Miami Art Museum Ball Raises Nearly $700,000 for Public and Education Programs
Signature fundraising event marks 12-month countdown to reopening as Pérez Art Museum Miami in Museum Park
More than 700 Miami Art Museum friends and supporters gathered at the 2012 Miami Art Museum Ball and Crash the Ball after party to commemorate the Museum’s 29 years at Cultural Center in anticipation of next year’s move to Museum Park. The Ball, which raised nearly $700,000 for the Museum’s public programming, marked the 12-month countdown to MAM’s reopening at Pérez Art Museum Miami in its new, Herzog & de Meuron-designed facility alongside Biscayne Bay. The black-tie affair took place at Miami Art Museum and capped off Miami Art Week/Art Basel Miami Beach week.
“Tonight we gather to honor and celebrate our significant shared history during this special year, our last at Cultural Center,” said Aaron Podhurst, MAM board of trustees chairman. “On behalf of the board of trustees, I would like to thank all of you, the Museum’s long-time supporters and friends who are here with us tonight. I would like to recognize: Ball chairs Marcella and Daniel Novela, Patty and Bill Kleh, and Pat Papper; Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez and Commissioners Audrey Edmonson and Bruno A Barreiro; City of Miami Vice Chairman Marc Sarnoff; former U.S. Representative Lincoln Diaz-Balart; from the County’s Department of Cultural Affairs, Michael Spring; and last but certainly not least, Mike Fernandez and family, who earlier this week announced a $5 million contribution to the capital campaign for our new Museum!”
Attendees included: renowned artist Michele Oka Doner, Princess Firyal of Jordan, South Beach Wine and Food Festival creator Brian Lee Schrager, Dr. and Mrs. Philip Frost, acclaimed photographer Iran Issa Khan, The Real Housewives of Miami star Ana Quincoces, Univision personality Maria Elena Salinas, and former MAM Director Terence Riley, among others.
Upon arrival, guests were greeted by MAM Director Thom Collins and Ball Chairs Patricia Papper, Patricia and William Kleh, and Marcella and Daniel Novela. Attendees enjoyed cocktails and hors d’oeuvres while bidding on ‘Priceless Experiences’ including: an exclusive South Beach Wine and Food Festival package; cocktails at PAMM hosted by Thom Collins, prior to the public opening; a private Lebanese dinner at the Wahab home prepared by Susie Wahab; and a night for 24 at Magnum Lounge.
Dinner was served in the upper-level gallery, which was transformed into an environment created by New Work Miami 2013 artist Emmett Moore, known for his innovative experimentation between the fields of art and design. Following dinner, guests, joined by Crash the Ball attendees, were treated to a sea of signature desserts created by James Beard-nominated pastry chef Hedy Goldsmith. Guests danced under the stars to The Steve Chase Society, followed by DJ sets by NY-based duo Tanlines and BLOND:ISH. Support for the MAM Ball was provided by Double Cross Vodka, Gily City, Neiman Marcus, Perrier® Sparkling Natural Mineral Water, Selecta Magazine, and Southern Wine and Spirits.
Held annually since 1983, the black-tie ball is one of the most anticipated events of the Miami social calendar. Miami Art Museum depends on private donations in addition to public support to help fulfill its role as a civic and cultural institution. More than 50 percent of its annual support comes from corporations, individuals, foundations and members. Since its inception, MAM has worked closely with the community to develop and carry out the largest arts education program, outside of the Miami-Dade County Public Schools system.
