Habitat for Humanity | Hard Hats & High Heels

The 11th Annual Cocktail Reception & Silent Auction brought together Miami’s business, philanthropic, and community leaders for an inspiring evening dedicated to expanding affordable homeownership opportunities for women-led families.

11th Annual Hard Hats & High Heels Host Committee

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Miami’s 11th Annual Hard Hats & High Heels Cocktail Reception & Silent Auction brought together Miami’s business, philanthropic, and community leaders for an inspiring evening dedicated to expanding affordable homeownership opportunities for women-led families.

Hosted at the Rusty Pelican in Key Biscayne, guests enjoyed signature cocktails, gourmet hors d’oeuvres, music, interactive experiences, and both silent and live auctions while celebrating the impact of Habitat’s mission throughout Miami. This year’s enhanced silent auction featured a curated collection of exclusive experiences, travel packages, and one-of-a-kind items that added to the excitement of the evening. The event was led by the Hard Hats & High Heels Host Committee, chaired by Lydia Sacasa, with Lourdes Rey-Wilson serving as Co-Chair, Yesenia Moreno as Sponsorship Chair, and Erbi Blanco-True and Yvonne Debesa serving as Chairs Emeritus. Their leadership continues to shape one of Miami’s most anticipated philanthropic gatherings.

Miami Habitat Homeowners with Mario Artecona – Miami Habitat CEO; and Lydia Sacasa – HH&HH 2026 Host Committee Chair
Miami Habitat homeowner Karla Romero with Miami Habitat CEO Mario Artecona
Miami Habitat homeowner Karla Romero with Miami Habitat CEO Mario Artecona
Lydia Sacasa, HH&HH 2026 Host Committee Chair
Lydia Sacasa, HH&HH 2026 Host Committee Chair
Guests browse curated silent auction items during the evening’s reception

Among the most meaningful moments of the evening was the presence of Miami Habitat homeowners and future homeowners, including families whose homes have been made possible through this very event, along with others still on their journey toward homeownership. Together, they came to celebrate, support, and share in the impact of the mission.

Miami Habitat homeowner Karla Romero also shared her personal story, reflecting on her path to stability, dignity, and the life-changing opportunity of homeownership. Her words deeply resonated with guests and brought the mission to life in a powerful way. through a video, generously produced pro bono by M Network.

The evening welcomed more than 300 guests and surpassed its fundraising goal, reflecting the continued generosity and commitment of sponsors, donors, and partners who make this work possible across Miami.

Angelica Chavarria, Tatiana Perez, Vanessa Irvin, Charmaine Lindsey, Ivonne Iriarte, Mariana Bellorin, Lorena Joya, Jacqueline Soares, of Helm Bank USA
Toni Sanchez, Annelise Ferrer, Allison McCreary, Jacqueline Cruz-Bustillo

Safe Haven Sponsors

Amerant Bank
Banesco USA
CBT Technology Institute
FirstBank
PiBank
William and Lynda Steere Foundation

Toast to Home Underwriting Wines & Bar

First State Bank

Raise the Roof Sponsors

Banyan Street Capital
Berger Singerman LLP
First Horizon Helm Bank USA
International Finance Bank Target
Think Hospitality

Backyard Treasures Underwriting Silent Auction

Sunstate Bank

Picture Perfect Underwriting Photo Booth & Event Photographer

Bradesco

Brew & Build Underwriting Coffee Bar

Florida Lemark Corporation

Sweet Home Underwriting Dessert Tables

Grove Bank & Trust

Movie Night Underwriting Audio/Visual Element

New Edge Associates

Terrace Time Underwriting Terrace Space

Ocean Bank

Social Spotlight Underwriting Social Miami Media Coverage

Seacoast Bank

Digital Doorway Underwriting Social Media Sweepstake

US Century Bank

House Beats Underwriting DJ & Music

International Center for Financial Training

Open the Door Sponsors

Azar Design Co.
BankUnited
Buckner, Shifrin, Etter, Dugan & Bradfute PA
City National Bank of Florida
Decorini
JLL
Jorda Mechanical Contractors
Kaufman Rossin
MAT Concessionaire
The Miami Tunnel
Moss & Associates
Pacific National Bank
Regions Bank
Runbrook
The Miami Foundation
Valley National Bank

Maria Peuriot and Miguel Palacios of PiBank
Bella Mendez and Jordan Kettinger of New Edge Associates
Bella Mendez and Jordan Kettinger of New Edge Associates
Liane Sippin, Amanda Cabrera, and Lauren Sippin-Garrido
Tonya Habour, Maureen Ruggiero, Sabine Scholtz, Ann Hart
Tonya Habour, Maureen Ruggiero, Sabine Scholtz, Ann Hart
Michelle Artiles, Katherine Amador, Danielle Bereznay of Berger Singerman LLP
Michelle Artiles, Katherine Amador, Danielle Bereznay of Berger Singerman LLP
Carlos Jara, Yesenia Moreno, HH&HH Host Committee Sponsorship Chair, Norman Isaza, Yuli Simon, Lissette Reyes, David Rowland, Connie Laguna, and Juan del Busto
Lissa Denis, Host Committee Member, and Daniel Denis of Runbrook
Lissa Denis, Host Committee Member, and Daniel Denis of Runbrook
Mairelys Perez-Sanchez, Arlene Molina, and Hard Hats & High Heels Chair Emeritus Yvonne Debesa and Erbi Blanco-True
Guests pause to capture memories at the evening’s photo booth
Melania Caruso, Lupe Diaz, Karla Martinez, Yvonne Debesa, Genesis Narvaez, Sara Rodriguez, Monica Koblinski, and Yesenia Collazo of Sunstate Bank
Nicole Hernandez, Mercy Medina, Oscar Moraga, Elizabeth Moraga, Elizabeth Quintero, Susy Cisneros
Lydia Sacasa and Erbi Blanco-True
Lydia Sacasa and Erbi Blanco-True
Montserrat Fuste, Albert Zuniga, -, Erbi Blanco-True, Juan Carlos Hernandez, Kathy Perozo, and Victor Uranga

If you’re interested in joining our Hard Hats & High Heels Host Committee or supporting our cause through Team Builds, Sponsor Builds, Underwriting, or Donation Opportunities, please reach out to our Chief Development Officer, Maureen Ruggiero at maureen.ruggiero@miamihabitat.org.