Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade’s “Wild About Kids” Gala
Over $310,000 to Benefit Positive Programs for Local Youth


Eris Thomas & Dr. Robert Thomas, 2014 Wild About Kids, Gala Chairs
Over 430 attendees enjoyed a “night of stars” at Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade’s Nov. 8 “Wild About Kids” gala at the JW Marriott Marquis in Miami. The eighth annual event raised over $310,000 to benefit Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade’s accredited and outcomes-driven after school and summer programs.
During the event, local philanthropists/husband and wife Jorge Luis Lopez, Esq. and Marile Lopez were honored with Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade’s Charles “Bebe” Rebozo Humanitarian Award for their vision, leadership and dedication given to the organization and its children. St. Louis Cardinals outfielder/former Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade member Jon Jay was honored with the Community Leadership Award as an alumnus who has demonstrated tremendous support, leadership and commitment to the enrichment, development and well-being of the children in the Miami-Dade community.
Acclaimed local artist Alexander Mijares, a Miami native with Cuban and Spanish roots, created/donated a beautiful piece for the gala. Internationally renowned fashion designer Angel Sanchez was among the VIP guests at the event. Miami Marlins infielder Adeiny Hechavarria gave a special and surprise donation on the spot.

Andres Raul Lopez, Marile & Jorge L. Lopez (Recipients, 2014 Charles “Bebe” Rebozo Humanitarian Award) Annia Perez-Fuentes, Carlos Perez-Fuentes, Saramelia Lopez, Luis Jorge Lopez
The event included a cocktail reception, dinner, dancing, live entertainment, and raffle/auction. A fun-filled after party, also at the JW Marriott Marquis, followed. Guests had the opportunity to sponsor a child through donations.
Longtime supporters of Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade and local philanthropists, Dr. Robert H. Thomas and Eris Thomas (Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade Executive Board member) served as chairs of the event. Serving as gala honorary co-chairs were Dr. Michael S. Gordon and Lynda Gordon, and Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade former Board President and current Special Events Chair Olga Guilarte.
“Wild About Kids” gala committee members were Donna Abood, Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade Board of Directors Member Charlie Barton, Tom Bezold, Katie Cabanas, Gabriela Rachadell de Delgado, Jackie Gonzalez, Judy Kramer, Eddie Lacasa, Marile Lopez, Alfredo Mesa, Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade Executive Board Member Yuni Navarro, Melissa Pallett, Elizabeth & Ralph Patino, and Maggie Zulueta.

Janelle Jay, Jon Jay (Recipient, 2014 Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade, Community Builder Award) & Nikki Jay, Justo & Maria Jay
Event sponsors included Dr. Michael S. & Lynda Gordon, Carmen Rebozo Foundation, Juan Jose Delgado & Gabriela Rachadell de Delgado, Academica, Peter L. & Kerrin Bermont, Coca-Cola®, Coral Gables Executive Physicians, Ocean Bank, A-Rod Corp™, DLA Piper, Baptist Health South Florida, Wheels Up, Jorge Luis Lopez Law Firm, Robert & Judith Kramer, Barry & Rae Stein, Pinecrest Magazine, WSVN Channel 7, Modern Luxury Miami Magazine, FPL, Alpine Creative Group, Galaxy Productions, Offices of Ring Bender McKown & Castillo, LLP, Bacardi®, Winn-Dixie, Rodolfo “Rudy” Lleonart & Family, Northern Trust, Angels Entertainment, and Chic Parisien.
“This year’s ‘Wild About Kids’ gala was a wonderful success, in terms of funds raised, how much the guests enjoyed it, and the awareness that we created of what Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade does to change the lives of area youth,” said Eris Thomas. “We are very grateful to all who attended and participated.”
2014 Wild About Kids, Gala Committee Top Row: Charles Barton. Gabriela Rachandell de Delgado, Stephanie Gaywood, Dr. Robert Thomas, Ralph Patino, Dr. Michael S. Gordon; Lower Row: Yuni Navarro, Judy Kramer, Eris Thomas, Olga Guilarte, Elizabeth Patino, Lynda Gordon, Marile & Jorge L. Lopez, Donna Abood, Tom Bezold
Larry & Colleen Barfield, Connie & Fred Rebozo
Dr. Michael S. & Lynda Gordon (Honorary Co-Chairs), Janet & Ahmed Khamsi
Eris Thomas, Angel Sanchez, Gabriela Rachandell de Delgado
Olga Guilarte (Special Event Chair), Alfredo Mesa
Ana & Raul Marmorl
Adeiny Hechavarria, Diana Diaz, Peter L. Bermont, Eris Thomas, Ahbria Marshall, Chef Ralph Pagano, Dr. Robert Thomas
Alex & Cristina Rodriguez-Roig, Kerrin & Peter L. Bermont
Alfonso & Miriam Macedo
Alex (A-Rod) Rodriguez, Elizabeth Elias
Lourdes & Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Jimenez, Eris Thomas
Millie Fresen, Commissioner Marc & Teresa Sarnoff, Olga Guilarte
Dr. Michael & Lynda Gordon, Cristina & Alex Rodriguez-Roig,
Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade, HanK Kline Club Dancers
Vivian & Richard Sepler, Susan Geiger, Judy & Robert Kramer
Alex Pollet, Claire Soulet
Alex & Cristina Rodriguez-Roig, Senator Anitere Flores, Dustin Anderson
Alex & Cristina Rodriguez-Roig, Eris & Dr. Robert Thomas
Pam & Erasmo Guilarte, Melissa Navarro
Tom Bezold, Alina Guashc, Alex (A-Rod) Rodriguez
Dr. Robert & Eris Thomas, Luisa & Gorge Foyo
Dr. Robert & Eris Thomas, Chef Ralph Pagano, Diana Diaz
8th Annual Wild About Kids Gala Dinner
Diana Diaz, Adeiny Hechavarria, Ahbria Marshall, Chef Ralph Pagano
Reverend Eduardo Rodriguez
Juan Jose Delgado, Gabriela Rachadell de Delgado
Judge Norma Lindsey, Dr. Robert & Eris Thomas, Olga Guilarte