More Than 250 Guests Attended the Highly Anticipated Annual Fundraiser That Raised Over $450,000 for The Club’s Youth Development Programs
Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade celebrated its annual black-tie “Wild About Kids” Gala back in person at The Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables on Nov. 12, 2022. The event raised over $450,000 for Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade’s many programs including its after school programs, homework assistance, computer training, social skills, dance, arts & crafts, professional mentoring, and summer and athletic programs.
The 14th Annual “Wild About Kids” Gala was once again co-chaired by Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade Executive Board Member Andy Stuart and his wife Allison Stuart, both long-time supporters of Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade.
South Florida’s top community leaders, philanthropists and influencers were among the 250 guests who enjoyed a themed evening, set amid a tropical forest of brilliant, lush greens and soft light. The event commenced with a cocktail reception in the courtyard, courtesy of Bacardi, where attendees enjoyed the sounds of the ARM Trio Jazz Band and were invited to participate in an incredible silent auction featuring luxury items ranging from elegant jewelry, memorabilia, lifestyle experiences and unique travel opportunities, including a seven-day French Polynesian Cruise from Paul Gauguin Cruises.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade President Alex Rodriguez-Roig and Gala Chair Andy Stuart welcomed the audience to an unforgettable evening. They emceed throughout the event alongside DJ Sama, who helped engage and energize the crowd. Guests enjoyed dinner, dancing and the sounds of the Carlos Oliva Band throughout the night. Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade’s youth members performed a special musical showcase of “Dance Upon a Dream.” Guests also participated in Sponsor-a-Child where they pledged to donate to make a positive impact in the life of a child.
Rodriguez-Roig and Stuart shared personal stories about their experiences with Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade and kept guests informed on how the funds raised during the “Wild About Kids” Gala will help the Club’s positive programs. A special highlight video was debuted to attendees showcasing area youth who attend the Club and the impact it has on their lives.
Olga Guilarte, member of Boys & Girls of Miami-Dade’s Executive Committee, was the special event chair. Gala committee members from Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade’s Board of Directors included Tom Bezold, Liana De Mena, Jackie Gonzalez, Maria Luisa Gonzalez, Rudy Lleonart, Yuni Navarro, Gabriela Rachadell de Delgado and Richard Rodriguez. Additional committee members were Jane Barrellier, Lisa Mendelson, Lily Pardo, Marianne Schmidhofer, Laura Sequeira, Rae Stein and Yolanda Valencia.
“We are incredibly humbled by the overwhelming support from all those who joined us for our 14th Annual ‘Wild About Kids’ Gala at the stunning Biltmore Hotel,” said Rodriguez-Roig. “It was great to see everyone back in person and we are incredibly grateful of the unwavering support of our returning co-chairs Andy and Allison Stuart, our board members and our donors who are committed to providing great futures for Miami-Dade area youth.”
“Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade is very special to Allison and me,” said Andy Stuart. “We were honored to return as co-chairs of the organization’s’ most significant fundraiser of the year and raise much needed funds for the Club’s many positive programs.”
This year’s “Wild About Kids” Gala Diamond Sponsor was the Carmen Rebozo Foundation. Platinum Sponsors included Allison and Andy Stuart and The Ansin Foundation, and the Gold Sponsors were InterJuris and Ocean Bank. The Silver Sponsors were Academica, Bermont Gold Wealth Management, The Bernhardt Family CCU/Blue Streak, DRRT, Raul and Ana Marmol, Lisa and Victor Mendelson and family, The Miami Marlins, Somos Group, Thoma Bravo and USI Insurance. The Titanium Sponsors were Bob Kramer, First American Bank, Margaret and Clint Gulley, Lynda Gordon and Joe Traba, Jr. and WSVN 7. Underwriters included Catholic Health Services and Liana and Carlos de Mena. In-kind donations were provided by Bacardi, In10se Designs, Simpson’s Greens & Floral, The Fudge Pie Co. and Total Wine and More.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade
Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade has been serving youth in the community since 1946. What once was a single building and site for boys has grown to five Clubs serving thousands of boys and girls year-round, providing programs in the areas of character and leadership development, educational enhancement, career preparation, health and life skills, cultural arts and sports, fitness and recreation. Club staffing, initiatives, and programs are designed to inspire and enable area youth and provide them with the resources to succeed and share in the American Dream.
For more information, please visit www.bgcmia.org, www.facebook.com/BoysGirlsClubsMiamiDade, www.instagram.com/bgcmiamidade, www.twitter.com/BGCMia, www.youtube.com/user/BGCMiamiDade, or call 305.446.9910.