SocialMiami | Michael Feinstein Dazzles Guests at Benefit Gala

Michael Feinstein Dazzles Guests at Benefit Gala

benefits Legal Services

by Michael Feinstein Dazzles Guests at Benefit Gala in SocialEyes

Alan & Wendy Ellison

With Fisher Island’s breathtaking Vanderbilt Mansion as his backdrop, renowned entertainer Michael Feinstein, the iconic five-time Grammy-nominated song writer, pianist and singer, dazzled an exclusive audience with the music of Gershwin, Berlin, Porter, and more. Proceeds from the evening, underwritten by Robert Pinkert and The Pinkert Family Foundation, benefited Legal Services of Greater Miami, Inc., an organization that delivers free legal services to low-income individuals and families in South Florida.

Feinstein’s performance took attendees on a nostalgic trip through musicals from Broadway to Hollywood and to classic jazz standards as well. Dubbed ‘The Ambassador of the Great American Songbook,’ Feinstein has also performed at some of the world’s most prestigious venues, including Carnegie Hall, The White House, and Buckingham Palace.

The evening also featured Ana Maria Polo, the Emmy-nominated host of Spanish-language television’s most popular day-time program “Caso Cerrado,” who served as master of ceremonies.

Reuben Schneider, Renee Pollack, Esther Gordon Paulen and Jacques Paulen

The sold out crowd was welcomed by Corali Lopez-Castro, Kozyak, Tropin & Throckmorton, who serves as Co-Chair of LSGMI’s Together, We Must Campaign for Justice. “The current economic downturn has hit South Florida especially hard,” said Lopez-Castro. “The poorest families and individuals in our community are disproportionately affected, placing them at greater risk of losing jobs, housing, and access to healthcare. The need for free legal services has never been greater.”

Marcia K. Cypen, LSGMI executive director, was thrilled to have Feinstein support LSGMI’s mission through his performance. “What a magical evening. We are deeply grateful that Michael was willing to help support us through the use of his incredible talents.”

The evening was sponsored by The Ira J. Kaufman Family Foundation and Northern Trust Bank, and was co-sponsored by Hunton and Williams LLP, Pepi Bertini, Evensky and Katz, The Bluntzer Group, and Steinway Piano Galleries.

Proceeds from the event help supplement LSGMI’s present budget which is primarily from federal, state and local government sources. To learn more, visit www.lsgmi.org or mrabinowitz@lsgmi.org or call Marcia Rabinowitz at 305-438-2531.