Success Under The Stars Luncheon

Over 300 Guests Join Suited for Success/Dress for Success Miami for a Spectacular 30th Anniversary Celebration.

Valerie Major Geter Jessica Merz, Jessica Delacruz, Shannon Nurse Ferraresi, Chrissie Mollicone, Sonia Jacobson, Sonia Harty, Rob Serrano, Jessica Gopiao, Amy Spivok Richman

Suited for Success/Dress for Success Miami marked its 30th anniversary with an extraordinary celebration at the Success Under The Stars Luncheon, held at Jungle Island. Over 300 guests gathered to honor three decades of empowering individuals.

The highlight of the event was the spectacular TOCCIN runway show, featuring stunning looks from the Fall 2024 collection. This collection showcased a vibrant palette of red, burgundy, black, and white, infusing the runway with a sense of elegance and glamour. Both Michael and Alexandra Toccin were in attendance, personally curating the looks for this exceptional runway show. Their attention to detail and creative vision brought the collection to life, captivating the audience with each ensemble. The TOCCIN runway show was truly a memorable highlight of the celebration.

Ulta Beauty, the Presenting Sponsor of the event, played a significant role by not only sponsoring but also crafting the stunning runway looks for the models. Chrissie Mollicone, Regional Vice President of Operations at Ulta Beauty, shared her enthusiasm, stating, “At Ulta Beauty, we are incredibly proud to support such an extraordinary organization like Suited for Success/Dress for Success Miami, which has profoundly impacted the lives of countless individuals. Our commitment to empowering individuals aligns perfectly with their mission. We are honored to support Suited for Success/Dress for Success Miami in their mission of helping individuals thrive both personally and professionally.”

Trina Robinson and Sonia Jacobson
Trina Robinson and Sonia Jacobson
Michael & Alex Toccin
Michael & Alex Toccin
Andres Franco, Jennifer Heegaard, Isa Zapata
Jaime Diaz, Brenda Arce, Natalie Lopez
Jaime Diaz, Brenda Arce, Natalie Lopez

In attendance from Dress for Success Worldwide was Arlene Lozano, Chief Affiliate Impact Officer. She spoke about the organization’s global impact, noting that Dress for Success is active in 139 cities across 22 countries and has helped more than 1.3 million women work towards self-sufficiency. Lozano also emphasized the importance of leaders like Sonia Jacobson, who play a crucial role in supporting the many women who benefit from organizations like Dress for Success.

Dignitaries in attendance included State Attorney Katherine Fernandez-Rundle, Florida State Senator Anna Maria Rodriguez, District 4 Miami-Dade County Commissioner Micky Steinberg, Miami Beach Commissioner Tanya Bhatt, Bay Harbor Islands Council Member Molly Diallo, North Miami Beach Commissioner Fortuna Smukler, and the Honorable Judge Marlene A. Fernandez.

Also in attendance were several clients who have been served by the organization over the years, including their very first client from 1994. This client has remained in close contact with the Founder and Executive Director, Sonia Jacobson, and has thrived throughout the years, showcasing the lasting impact of the organization’s support. Additionally, although not present at the event, Mayor Francis Suarez demonstrated his support by sponsoring a table for veteran clients. These veterans, who came to Suited for Success to transition from military to civilian life, have successfully secured employment and maintained a strong connection with the organization.

The event was emceed by Trina Robinson, a three-time Emmy Award-winning journalist, and NBC 6 Evening Anchor, adding an extra layer of prestige to the celebration.

Harrell Watts, Jessica Gopiao, Ana Barton, Sujey Herrera, Thayane Machin- Martinez
Michael Toccin, Lola Jacobson, Alex Toccin, Ferne Toccin
Daniela Hernandez de Paola, Jensey Rivera, Maria Alejandra Gonzalez, Jessica Merz

Bacardi elevated the celebration by offering a delightful selection of exquisite cocktails. Guests indulged in refreshing BACARDÍ Rum Mojitos, providing a perfect blend of mint and lime and ST-GERMAIN spritzes, a crowd favorite, offered a light and floral experience. Additionally, MARTINI & ROSSI® Prosecco and Rosé added the perfect touch of elegance and sophistication, enhancing the overall ambiance of the event.

This event would not have been possible without the visionary leadership of Sonia Jacobson. As the Founder and Executive Director, she has played a pivotal role in shaping and guiding the organization to its current success. “This celebration is a testament to the resilience and determination of the individuals we serve. We are incredibly grateful to our donors, supporters, and Board Members who have helped us make a difference in the lives of over 70,000 individuals in our community over the past three decades. We look forward to the next 30 years,” mentioned Sonia at the event. Jacobson’s vision and commitment have inspired a community of supporters who share her vision and the mission of Suited for Success/Dress for Success Miami.

Special thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, ULTA Beauty, Stellar Sponsor Bacardi, Radiant Sponsors: CBT Technology, Commissioner Keon Hardemon, Commissioner Micky Steinberg, Florida Blue, Julie Grimes, Keurig/Dr. Pepper, and TOCCIN, along with all our Luminous Sponsors, ticket holders, and in-kind sponsors, including Fantasy Farms.

Paola Zagnolo, Shannon Nurse Ferraresi, Ashley Brozic
Sheila Oretsky, Gerri Bassuk, Ashley Gilboa
Sheila Oretsky, Gerri Bassuk, Ashley Gilboa
Chrissie Mollicone, Jennifer Heegaard, Jessica Merz
Chrissie Mollicone, Jennifer Heegaard, Jessica Merz
Ruthie Reynolds, Annie MacGrath , Elle Kennedy
Cal Campos and John Grisham
Cal Campos and John Grisham
Fall 2024 Toccin Collection
Fall 2024 Toccin Collection on the Runway