The InterContinental® Miami Make-A-Wish® Ball, regarded as the official launch of Miami charity season, held its 29th annual gala on Saturday, November 2. And what a stellar night it was. “While we are still tallying, we had a record-breaking night, raising well in excess of $5 million,” said Norm Wedderburn, President and CEO of Make-A-Wish® Southern Florida.

Grammy Award-winning artist Gwen Stefani headlined the black-tie event, chaired by philanthropist Shareef M. Malnik and co-chaired by actor/filmmaker Gabrielle Anwar, Malnik’s wife. The Ball, which raises funds to grant life-changing wishes for critically ill children, was attended by 900 guests, including designer Naeem Khan; artist Romero Britto; Real Housewives of Miami stars Lisa Hochstein, Julia Lemigova, Guerdy Abraira, Larsa Pippen, and Kiki Barth; and RHOM alumnus Dr. Nicole Martin.

Presented by Make-A-Wish® Southern Florida and InterContinental® Miami, the 29th Annual InterContinental® Miami Make-A-Wish® Ball was spearheaded by the trio of visionaries affectionately known as “The Three Amigos”: Shareef M. Malnik, Gala Chair, and Chair of the Ball for 19 years; Co-CEO of Sonrisa Rum of Puerto Rico, a proud sponsor of the Ball; Chairman of the InterContinental® Miami Make-A-Wish® Nightclub for 17 years; Chairman Emeritus of Make-A-Wish® Southern Florida; and Chairman of the Make-A-Wish® Capital & Endowment Campaign; Glenn Sampert, General Manager of InterContinental® Miami and Gala Host of the InterContinental® Miami Make-A-Wish® Ball; and Norman Wedderburn, President and CEO of Make-A-Wish® Southern Florida.

Guests at the Ball included: Shareef M. Malnik & Gabrielle Anwar; Al & Nancy Malnik; Glenn Sampert; Norman Wedderburn; Eugene & Brooke Frenkel; Dr. Lazar Finker & Dr. Raissa Frenkel; Stephen Finker; Andy & Tatsiana Ansin; Nick & Adriana Ayala; Amy Bloom; Jack & Jennifer Barnes; Gal & Kali Bensaadon; Maxwell Blandford; Wayne & Arlene Chaplin; Justin Clinger; Dennis Crowley; Justin & Nicole De Lara Puente; Nick D’Annunzio & Tara Solomon; Dr. Art Diskin & Isabelle St-Cyr; Jamie Elias; Robby Elias; Miguel Angel Gabela; Taylor & Lisa Gang; Ken Gorin; Kamal Hotchandani; Daneen Hughes; Felipe Lafratta; David Lister; Linda Loftin; Clif Loftin; Drew & Lisa Mandala; Anthony Lopez & Dr. Nicole Martin; Drs. Roger & Ginger Medel; Jeff Miller; Stan & Lisa Moss; Michael & Caroline Parrish; David Perez; Joseph Perez; Craig & Kerri-Ann Royes; Danielle Rubinstein; Barry & Missy Skolnick; Caitlin Beck Stella; Dave Strom & Hon. Marisa Mendez; Richard & Robin Weissman; and Judd & Laura Zebersky.

All expenses for the 29th Annual InterContinental® Miami Make-A-Wish® Ball were underwritten by the Chairman’s Challenge Society, a giving society established by Shareef Malnik in 2011. Composed of dedicated business, civic, and philanthropic leaders who each pledge $25,000 a year for five years, the altruistic members are the Chairman’s Challenge Society are: Shareef Malnik and Gabrielle Anwar; Marshall Ames; Andrew and Tatsiana Ansin; Nick and Adriana Ayala; Geert-Jan and Joyce Bakker; Dennis Crowley; Marko and Shelly Dimitrijevic; Finker-Frenkel Family Foundation; Todd and Kim Glaser; Felipe Lafratta, AssociatesMD; Stuart Miller, The Lennar Foundation; Alan Mruvka, StorageBlue; Jim and Sue Oppenheimer; Michael and Caroline Parrish; Richard Polidori; Barry and Missy Skolnick; and an anonymous donor.

The theme of the gala fundraiser was “CIRCO: La Madre Della Luce” – a whimsical Italian circus set in a surreal world where fantasy merged with reality. The brainstorm of the Ball’s Creative Director and Co-Executive Producer Maxwell Blandford, the fantastical ambiance included a dreamy palette of pinks, mesmerizing displays of lights and animation, and fascinating characters such as “I Pagliacci” clowns searching for the fictional “Mother of Light.” Design, decor, florals, and production were realized by Ball event producer Deco Productions, led by Executive Producer Nicholas Zazzera. Animation was created by Mauricio Ferrazza.

