More than 500 attendees celebrated Miami Children’s Museum’s 2023 gala, “A Journey into Wonder,” this past weekend, raising more than $1 million to support various programming and community initiatives. The Museum’s largest fundraiser is one of the most playful events of the South Florida social season, where guests embrace their inner child for a night of play to benefit the Museum’s innovative and educational programs.

The Be A Kid Again Gala: A Journey Into Wonder was chaired by Claudia Amelia Rodriguez Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer at Tekmovil, Oscar A. Rojas Co-Founder and CEO at Tekmovil, Ambassador Kirk Wagar of Wagar Global Advisors, and Crystal M. Wagar, Esq, a well-respected attorney and advocate. Miami Children’s Museum is honored to have their generous support and engagement as they bring back their distinguished event after a two-year hiatushiatus. Chairman Jeff Berkowitz and President Scott Wagner played instrumental roles in ensuring the success of the gala, further contributing to the event’s remarkable accomplishments.

This year’s theme, A Journey into Wonder, features an extraordinary and imaginative experience that parallels that of a child roaming the walls of Miami Children’s Museum for the first time.  Guests danced the night away to spectacular live music provided by international Tartara Band, indulged in a fabulous culinary experience and partook in a luxurious auction alongside interactive entertainment from the Museum’s Theater Troupe.

“We are thrilled to announce the success of Miami Children’s Museum’s gala, A Journey into Wonder,” said Deborah Spiegelman, executive director of the Miami Children’s Museum. With over 500 attendees, we raised over $1 million to support our innovative and educational programs. This playful event not only serves as our largest fundraiser but also showcases the community’s commitment to empowering children through imagination and learning.”

The gala transitioned to the Play After Dark After Party at 11 p.m. for those who wanted to celebrate the Museum into the morning. Chaired by Adam Haas and sponsored by Something Good Hospitality, Play After Dark featured emerging young professionals and philanthropists. Partyers enjoyed bar bites featuring MMP Provisions and a live cocktail experience from E11EVEN vodka alongside performance by DJ Zog and Walshy Fire of Major Lazer.

The Gala supports the Museum’s annual diversity and cultural programming and the S.M.A.R.T (Safe Multicultural Artistic Recreational Teaching) Program, which provides daily, high-quality after-school youth development to five Title 1 schools in Earlington Heights, Brownsville, Liberty City, and Miami Gardens. These funds also extend to the Museum’s innovative art-based series, Representation Through the Artist’s Lens: Conversations and Workshops for Children, exploring identity and self-reflection in artmaking.

Premier Sponsor

The Potamkin Family

VIP Sponsors

Tekmovil
BH3 Management
Jeff & Yolanda Berkowitz
Jorge & Soledad Bernstein
Richard & Susan Lampen
Chairan Oliver G. Gibert III
Heide and Jose Dans

Patron Sponsors

Academica
Bilzin Sumberg
Century Risk Advisors
City National Bank of Florida
Greenberg Traurig
Marimon Pediatrics
Miami Dade College
Northern Trust
Sidley Austin
Warren Henry Auto Group