High Season is Upon Us!
Ladies Night at the Ritz with Johnnie Walker
Allison Weiss Brady is back! Miami’s social girl is breaking out the winter clothes as she gets ready for temperatures in the low 60s. The Magic City is a winter wonderland for AWB!
Winter in Miami. Nothing can be better. While my friends up north are all starting to freeze, we break out our best winter clothes when the temperature drops below 70 degrees. I love this city!
I’ve been busy, busy, busy of late, attending so many fab functions that I feel like I’m in a whirlwind. In the process, I’ve had the opportunity to hang out with some very interesting movers and shakers. It’s always great to get their inside perspectives and we all do some good in the process.
On that note, it’s always a pleasure to recognize the dedication of people as they give to others. Philanthropy clearly encompasses this – as does the military – so it’s an honor to mention Veteran’s Day. The City of West Palm Beach commemorated Veteran’s Day with a parade, co-sponsored by the Palm Beach Veterans Day Committee. Showing their continued support of veterans were newly-elect Congressman Allen West, West Palm Beach mayor Lois Frank, philanthropist Diane N. Weiss, and Congressman Ted Deutch.
As everyone is surly aware, Art Basel is right around the corner, and Chip and I were recently named Junior Ambassadors of Art Basel Miami Beach. Wow! This town is going to be nuts and we’re looking forward to the jam packed week of amazing arts, culture and philanthropy events.
Once again, Russell Simmons will be in town and will attend a private dinner with Cliff & Jill Viner, Cheryl & Jaime Pesaich, Bernard Markowicz of Markowicz Fine Art and Amy Rosenberg to benefit Gene Spotlight. He will also be participating at the Artisan Series Program event with Bombay Sapphire and at a brunch at the Mondrian in South Beach, both benefiting Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation.
Jill Viner and Barton G. Weiss (of Barton G. fame) were recently honored at the home of University of Miami president, Donna Shalala, attended by Leonard and Jayne Abess, Stephanie Sayfie Aagaard, Andria Holtz, to name just a few. Jill and Barton G. Weiss were inducted into the Gables Society, an extremely prestigious award for their work at the Miller School of Medicine for the Kids Hear Now Foundation. I decided to wear a gorgeous new necklace I just purchased – lots of compliments. Little did anyone know that it was a piece from Ann Taylor! By the way, super excited about the Ann Taylor store opening in Aventura Mall. I also had a coat draped over my shoulders, as the weather has been a little chilly lately – and by that I mean in the 60s. I think that heat lamps are already becoming the must-have accessory of the season.
The brisk weather did not keep donors from attending a recent Jackson Memorial Hospital/Golden Angels event. Fana & Abel Holtz, Nancy & Jon Batchelor, Leila Chang Ripich, Bunny Bastian, Kirk Landon & Pam Garrison, Alan & Vivian Dimond and Cindy Carr all weathered the cold front to attend the private dinner party. The event was sponsored by Florida Dental Benefits, a dental insurance company serving all of Florida, and LSN Partners, a Miami-based business development firm and government relations firm. Cindy Carr was wearing the most gorgeous ruby and diamond necklace and earrings! So beautiful were they, in fact, that while my husband was chatting with Nancy and Jon Batchelor, I pulled Cindy aside and told her I’d trade my house for those jewels.
Nancy Batchelor also mentioned that she and Jon, along with Nicole & Edgar Lozano, are co-chairing the upcoming Miami Science Museum gala scheduled to take place in March, 2011. The event will showcase the 60+ year mission of the Miami Science Museum and its new $275 million waterfront Museum project in downtown Miami. Helping them secure amazing auction items for the event are Maria E. Goodno and Caroline Streep, along with a whole team of energetic committee members.
Staff from UM’s Miller School of Medicine will also be participating in a wonderful event I hope everyone will consider attending. The Mathew Forbes Romer Foundation – benefiting Tay-Sachs research, testing and education – will present its Evening of “Sweetness and Laughter,” starring the hilarious group “Laffing Matterz.” Its “See the Light” Awards Ceremony will be held at the Broward Center in January.
Lots of wonderful events to attend and great causes to support as we go full force into Miami’s high season. Have a great Thanksgiving!
Until next time, I bid you adieu.
Allison