The hotel’s entrance, curtained in hot pink chiffon, welcomed guests with a mise-en-scene of furry powder-pink spheres both human and inanimate. Inside, photographers and TV crews lined the 14-foot red carpet, enhanced by a backlit step-and-repeat of custom fabric with raised letters in color blocks of rose, mauve, and lavender.

Upstairs on the hotel’s Mezzanine, Music by Coleman set the mood for the Ball’s elaborate cocktail reception which featured celestial backdrops and plush blue velvet bars, tufted with diamonds. An opulent raw bar of seafood and sushi featured six masterful ice carvings – including a Venetian gondola with gondolier – a sublime experience created by the InterContinental Miami culinary team: Jehyson Padilla, Banquet Chef; Francesco Martini, Executive Sous Chef; Severino Lividini, Chef de Partie; and Denise Duran, Chef de Partie.

The hotel’s Biscayne Ballroom was transformed into a glamorous speakeasy with rosy lighting, blush faux-fur tablecloths, and a striking nine-foot inflatable pink ball. A highlight of cocktail hour was the Ball’s famed silent auction, featuring curated experiences and luxury goods donated by leading hospitality, entertainment, fashion, and lifestyle brands.

Guests were further immersed in the night’s theme by two dance performances on the Mezzanine inspired by Italian poetry and music. The first, which blended styles as diverse as ballet en pointe to Pop-Lock – with dancers in rhinestone pink costumes – was set to a 19th-century Italian anthem, in addition to the contemporary song “Beethoven – Scherzo.”

The second production, which served to usher guests into the Grand Ballroom for dinner, incorporated Italian Baroque aria “Queen of The Night” from Mozart’s opera “The Magic Flute” as well as techno song “O Fortuna” by Apotheosis. The theatrical number starred a larger-than-life diva whose voluminous black ball skirt opened to reveal hidden balloons, which floated to the ceiling for a grand finale. Circus clowns dressed in black and white, holding red helium balloons, formed a delightful procession. Both performances were choreographed by Ruddy Sanchez of New Century Dance Company.

Inside the Grand Ballroom, maximalist tablescapes featured lush centerpieces of fresh red roses, pink and purple hydrangea and roses, scarlet anthurium, and cascading greenery – some arrangements sprouting a crown of peacock feathers – paired with luxurious dark table coverings in velvet, sequins and lurex.

The gourmet menu created by the InterContinental Miami culinary team featured delicacies such as “L’Equilibrista” – a basil-kissed tartlet of jumbo lump crabmeat with stracciatella cheese, roasted grapes, and tuille al parmigiano – and the show-stopping “Goccia di Luce,” a vanilla-bean panna cotta topped with a sphere of mango-lime coulis. Both vegetarian and vegan versions of the dinner entree “Gradisca” were also available: a savory rice arancino paired with butternut squash, onion puree confit, and tiny vegetables.

Mr. and Mrs. Malnik – aka Shareef and Gabrielle – opened the ballroom festivities with their “dramatic moment,” a long-standing Ball tradition. This year, the dynamic duo starred in a cinematic short filmed on the original water stage of “O” at Cirque du Soleil in Las Vegas, both in professional clown makeup and attire. The touching film, in which two lonely clowns find hope and love when they discover each other, was filmed by Edward Perez edited by Academy Award nominee, film editor Tariq Anwar – Gabrielle’s talented father, and produced by Maxwell Blandford and Nicholas Zazzera.

During dinner, “Wish Kid” Kennedy Cunningham was recognized. Diagnosed with leukemia, Kennedy wished to meet and cook with chef Joanna Gaines, star of “Magnolia Table.” Kennedy’s parents Andy and Amanda Cunningham spoke of the family’s Wish experience, courtesy of Make-A-Wish® Southern Florida, as a joyful Kennedy and her brother Landon won over the crowd’s hearts.

Gala Co-Chair Gabrielle Anwar’s high-energy Live Wish Auction raised funds while she effortlessly worked the room, charming the crowd and setting the stage for the Ball’s Live Auction of one-of-a-kind items.

The impressive live auction items included a 2024 McLaren Artura in “Ember Orange” with gloss black, 10-spoke star-forged alloy wheels and a gloss black roof (MSRP: $70,474.56), courtesy of THE COLLECTION; “Ball’Moon” from the “Young Forever” collection, the most renowned and award-winning CÉVÉ collection (MSRP: $145,000), courtesy of CÉVÉ; “Nude”, a mixed media painting inspired by artist David Banegas’ former love and muse (MSRP: $30,000), courtesy of David Banegas; “The Golfer,” a 48” x 61” acrylic on canvas (MSRP: $50,000), courtesy of Stephen Gamson; and Naeem Khan custom couture gown with private fitting experience in New York (MSRP: $25,000).

