Miami Children’s Museum’s 2014 Be A Kid Again Gala

Miami Children’s Museum (MCM) transported more than 500 attendees to a Disco inspired evening at the 2014 Be A Kid Again Gala, “Studio MCM”. Nearly One Million Dollars was raised to support educational programming with the help of generous donors, sponsors, an extensive silent auction and a high end live auction hosted by Big 105.9 FM Morning Host Paul Castronovo and Pulitzer Prize winning author and humorist Dave Barry.

Premier Sponsors for the event were Alan Potamkin and Brigett Rok and the Fairholme Foundation. Presenting Sponsors were Jeff and Yolanda Berkowitz, Coastal Construction Group and the Miami Marlins/David Samson. The event was chaired by Ana and Neisen Kasdin.

Among the 500 attendees were: Miami-dade Commissioner Bruno and Zoraida Barriero; Jeff and Yolanda Berkowitz; Bruce and Tracey Berkowitz; Don and Maria Brown; Miami Commissioner Frank Carollo; Former Miami Mayor Manny Diaz; Russell and Ronalee Galbut; Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez; Stacey Glassman Mizner; Todd and Lisa Jerles; Alan and Amy Kluger; Richard and Susan Lampen; Joanne Messing; Tom and Suzanne Murphy; Rob and Melissa Netkin; Bill and Beverly Parker; Gloria Porcella; Miami Commissioner Mark Sarnoff; Joann Secor and Lee Skolnick; Miami Beach Commissioner Deede Weithorn; and Miami Herald Business Editor Jane Wooldridge.

Guests enjoyed Disco themed culinary delights by Chef David Schwadron and danced the night away to disco inspired sets by popular DJ Tony G that transitioned into an exciting musical performance by “The Boogie Knights The Complete Studio 54™ Tribute.”

One of the night’s highlights was the exciting live auction emceed by the “mad men” of the evening, Dave Barry and Paul Castronovo which included: a three-year luxury car lease from the Collection; an original sculpture from Romero Britto; a three day, two night Yacht Adventure; and a roundtrip trip to New York City, among many others. In addition to the live auction, guests supported educational programming by bidding on over 200 items in an extensive silent auction.

And then there was the After Party!
Chaired by young philanthropists Zak Mann and Amber Toback, Miami Children’s Museum (MCM) held its 2nd annual gala after party, “Play After Dark.” Some of Miami’s most influential emerging professionals joined gala goers and boogied into the night to a dance mix featuring DJ Corey Chase with a special performance by electro violinist Dave Damage.

Miami Children’s Museum (MCM) offers bilingual and interactive exhibits, programs, classes and learning materials related to arts, culture, community and communication. The Museum has 14 interactive galleries as well as housing many exciting and fun traveling exhibits. MCM is dedicated to enriching the lives of all children by fostering a love of learning and enabling children to realize their highest potential. Through arts and educational programs, MCM seeks to include and target all audiences in Miami’s changing and diverse community by becoming the “town center” for Miami-Dade County’s children and families.

For more information about Miami Children’s Museum call -305-373-KIDS (5437) or visit www.miamichildrensmuseum.org.