Feeding South Florida, the leading hunger-relief organization in South Florida – celebrated its inaugural gala, with the theme of Emerald Peacock, at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. The black-tie event, presented by Ryder System Inc., raised over $600,000 to support Feeding South Florida’s mission to end hunger in South Florida by providing immediate access to nutritious food, leading hunger and poverty advocacy efforts and transforming lives through innovative programming and education.

South Florida’s most impactful philanthropists, top community leaders and influencers were among the 320 guests who enjoyed a three-course dinner, dancing, live entertainment, an engaging program and more to raise crucial funds to fight food insecurity in South Florida.

The event kicked off with a cocktail reception where violinist Lexey performed. Co-chairs Steve Stowe, vice president and executive director of the Miami HEAT Charitable Fund, and Stephanie Wicky, vice president of marketing at Ryder Systems, Inc., welcomed guests to an unforgettable evening. Feeding South Florida President and CEO Paco Vélez shared heartwarming antidotes from his tenure leading the organization and how the funds raised throughout the evening would benefit food-insecure families in South Florida. Celebrated entertainment reporter Lisa Petrillo of CBS News Miami emceed the evening and engaged with the crowd alongside the first official female DJ of the Miami HEAT DJ Amaris Estevez who provided the soundtrack for the celebration. Feeding South Florida Board Chair Chris Mellgren addressed the crowd about his support and experience leading the organization’s Board.

The event honored students from Feeding South Florida’s workforce training programs including Rubi Hierro, a graduate of the Culinary Training Program, and Roy Barnes, a graduate of the Warehouse Workforce Training Program. Feeding South Florida is dedicated to breaking the cycle of hunger and poverty not only by providing food, but also increasing self-sufficiency through job training and workforce development programs.

Guests also heard the story of David Brown and Kayla Mason. Feeding South Florida not only connected this family with food support but also walked them through applications for vital resources to lift the overwhelming burden of their financial struggle and renewed their sense of stability and hope. Their story reflects the heart of Feeding South Florida’s mission: providing not just food, but empowerment, dignity and the tools families need to thrive, even in their toughest moments.

Tony Tedaldi presented Gift from the Heart, where supporters had the opportunity to sponsor Feeding South Florida families through donations. Guests also participated in live and silent auctions featuring high-end items and exceptional luxury experiences including a Miami HEAT VIP Experience, a Goodyear Blimp ride, a Master’s Package, a stay at Casa Piazza in Mexico and an Epicurean Delight with Chef Susan Taves, MS.

“We are humbled by the support from all those who joined us at our inaugural gala at the stunning Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino,” says Velez. “We are incredibly grateful for the support of our co-chairs Steve Stowe and Stephanie Wicky, our board members and donors who made the night a success, and their ongoing commitment to our mission to end food insecurity in South Florida. The evening helped us continue to raise much-needed funds to put food on the table for South Florida families who need it the most.”

“Feeding South Florida’s inaugural annual gala was a truly spectacular evening,” adds Wicky. “It was an honor to co-chair this event alongside Steve Stowe, as we work together to nourish our neighbors in need. The evening celebrated all the phenomenal work that Feeding South Florida does and raised awareness and funds for the future impact the organization will continue to make in the South Florida community.”

“I am proud to serve as co-chair for the Feeding South Florida’s inaugural gala and have worked with this incredible organization for so many years,” says Stowe. “Supporters enjoyed an exceptional evening of entertainment, dancing and dinner while raising crucial funds to make an indelible difference in the lives of South Floridian families who are experiencing food insecurity.”

Gala committee members included Stephanie Wicky, Abigail Hutchings, Bree Diaz, Colleen Colistra, Helene Kafka, Ileana Rionda, Jennyfer Paola Uzor, Luis Davila, Kelly Murphy, Michael Block, Nicole Lasseter, Sandra Delgado De Oramas, Paula Renaldo and Soni Laing.

Feeding South Florida is grateful for the generous sponsors for their support including Presenting Sponsor Ryder System, Inc., Diamond Sponsors the Siskind Family and JM Family Enterprises and Sapphire Sponsors Costco and The Friedlander Group at Morgan Stanley.

About Feeding South Florida®

Feeding South Florida is a member of the Feeding America network and is the leading hunger-relief organization serving Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade, and Monroe Counties. Providing support for 25 percent of the state’s food insecure population, its mission is to end hunger in South Florida by providing immediate access to nutritious food, leading hunger, and poverty advocacy efforts, and transforming lives through innovative programming and education. Feeding South Florida served more than *1.17 million individuals through direct-service programs and a local network of more than 350 nonprofit and community partners. Visit www.feedingsouthflorida.org or call 954-518-1818.