Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade celebrated its annual “Wild About Kids” Disco Ball at the Loews Coral Gables Hotel on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. The 70s-themed, black-tie event raised over $630K to benefit the Club’s crucial programs and services at its six Clubs and sites combined including its educational after-school programs, tutoring and homework assistance, mentoring and athletic programs. Through the generous support of sponsors, hundreds of area youth were granted a one-year fully paid membership to Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade.
South Florida’s top community leaders, philanthropists and influencers were among the guests who experienced the 70s with glitter and glamour under the disco ball.
Emmy Award-winning journalist and WSVN Channel 7 News anchor Lynn Martinez emceed the event and helped engage and energize the crowd. “Salsa Disco Queen” Lucy Grau provided the soundtrack for the evening. Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade’s youth members captivated the guests with an amazing 70s musical performance.
Supporters also participated in a special opportunity to sponsor a child through donations and a silent auction featuring exotic vacation packages, such as a Lindblad Expeditions ten-day cruise for two to the Galapagos aboard the National Geographic Endeavour II Expedition. Other items were VIP experiences, travel, fine jewelry and much more.
The 16th Annual “Wild About Kids Disco Ball” Gala Chair was Michelle Zubizarreta. Olga Guilarte, member of Boys & Girls of Miami-Dade’s Executive Committee, was the special event chair. Gala committee members included Conchi Argiz, Tom Bezold, Liana de Mena, Jackie Gonzalez, Lynda Gordon, Rudy Lleonart, Lisa Mendelson, Yuni Navarro, Kristina Perez-Cubas, Karen Rodriguez, Rae Stein and Allison and Andy Stuart.
“We are sincerely grateful for the support from all those who joined us at our 16th Annual ‘Wild About Kids’ Disco Ball at Loews Coral Gables Hotel,” said Alex Rodriguez-Roig, president of Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade. “The evening wouldn’t be possible without our Gala Chair, Michelle Zubizarreta, our board members and donors who are committed to creating great futures for our area youth. The annual event helps us raise funds to serve the Clubs’ many positive programs. These programs help children realize their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens.”
“It was an honor to chair Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade’s most significant fundraiser of the year,” said Zubizarreta. “Supporting the Club and the youth members is very near and dear to my heart. The event helped build a better future for the youth in our community.”
Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade thank the sponsors for their generous support and making the evening shine. The presenting sponsor was the Carmen Rebozo Foundation. Other sponsors were Gordon Alliance, Traba Financial Group, Ansin Foundation, WSVN 7, OceanBank, Allison and Andy Stuart, Michelle Zubizarreta and Jorge Xiques, Thoma Bravo, Meredith and Chip Virnig, GENCOM, Anthony R. Abraham Foundation, Lisa and Victor Mendelson Family, Joe Zubizarreta and Jeanette Cabrera, First American Bank, Academica, Margaret and Clint Gulley, Gemini Communications, Bermont Gold Wealth Advisory of Raymond James, Coca-Cola Beverages Florida, Robert Kramer, Rae and Barry Stein, Conchi and Tony Argiz and USI Insurance.
Underwriters included Mark and Greta Walker Foundation, COMCAST, Eris Thomas, Karin and Thomas Reuther, Robert Kramer, Rae and Barry Stein, World Fuel Services/World Kinect Corp., Financial Designs, the Bernhardt Family, Greenberg Traurig, Silvia Fortun, Amanda Rodriguez and Bob Parks.
The In-kind sponsors were Bacardi and Total Wine & More and the media sponsor was WSVN Channel 7.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade
Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade have been serving youth in the community since 1946. What once was a single building and site for boys has grown to six Clubs and sites combined 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 call 305.446.9910 or visit www.bgcmia.org, Facebook, Instagram, Xand YouTube.
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