Archdiocese of Miami Gala was an Elegant Event
Benefitting The Leadership Learning Center in Little Havana and the Pierre Toussaint Center in Little Haiti

The evening started with a cocktail reception and a silent auction filled with many exciting and fun items. There was a Dwayne Wade autographed jersey, a seven night stay at Harbour village in Bonaire, and several Golf & Stay packages at first class resorts like The Fairmont Turnberry Isle, Biltmore and Doral Golf Resort & Spa. In addition, there was a large variety of purses and bags from a few well known designers as well as genuine crocodile & snakeskin hand crafted ones. Definitely something for everyone’s taste.
Dinner followed in the main dining room which was spectacular to see. Table cloths were ivory. Centerpieces created by Designs by Elsa and consisted of hydrangeas, cherry blossoms, roses—and many more pastel spring flowers. The Continental Brass Band reminiscent of the Big Band Era was a delight to hear and inspired guests to get on the dance floor as soon as they entered the ball room. Emilio Alonso-Mendoza, President of Catholic Community Foundation, welcomed everyone and thanked them for supporting the Leadership Learning Centers. He said, “We are very proud of the work these programs do as they enhance learning opportunities for inner-city children. It happens only through the generosity of the community.”
A delicious dinner was served starting with an appetizer of ravioli, followed by a steak dinner and a mousse encased in dark chocolate with raspberry sorbet for dessert. The band continued to play to the delight of the guests who couldn’t seem to stay off the dance floor. It was an evening to remember for its perfect execution and delightful ambiance.
Emilio & Marina Alonso-Mendoza, Eugenio & Frances Sevilla-Sacasa
Victor & Hortensia Velazquez, Drs. Ada & Jose Armas
Miguel & Sonnia Viyella
Carlos & Maria Arazoza
Dr. Ramiro Abaunza & Maria A. Fuentes de Abaunza
Cristina Cosculluela and Lourdes Eskert
Pat & Milton Wallace
James Boink and Raphael Bastian
Jorge Luis & Marile Lopez
Dr. Leopoldo & Margarita Formoso
Mariana O’Naghten and Mireya Muñiz
Dr. Frank & Mirta Fuentes, Ana Maria & Pedro Capo
Diego & Laura Suarez, Carmencita & Juan Lopez
Octavio & Vivian Verdeja
Esteban & Lily Prellezo
Horacio Aguirre and Archbishop Thomas Wenski
Raul & Ninon Rodriguez
Carmencita Betancourt Lewis & Michael Lewis
Lourdes & Carlos Gimenez
Megan Fitzgerald, Warren & Maura Jennings
Jorge & Anabella Del Rosal, Archbishop Thomas Wenski
Lili & Robert Chisholm
Enrique & Bertha Enriquez
Maria Cristina Diaz, Juan T. O’Naghten
Gabriel & Marta Bustamante
Mirella Lasalle, Helen Hinds, Helen Briggle
Fr. Pedro Suarez, S.J., Nidia Rodriguez, Nestor Rodriguez
Gala Ballroom