Anti Gala
Centro Mater Foundation presents Urban MATERS
In sharp contrast to Miami’s traditional gala scene, Centro Mater Foundation is presenting a fun, interactive alternative. Basically, an “anti-gala.”
Urban MATERs, a night of innovative art, music and entertainment will pop on the scene this Friday, Nov. 14, at Wynwood’s fêted, Maps Backlot. Guaranteed to overwhelm the senses, the event will captivate with live art presentations and encourage guests to also take part in the artistic process.
“Our board came up with the interactive urban theme earlier this year, as we wanted something fresh and exciting to offer our dynamic family of supporters,” said Centro Mater Foundation president Claudia de la Cruz. “Through a presentation of local art, great food trucks and live music, in an inviting lounge-styled venue, we’re creating something we believe our younger new supporters will find compelling and our established supporters will appreciate.”
The formal gala alternative will surely join generations in support of the underprivileged kids and families that depend on Centro Mater for assistance in education and care.
“We want people to leave work on that Friday and look forward to relaxing at a fun and casual event, feeling really good about also supporting thousands of children,” added de la Cruz. The time of year is ideal to kick off our city’s notable art season and engage our supporters while promoting the local art scene.”
The Urban MATERs event will present the works of local artist “GG,” among others, a Romero Britto Pop-up Shop, and even the hand-crafted art of the children of Centro Mater.
The Centro Mater Foundation supports the efforts of Centro Mater Child Care Services Inc., a 46-year-old nonprofit that provides quality care and education to economically disadvantaged youths and their families—nearly 1,200 annually.
Since 1968, Centro Mater has catered to nearly 50,000 families from more than 10 different countries. The organization was started by Mother Margarita Miranda Otero, who after her immigration to Miami, recognized a desperate need for child care services among newly exiled Cuban families. Today, the organization operates five nationally accredited centers throughout Miami-Dade County, all of which have waiting lists.
In efforts to help youths prosper, as well as allow their parents and/or guardians to become financially independent, Centro Mater provides assistance to children 6 weeks to 12 years of age, and their families, through the following offerings: early childhood care, pre-school education, services for pre-school students with disabilities, after-school care, nutrition and development assistance, parent-focused instruction, and summer programs. All offerings are led by a devoted staff with substantial academic and child development training.
The organization continues to spearhead innovative programs largely unavailable in underrepresented communities. Examples include their healthy eating program and summer wellness camps, as well as a new partnership with the groundbreaking tech program, Codella.org that teaches computer coding to young female students. To learn more about Centro Mater and the Urban MATERs event, visit CentroMater.org.
