Goodwill’s CRAFT YOUR LOOK Gala

The community came together and raised an outstanding $1 million, with proceeds benefitting Goodwill's training, employment and job placement programs.

Over 500 guests joined in to celebrate Goodwill’s 60th anniversary of serving South Florida, the community came together and collectively raised an outstanding $1 million. The proceeds from the gala benefitted Goodwill’s training, employment and job placement programs for people with disabilities and other barriers in our community.

Guests enjoyed a night of Good Music by the award-winning Spirit of Goodwill Band, Good Fashion with a fashion show featuring styled looks by renowned fashion designer Rene Ruiz and upcycled looks designed by Miami Fashion Institute students from pieces found at Goodwill stores and an overall evening of Goodwill by participating in a night of fun, creativity and friends.

Camouflage gown created by fashion designer Rene Ruiz for RR by Rene

The “Craft Your Look” gala chair was Sapoznik Insurance President, Rachel Sapoznik and vice-chair MBAF’s Chairman and CEO Tony Argiz. Jayne & Leonard Abess were Honorary Chairs. Gala committee members were Judy Cannon & Merrett Stierheim, Sandra & Tomas Erban, Julie Greiner and Michel Weiser, Suzanne & Joe Lacher, Melly & Robert Sanchez, Barbara Shrut & Steven Gretenstein and Robin Smith & Manny Diaz.

The “Craft Your Look” Gala sponsors included Founders Circle – Badia Spices; Leadership Circle – Abess Family; Diamond Sponsor – Sapoznik Insurance; Platinum Sponsor – Allison Shipley Family Fund; Gold Sponsor – Bilzin Sumberg; Silver Sponsors – Aetna, Allen Norton & Blue P.A., Navajo Fabrics, Northern Trust, Related Group, Ryder System, Inc. TECO Energy, University of Miami, Williamson Cadillac and more.

Thank you to the Board of Directors and community partners, sponsors and guests who made this all possible! Goodwill South Florida looks forward to another successful gala on Saturday, November 14, 2020. For more information contact: Adele Lorenzo alorenzo@goodwillmiami.org or 305-326-4182.

Board member Merrett Stierheim with Judy Cannon, William Talbert and Yvonne Grassie
Lourdes de la Mata Little GWSFL VP Marketing, Rachel Sapoznik Event Chair & David Landsberg, GWSFL President & CEO
Master of Ceremonies, Kelly Blanco NBC6 Entertainment Host
Board member Joseph Lacher and Suzanne Lacher
Chair-Emeritus Jayne Abess and Leonard Abess
David Landsberg GWSFL President & CEO, Lourdes de la Mata Little, Artist Romero Britto, Rachel Sapoznik & Lucas Vidal
Spirit of Goodwill Band - Comprised of program participants with disabilities
Board member Peter Bermont and Kerrin Bermont
Paula & Michael Fay
Jack & Becky Delaster with Lilliam and Gus Machado
Harve & Ramona Mogul
Deborah & Larry Hoffman
Howard & Sharon Socol, Diana Espin & Pedro Wazzan
Eugene Gordon & Ileana Bravo
Rosa Maria Diaz & Jorge Fernandez
Elnatan Rudolph, Jonathan Kilman, Raymer Maguire, Mario Bailey, Cesar Fernandez
Leslie and David Armstrong
Board Members, Rosary Plana Falero & Barbara Shrut
Robert & Melly Sanchez with Mike & Sandra Zogby
Ashley & Jayne Abess, Diana Montero, Leonard Abess
Amy Michleb from Style the Runway, Fashion Designer Rene Ruiz & Woody Michleb
Claudia Grillo, Mayco Villafana & Tammy Klingler
Board member Rudy Kranys & Lois Russell
Board member Allison Shipley & Family
Elena Carpenter & Michael Smith