7th Annual “Wild About Kids” Gala
Benefits Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade
Saturday, November 9, 2013, at 6:30 p.m.
Cocktail reception at 7:30 p.m.
Dinner and program at 8:30 p.m.
After-party at 11 p.m.
The Four Seasons Hotel Brickell
1435 Brickell Avenue, Downtown Miami
305-446-9910, Ext. 30 (Astrid H. Ehrenstein)
aehrenstein@bgcmia.org
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade will host its annual black-tie gala, presented by 4 Beauty Aesthetic Institute Inc. and Dr. Constantino and Mrs. Nina Mendieta. Wild About Kids will benefit Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade and its many positive programs, such as after school programs, homework assistance, computer training, social skills, dance, arts & crafts, professional mentoring, and summer and athletic programs, for area children who need them the most.
The event will honor John Walsh, American television personality, criminal investigator, human and victim rights advocate and host/creator of America’s Most Wanted; and Cesar L. Alvarez, co-chairman of Greenberg Traurig and Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade alumnus. Walsh will receive the Bebe Rebozo Humanitarian Award. Alvarez will receive the Community Leadership Award. Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade alumna 15-year-old Elizabeth Elias will sing the National Anthem to open the dinner program. A singer, dancer, and model, Elias has sung the U.S. and Canadian National Anthems at Marlins Park and Miami Heat games.
Voted one of the Top 100 Events of 2011 by BizBash, this year’s gala will kick off with a VIP party offering photo ops with celebrity guests at 6:30 p.m. Guests, including South Florida’s top community leaders, will enjoy a cocktail reception beginning at 7:30 p.m., a luxurious raffle featuring one-of-a-kind items, dinner program, live music, dancing and much more. An after party, also at Four Seasons Hotel Miami, will begin at 11 p.m. where guests will enjoy a fun-filled evening into the wee hours with Frank Sinatra-style entertainer Jeff Grainer, a D.J, dancing, an open bar and appetizers.
Sponsors include Presenting Diamond Sponsor 4 Beauty Aesthetic Institute Inc./Dr. Constantino and Mrs. Nina Mendieta; Platinum Sponsor The Carmen Rebozo Foundation; Silver Sponsor Academica; Bronze Sponsors Coral Gables Executive Physicians, Lana DeSimone and Matty’s Sports; Beverage Sponsor Bacardi; Décor & Production Sponsor Aloré Event Firm; Community Sponsor Miami Femfessionals and Media Sponsor WSVN Channel 7. Sponsorship opportunities starting at $7,500, as well as underwriting opportunities starting at $300, are available. In-kind gift donations are also appreciated for the silent auction.
Gala co-chairs are Lana DeSimone, Irene Korge and Eris Thomas; special events chair is Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade former Board President Olga Guilarte. Gala committee members are Tom Bezold, Amy Deupi, Judy Kramer, Eddie Lacasa, Nina Mendieta, Alfredo Mesa, Joanne Messing, Elsa Pelaez-Lopez, Joanne Silva, Rae Stein and Maggie Zulueta.
“The gala is our greatest fundraiser, because it benefits thousands of children at our five clubs on so many levels, especially the education of hands-on skills that cannot be learned in schools,” said DeSimone. “Many of our children stay friends for life. These priceless skills benefit everyone our kids meet, from parents to professionals.”
Single tickets for the gala are priced at $500, and individual tables start at $5,000, based on availability. Guests will also have the opportunity at the event to sponsor a child through donations. The after party is priced at $50 per person.
For more information about sponsorship and underwriting opportunities, in-kind gift donations, tickets and table sales, please contact Astrid H. Ehrenstein, director of special events & development at 305-446-9910 ext. 30 or aehrenstein@bgcmia.org.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade
Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade has been serving youth in the community since 1940. What once was a single building and site for boys has grown to five Clubs serving 10,000 boys and girls year-round, providing programs in the areas of character and leadership development, educational enhancement, career preparation, health and life skills, cultural arts and sports, fitness and recreation. Club staffing, initiatives, and programs are designed to inspire and enable young people and provide them with the resources to succeed and share in the American Dream. For more information, please visit www.bgcmia.org.
About Club Blue Miami
The new young professionals networking group for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade, Club Blue Miami is committed to creating awareness for the organization. For membership info., events and programs, email clubblue@bgcmia.org or visit www.bgcmia.org.