Make-A-Wish® Southern Florida Chairman of the Board Eugene Frenkel then took the stage, requesting selected Ball guests join him in the “Million Dollar Circle.” Frenkel initiated the giving circle with a $1 million donation by the Finker-Frenkel Family Foundation, which was followed by matching donations of $1 million each by Dennis Crowley, Peter and Tatiana Cancro, and Barry and Missy Skolnick, underscoring a night of generosity and impact.

The Ball’s highly anticipated entertainer, presented by the Finker-Frenkel Family Foundation, was Grammy Award-winning megastar Gwen Stefani, who performed a 45-minute concert of her iconic hits as guests danced and sang along to chart-toppers including “Hey Baby,” “It’s My Life,” and “Sunday Morning.” Stefani, wearing a stylish mix of yellow and red tartan plaids with a black bustier covered with gold medallions, debuted her new song “Swallow My Tears” and introduced her bass guitarist, a former Wish Kid, who expressed her gratitude to the foundation.

The Ball’s official afterparty, the InterContinental® Miami Make-A-Wish® Nightclub, was held at InterContinental® Miami immediately following the gala in a cabaret setting with gold linen-draped VIP tables and gold velvet backdrop. Afterparty headliner Martha Wash kept the vibe high as she belted out her #1 Billboard dance hits “It’s Raining Men” and “Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now).”

The InterContinental® Miami Make-A-Wish® Nightclub also featured musical performances by Robbie Elias, Yoli Mayor, and Rocky Lanes, as well as an immersive performance by Contortionist UGI. Chaired by Shareef M. Malnik and produced by Maxwell Blandford, Clif Loftin, Nicholas Zazzera, and Gus Muñoz, the Nightclub festivities went on until 3 a.m. with a premium bar and music by DJ Affect. The evening, on all levels, was a resounding success.

Ball attendees received a “CIRCO”-themed gift bag which included a six-cup Red Top Coffee Maker by IMUSA, a Medium Roast Ground Espresso Coffee Classico from ILLY, and delectable Italian cookies by Rosetta Bakery.

“Thanks to the generosity of our donors and the unwavering support of our InterContinental Miami Make-A-Wish Ball partners, we are able to bring hope, strength, and joy to so many children and families who need it most,” said Norm Wedderburn, Make-A-Wish® Southern Florida President & CEO. “Your dedication fuels our mission and reminds us all of the incredible impact we can have together. From everyone at Make-A-Wish Southern Florida, thank you for helping make wishes come true.”

About Make-A-Wish® Southern Florida

Make-A-Wish® Southern Florida has a sole mission: Together, they create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. The chapter has granted nearly 15,000 wishes in its 40-plus year history. It is their vision to grant the wish of every medically eligible child in the South Florida territory. Make-A-Wish® Southern Florida grants more than 600 wishes annually to local children with critical illnesses. Additionally, they grant another 300+ wish assists in collaboration with other chapters when children come to their territory to experience their wishes. Make-A-Wish® Southern Florida serves children and families in 22 Florida counties in Southeast and Southwest Florida, the Tampa Bay and Suncoast regions, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. To learn more about how you can help make wishes come true, visit sfla.wish.org, and connect with them @makeawishsfla on Facebook, X, TikTok, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Instagram.

About InterContinental ® Miami

An iconic fixture on the Downtown Miami skyline for 40 years, InterContinental® Miami boasts a waterfront location on Biscayne Bay, just steps away from arts & entertainment, along with Miami’s Brickell neighborhood. A beacon for business and leisure travelers alike, the hotel rises 34 stories over the city with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, Biscayne Bay and the Port of Miami. The hotel, which recently completed a $40 million renovation, features 652 newly redefined luxury guest rooms, including 22 suites and two presidential suites; 33 meeting rooms with over 135,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space, including a spectacular Grand Ballroom; and multiple restaurants and bars including signature steakhouse Toro Toro and poolside cabanas & cocktails from Bluewater. The hotel offers a full-service fitness center and spa, and rooftop pool deck and greenspace, SkyLawn. The InterContinental® Miami is a proud corporate citizen of the Miami-Dade community, invested through its annual InterContinental® Miami Make-A-Wish® Ball, and its corporate social responsibility program. Among the award-winning hotel’s accolades and certifications, InterContinental® Miami was recently awarded IHG Hotels & Resorts’ Hotel of the Year and Sun-Sentinel’s Top Workplace, and is Three Palm-certified by Florida’s Green Lodging Program; Pink Flamingo-certified by Miami-Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce; and a member of Miami-Dade County’s Plastic Free 305. InterContinental® Miami is located at 100 Chopin Plaza in Miami. For more information or reservations, call 305-577-1000 or visit www.icmiamihotel.com.