Dress for Success Miami’s 20th Anniversary Gala
Over 300 of Miami’s most gracious gals and sharpest zoot suit-wearing gentleman rang in Dress for Success Miami’s 20 years of continued service to Miami-Dade County at The Rusty Pelican in Key Biscayne. The evening commenced with black carpet entrances, followed by a cocktail and passed hors d’oeuvres reception. Guests were greeted with wine and spirits, including Dress for Success Miami’s signature cocktail, the “Success-Tini,” all provided by Diageo. During the cocktail reception guests had the opportunity to bid on magnificent items from the silent auction
As the doors opened to the beautifully decorated ballroom overlooking the Miami skyline, renowned international music group Tártara played in the background. The emcees, Local 10 news anchors Laurie Jennings and Calvin Hughes, kicked off the evening’s program and introduced two of the organization’s “Success Stories,” including the first Dress for Success Miami client from 1994. Miami-based fashion designer Julian Chang joined the organization in support of its gala by dressing the two clients.
In honor of Founder and Executive Director, Sonia Jacobson, Maria del Busto, Global Chief Human Resources Officer for Royal Caribbean Cruises and the evening’s presenting sponsor, called the Board of Directors on stage to toast Sonia and present her with a very special gift, a Royal Caribbean Cruise. The evening continued with the presentation of “Honorary Gals” Trina Robinson, NBC 6 News Anchor, and Paula Lamas, lifestyle director for Antena305.com, journalist for Caracol and correspondent for CNN Español. Joi Gordon, CEO of Dress for Success Worldwide, saluted Sonia and recognized all her efforts and the over 35,000 women served over the past 20 years!
The entertainment during dinner set a speakeasy mood. Maestro Bill Campbell was on the piano accompanied by three Miami locals with extraordinary voices: Henry Perez, Antonio Domenikos and Derek Barbara, In addition, Alto Reed, Grammy Award-winning recording artist, founding and current member of Bob Seger and The Silver Bullet Band and recipient of a star in the Hollywood Walk of Fame, made a very special appearance and played a song on his saxophone.
Joining in on the celebration was Doral Mayor Luigi Boria and Councilwoman Ana Maria Rodriguez, who presented a very special proclamation and gold coin from the City of Doral to Sonia Jacobson.
Following dinner, guests were invited to play their luck at the casino.While at the casino, guests had the opportunity to enjoy a cigar by one of Cigar Aficionado’s Top 25 brands, Oliva and to sip on Johnny Walker drinks.
Guests danced the night away! The evening was truly extraordinary and it was quite a celebration to give way to the next 20 years!
The evening would not have been possible without generous sponsors and supporters: Presenting Sponsor: Royal Caribbean International. Platinum Sponsor: Judith & Norman Fields Family Fund. Gold Sponsor: Diageo. Silver Sponsor: Hilton Bentley Miami Beach. Baptist Health South Florida, Walmart, Perry Ellis International, Kimpton Hotels, Suntrust Foundation, Julian Chang, Fantasy Farms, A Blonde Tulip, Oliva Cigars, Showroom by Phillips Frankel, The Crest Team and Comcast.
