Chapman Partnership’s Illuminations Gala

Celebrating community that guides homeless to self-sufficiency

Chapman Partnership celebrated its annual Illuminations Gala at the JW Marriott Marquis Miami, with an evening of dining, dancing, and entertainment honoring the donors and volunteers whose work helps empower the 5,000 residents Chapman Partnership serves annually.

The 2018 Illuminations Gala provided guests with an exciting evening, produced by WOW MKTG, honoring the men and women whose support help further Chapman Partnership’s mission every day. WPLG Local 10 News’ Laurie Jennings served as the Mistress of Ceremonies.

Some of the gala’s top sponsors included: Publix Super Market Charities, Betty Chapman, Trish & Dan Bell, Carnival Foundation, and Bacardi. This year’s media sponsors were Miami Magazine and Selecta Magazine.

This year’s Gala event chairs, Marile & Jorge Luis Lopez, Esq., alongside gala committee chair Lucy Morillo, Esq., led a 33-member gala committee whose combined efforts helped create an unforgettable evening. The committee is made up of some of Miami’s most influential community ambassadors who advocate on behalf of Chapman Partnership.

“Every year, we come together as a family to celebrate the outstanding generosity of donors and volunteers whose tireless commitment further Chapman Partnership’s mission daily,” said Marile Lopez, Gala event chair. “We are grateful for the opportunity to acknowledge those who dedicate their time and love to supporting the homeless residents at Chapman Partnership’s two homeless assistance centers.”

The special evening continued with a Gala After Party presented by Chapman Partnership’s young professionals group, nextgen. Nextgen is made up of Miami’s young professionals and community ambassadors, between the ages of 25-40, who work to increase awareness, revenue and advocacy for Chapman Partnership. From 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., nextgen members and guests enjoyed food, live music, an open bar, and complimentary valet.

This year, Chapman Partnership presented the Alvah H. Chapman, Jr. Humanitarian Award to Carlos Fernandez-Guzman, CEO of Pacific National Bank and Chapman Partnership’s immediate past board chairman. As a leader who follows the moral and civic examples of Alvah H. Chapman, Jr. in serving the homeless, Fernandez-Guzman was recognized for demonstrating outstanding humanitarian initiative and compassion for others.

“We recognized Carlos Fernandez-Guzman for his four years of service and commitment to this great organization as Chairman of the Board,” said H. Daniel Vincent, President and CEO of Chapman Partnership. “Fernandez-Guzman’s noble service to the homeless community not only serves as an inspiration to us all but also continues to make Mr. Chapman’s vision and mission of empowering the homeless an attainable reality.”

Chapman Partnership’s Illuminations Gala celebrates the legacy of empathy, humanity, and achievements demonstrated by its inspiring founder Alvah H. Chapman, Jr. and the organization. Together, they have helped empower the lives of more than 110,000 individuals, including 24,000 children.

For more information, please visit www.chapmanpartnership.org/gala