Voices for Children Foundation hosted its 26th Annual Be A Voice Luncheon at Jungle Island in Miami with returning title sponsor Stearns Weaver Miller and hosted by veteran journalist and longtime VFC supporter Laurie Jennings. This year’s fundraiser saw a record-breaking amount of over $250,000 and brought together more than 500 Miami-Dade County elected officials, community leaders, philanthropists and citizens.

“Over the years, we have seen the incredible impact that Voices For Children has had on the lives of youth in foster care in Miami-Dade and we are honored to be able to continue supporting the organization  in this effort,” said Stearns Weaver Miller Shareholder and former VFC Chairman, Jay Shapiro, “We believe that we all have a moral imperative as a community to ensure the safety and emotional development of our children so that they may become the best version of themselves in the future.”

During the event, immediate past chair Vince Castro was recognized and presented with an award at the luncheon. Additionally, Miami-Dade County Mayor and VFC co-founder Daniella Levine Cava delivered a virtual speech reminding people of VFC’s origin and the community’s commitment to the organization.

“It is an honor to continue this work and continue the Voices For Children legacy in Miami-Dade County,” said VFC President and CEO Kadie Black. “At our luncheon, community leaders, friends, family, and supporters collaborated to deliver on what resulted in a banner year for our annual luncheon. The funds raised will allow VFC to continue fulfilling its core mission of enabling 100 percent GAL representation of children in foster care, while continuing to secure their safety, well-being, stability and quality of life.” 

The annual fundraising event raises funds to ensure children in foster care have an advocate and a voice in court through Florida’s Guardian ad Litem (GAL) program, in addition to providing each child with basic needs, dignity items, and experiences.

Funds raised will help to recruit, train and support Guardians Ad Litem, court-appointed volunteers and staff who serve as advocates for the best interests of foster children in vulnerable situations. Additionally, VFC helps GAL meet children’s medical, educational and social needs which include: sourcing dignity items such as clothing, school supplies, bikes, laptops and gifts for their birthdays or the holidays; providing basic necessities such as food assistance, personal hygiene, transportation and housing; and gifting life experiences such as prom, birthday parties, summer camp, college tours and more.

Additional sponsors included: Amazon, Amerant Bank, Akumen Insurance Advisors, Bilzin Sumberg Baena Price, Brickell Magazine, Citrus Family Care Network, Dock and Marine Construction, Galleria Farms, Grossman, LeMontang & de la Fuente, PLLC, FPL, Fast Labs, Kaufman Rossin, KPMG, Hotaling Insurance Services, Lavender, Greenberg, PLLC, Miles of Wood, Northern Trust, Shipley Foundation, Inc., SMC Medical Center, Kira Grossman, Miami-Dade County Commissioner Danielle Cohen Higgins (District 8), Miami-Dade County Commissioner Jose “Pepe” Diaz (District 12), Miami-Dade County Commissioner Rebecca Sosa (District 6), Miami-Dade County Commissioner Rene Garcia (District 13) and Miami-Dade County Commissioner Sally Heyman (District 4).