Twelfth Annual Miami Gala: La Fiesta Española
Benefits United Way of Miami-Dade
Friday, November 21, 2008 at 6:30 p.m.
Watson Island
1050 Macarthur Causeway
Miami, FL 33132
305-374-2233 (Scott Tracy)
UBS and Best Buddies International will bring together the finest Spain has to offer in food, music and festivities for the Twelfth Annual Miami Gala: La Fiesta Española on Watson Island. His Excellency Jorge Dezcallar de Mazarredo, Ambassador of Spain to the United States of America, and Rafael Nadal, the number one-ranked tennis player in the world, will serve as Honorary Chairs for the Gala, which features a formal dinner, live and silent auctions, and a performance by Earth, Wind and Fire.
“We are extremely proud of our annual Miami Gala, which has become a tradition that brings together the most generous, enthusiastic, and energetic people in Miami to support social integration for people with intellectual disabilities,” says Anthony K. Shriver, founder and chairman of Best Buddies International. “Best Buddies is fortunate to have a thriving country program in Spain, and we are excited that this event gives us the opportunity to showcase the support of our European friends, including an extraordinary Buddy Pair from Best Buddies Spain, who will take the stage to describe what their friendship means to them.”
The Gala never fails to bring together Miami’s most notable residents and celebrities from around the globe for a night of entertainment and fundraising. Celebrity guests expected to attend this year include: actors Matt Damon and Verne Troyer; actresses Linda Gray, Kelly Hu, and Vanessa Hudgens; Miss USA Crystle Stewart; Miss Universe Dayana Mendoza; Olympic gold medalist Carl Lewis; and singer Macy Gray.
As always, there will be a number of spectacular items up for auction, including a “Brothers and Sisters” script autographed by Rob Lowe, a Cartier watch, an Audi Sportscar Experience in Sonoma, California, and luxurious getaways to Spain and Tahiti.
And, in anticipation of Art Basel, select works from the Best Buddies Artist Collection, including pieces by Roy Lichtenstein, Jim Dine, Robert Rauschenberg, William Wegman, and Hunt Slonem, will be on display at the Gala. Guests will be able to purchase these magnificent works of art, with proceeds to benefit Best Buddies.
For tickets and information, call Scott Tracy at 305-374-2233, Ext. 217, or email scotttracy@bestbuddies.com.
About Best Buddies International
Founded in 1989 by Anthony Kennedy Shriver, Best Buddies is a vibrant, international organization that has grown from one original chapter to more than 1,400 middle school, high school, and college campuses worldwide. Best Buddies programs engage participants in each of the 50 United States. We have accredited international programs in 40 countries, with additional ones under active development. Our six formal programs – Best Buddies Middle Schools, High Schools, Colleges, Citizens, e-Buddies and Jobs – positively impact more than 350,000 individuals with and without intellectual disabilities annually. As a result of their involvement with Best Buddies, people with intellectual disabilities secure rewarding jobs, live on their own, and make lifelong friendships. For more information, please visit www.bestbuddies.org.
