Branches: 19th Annual Black Tie & Blue Jeans Gala and Auction

The affair raised a record $550,000 to provide life-changing opportunities to hardworking families and their children to help them break the cycle of generational poverty.

President & CEO Brent McLaughlin, Gala Chairs Victoria & Jason Randolph

On Saturday, April 30th, Branches, a local nonprofit dedicated to serving children and families throughout Miami-Dade, celebrated its 19th Annual Black Tie & Blue Jeans Gala and Auction at the J.W. Marriott Marquis Miami. This year’s Gala theme was GAME ON! where attendees had the opportunity to play various games including Mario Kart, corn hole, foosball, dominoes and more with their guests as well as Branches youth. It was a fantastic night of fun and games!

Philanthropic Chairs Dan & Trish Bell, Dr. Eduardo J. Padrón

This year’s Gala was made possible thanks to Philanthropic Chairs, Trish and Dan Bell, Gala Chairs, Victoria and Jason Randolph, and Master of Ceremonies, Louis Aguirre, from WPLG-Local 10 News. Trish and Dan Bell also provided a generous $ for $ Matching Grant for all gifts made to the evening’s appeal. The Gala program featured games, performances by Branches children and youth, plus a Live Auction. The event also honored Dr. Eduardo J. Padrón with the prestigious 2022 Trish and Dan Bell Community Empowerment Award for his incredible service to young people throughout our community. Over 500 guests including local philanthropists and corporate partners attended the Gala and raised a record $550,000 for Branches’ programs which provide life-changing opportunities for families to help them break the cycle of generational poverty.

Diana Gdula and Abraham Daniel, Richard Kay
Board Member Jack Edwards, Tomy Edwards, Branches’ College Student Roberto Garcia
Annabelle Yvinec, Board Chair Rodney H. Bell, Philanthropic Chairs Trish and Dan Bell
Annabelle Yvinec, Board Chair Rodney H. Bell, Philanthropic Chairs Trish and Dan Bell
Raul Lopez is cheered on while playing Space Invaders
Jordan Baker, Board Member Amaka Amalu Anderson
Scott and Karla Richey, Margarita and Rick Tonkinson
John and Kate Inman, Deidre Dunham, Branches Youth Eisner LeBlanc, Christian Dunham

Premiere Sponsor

Trish & Dan Bell

Shining Star Sponsor

Himan Brown Charitable Trust

Platinum Sponsors 

CVS Health and Aetna Better Health of Florida
Kathy & Scott Howard
Truist

Gold Sponsors

Jesse & Filipe Viera da Rocha
JPMorgan Chase & Co.
Nancy T. Hector
Rodney H.  Bell
St. John’s on the Lake
The Huizenga Family Foundation
The Tonkinson Foundation
Victoria & Jason Randolph

TJ and Christina Villamil
TJ and Christina Villamil
Damien and Gaby Gutierrez, Vince and Laura Carrodeguas, Karla Salcedo, Board Member Rick Morgan and Patti Morgan
Jim and Karen Haj, Judge Bronwyn Miller, Philanthropic Chairs Dan and Trish Bell, Marile and Jorge Luis Lopez Esq.
Branches College Graduate Geraldo Marcelin shares his journey with guests
Branches College Graduate Geraldo Marcelin shares his journey with guests
Miami-Dade County Community Engagement Director Maria Elena Levrant presents Proclamation to Branches
Dr. Eduardo J. Padrón receives the 2022 Trish and Dan Bell Community Empowerment Award, pictured with Dan and Trish Bell, and President & CEO Brent McLaughlin
Board Member Scott Howard and Kathy Howard, Pearl Meyer, Elena and Mike Smith
Gala Chair Victoria Randolph, Vanessa Hoza, Angeliki Aninou, Katherine Ibarra
Gala Chair Victoria Randolph, Vanessa Hoza, Angeliki Aninou, Katherine Ibarra
Alex True and Erbi Blanco-True, Board Member Nidia Ruiz and Eduardo Dominguez
Emma Thompson, Angela Fairchild, Yvonne Washington, Elise Braddy, Katrina Wright, Sandra Scarborough
Board Member Kris Aungst and Emily Aungst, Katie and Scott Fitzgerald
Board Member Tina Furniss-Roe and Robert Furniss-Roe
Board Member Tina Furniss-Roe and Robert Furniss-Roe
Natalia Redwood and Board Member Jay Hall
Natalia Redwood and Board Member Jay Hall
Tim Templeton, Sissy Templeton, Amy Templeton, Tara Templeton, Tess Templeton, Troy Templeton
Branches Youth “Mario” Jeyvin Garcia, Samuel Rodriguez, Board Member Hanai Sablich, Yasmine Navas, Branches Youth “Luigi” Smyrne Romain
Board Member Rev. Dr. Audrey Warren, Vanessa Hoza
Board Member Rev. Dr. Audrey Warren, Vanessa Hoza