The 2017 Illuminations Gala
Chapman Partnership celebrates community that guides homeless to self sufficiency
Chapman Partnership celebrated its annual Illuminations Gala at the JW Marriot Marquis for an evening of dining, dancing and entertainment, celebrating the donors and volunteers whose work is a guiding light for the men, women and children that reside at the homeless assistance centers.
The 2017 Illuminations Gala provided guests with an exciting and breathtaking experience produced by WOW MKTG. The evening began with a cocktail reception followed by dinner and dancing.
The gala was made possible by the generous support of its sponsors. The Honorary Dinner Host was Publix Supermarkets Charities. The Honorary Dinner Chairman were Betty Chapman, Trish and Dan Bell and Heide & Jose Dans. The Distinguished Dinner Chairman were Lennar Foundation, Northern Trust, Marile and Jorge Luis Lopez, Esq., Hudson Family, Pacific National Bank and Carnival Foundation. The Media Sponsors were Selecta Magazine, Modern Luxury and Bacardi.
The 2017 Gala chairs, Marile & Jorge Luis Lopez, Esq. and Lucy Morillo – Agnetti Esq. & John Agnetti, Esq. led a 55-member gala committee made up of some of Miami’s most influential community ambassadors who advocate on behalf of Chapman Partnership and came together to create a magical gala in celebration of the dedicated volunteers and donors.
“The Illuminations Gala is a celebration of all the great work done by Chapman Partnership and their extended family of donors and volunteers,” said Marile Lopez, Gala Co-Chair. “We are so thankful for their dedication, love and time, and this is just a token of our appreciation for their hard work.”
The magical evening continued at the Gala After Party, presented by Chapman Partnership’s young professionals group, nextgen, which featured a one of a kind performance, open bar and complimentary valet. Nextgen is made up of Miami’s young professionals and community ambassadors, between the ages of 25-40, who work to increase awareness, revenue and advocacy for Chapman Partnership. The nextgen presenting sponsor was BB&T and their Silver Sponsor was Pinnacle Housing Group.
“The support we get from our extended family including our community’s future leaders is a guiding light for the 5,000 + residents we see each year,” said Lucy Morillo-Agnetti, Gala Co-Chair. “Every time they donate, they help to illuminate our resident’s path toward self-sufficiency.”
At this year’s event Chapman Partnership awarded the Alvah H. Chapman, Jr. Humanitarian Award, given to a leader who follows the moral and civic examples of Alvah H. Chapman, Jr. in serving the homeless. The award recipient demonstrates humanitarian initiative and compassion for his fellow man, as Alvah H. Chapman, Jr. did. This year’s award recipient was Alberto M. Carvalho, the Superintendent of Miami Dade County Public Schools.
“Alvah Chapman was a beacon of hope for the homeless in our community,” said H. Daniel Vincent, President and CEO of Chapman Partnership. “Because of his hard work and dedication, Chapman Partnership is a nationally recognized model. Today, we are recognizing the work of Alberto Carvalho, in helping make Mr. Chapman’s vision a reality.”
Chapman Partnership was named in honor of the late Alvah H. Chapman, Jr. The Gala celebrates the legacy of empathy, humanity and achievements demonstrated by this inspiring man, and by the organization. Together, they have helped save the lives of more than 110,000 individuals, including 24,000 children.
