral Gables Mayor Vince Lago.

A deeply emotional highlight was a heartfelt speech by the Ysabel family, who are currently staying at RMHC. Frinette Gonzalez Vidal de Ysabel shared her journey from the Dominican Republic with her 5-month-old twins, Lia and Alan — a compelling reminder of why RMHC’s mission is essential.

Emcee Calvin Hughes, who has served as Master of Ceremonies for the last eight years,

brought the energy to life. He energized the crowd as he celebrated each honoree with a runway walk and flowers, highlighting their charitable work.

Adding a historic milestone, RMHC South Florida’s Board President, Alex Rodriguez, announced: “Four years ago, we announced our plans to build a new House. Today, I am proud to share that we are on track to break ground this year — a transformative step enabling us to serve many more families in need.”

As the only Ronald McDonald House serving all counties in South Florida, this $33 million expansion will significantly increase capacity, allowing RMHC to assist over 420 families annually. Located just steps from Holtz Children’s Hospital at Downtown Miami’s Jackson Memorial Medical Campus, the new house will feature 54 en-suite bedrooms and eliminate the current waitlist.

“The 12 Good Men Luncheon is a powerful reminder of the extraordinary impact we can achieve when we come together as a community,” said Soraya Rivera-Moya, Executive Director of RMHC South Florida. “Our honorees represent not only their accomplishments but also the collective spirit of compassion that drives our mission. They are champions for families in need, and their dedication inspires us all to make a difference.”

“To be recognized as one of the 12 Good Men is not just an honor; it’s a responsibility,” shares 2011 honoree Robert Elias. “The work done by RMHC South Florida is so impactful. Knowing that families can find solace and support during such trying times reinforces the idea that we are never alone in our struggles. It’s a privilege to contribute to this mission and be part of a fraternity of men who have made their mark on the community.”

Sponsors included the Eda & CliffViner Community Scholars Foundation, Jose Milton Foundation, and Coldwell Banker Realty. Media partners included Miami Community News, S Revista, Social Miami, Coral Gables Mag, and The Miami Guide. Bacardi generously provided cocktails. Guest valet service was sponsored by Kingdom Charitable Trust, and Pure Executive Health sponsored the event’s centerpiece.

About Ronald McDonald House Charities® of South Florida

Ronald McDonald House Charities® (RMHC) of South Florida is a non-profit, 501 (c) (3) corporation that creates, finds, and supports programs that directly improve the health and well-being of children and their families. RMHC helps families with ill or injured children stay together and close to the medical care their child needs at leading hospitals worldwide. RMHC programs not only provide access to quality health care, they enable family-centered care ensuring families are fully supported and actively involved in their children’s care. For more information, visit www.rmhcsouthflorida.org. Follow RMHC on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.