Branches Celebrates Annual Benefit Dinner to Fight Poverty in Miami
Branches, Inc., a local non-profit, celebrated its 13th Annual Black Tie & Blue Jeans benefit dinner and auction at the JW Marriott Marquis. Over 400 guests attended and helped raise over $275,000 for Branches’ programs which focus on long-term success and life-changing opportunities for low-income children, youth and families in our local community.
Branches’ benefit dinner was co-chaired by Gala Chairs Nicole Krauss, Southeast Region Communications and Media Manager of Publix and Laurie Zapletal, Vice President/Business Deposits Officer of BB&T, along with support from Philanthropic Chairs Trish and Dan Bell. The event kicked off with a cocktail reception and a silent auction, followed by dinner and dancing, as well as an appeal and an exciting live auction, led by Master of Ceremonies Mr. Carlos Suarez of WPLG Local 10 and Auctioneer and board member Mr. Scott Howard.
The event also honored The Batchelor Foundation and Founder George E. Batchelor with the Trish and Dan Bell Community Empowerment Award for their long-time and generous support of Branches. All proceeds from the appeal of that evening will support Branches’ Summer Shade Camp and all donations will be doubled since they are matched dollar for dollar by a generous Challenge Grant provided by Trish and Dan Bell.
“With the success of this event, Branches is able to create more life-changing opportunities for children and families. We are so grateful to our donors for their enthusiasm and commitment to our mission to serve, educate and inspire low-income, working families!” said Brent McLaughlin, Executive Director.
A special thank you to the 2016 Premiere Sponsors of this event: Platinum Sponsor Sandy & Rodney Bell, Gold Sponsors BB&T and Carnival Cruise Line, as well as our Patron Sponsors: Aetna, Alan Goldfarb P.A., Bank United, Bilzin Sumberg, City National Bank, Gerson Preston Robinson Klein Lips Eisenberg & Gelber P.A., Goya Foods, JP Morgan Chase, Lauren’s Kids & Ronald L. Book P.A., Missy & Jim Morgan, Publix, Tripp Scott P.A., Washington Economics Group, Wells Fargo and WHA Design.
For more information, please contact us at 305-442-8306 x1002 / ipike@branchesfl.org or visit their website at www.branchesfl.org
