Save the date for our next BE A VOICE GALA, February 19, 2011.
The day before Valentine’s Day, Voices For Children’s strongest supporters arrived at the luxurious Mandarin Oriental for the much anticipated “Be A Voice, Feel The Magic Gala”. The glamorous black-tie event inspired the attendance of community leaders in the name of the children struggling through the dependency system.
Laurie Jennings, South Florida’s Channel 10 Anchor, served as the night’s Mistress of Ceremony and party sounds were provided by New York’s DJ Kucha. Performers from the acclaimed Cirque Du Soleil displayed their amazing strength and style with high flying acrobatics and hand-to-hand balancing acts.
Olinda and Carol, two sisters formerly involved with the Guardian Program, shared their heartbreaking story of abuse, hardship, sadness, and ultimately- success. Olinda, the oldest of nine siblings, will be graduating this year from Florida International University (FIU) with a double major in Chemistry and Physics. Carol will commence classes at FIU this fall. Veena Panjabi and Aimee Owens, co-chairs of the event said, “The testimonial we just heard is the unfortunate story of one of so many children in our community. It is only through the generous support of our friends, contributors, and volunteers, that this vicious cycle of abuse and abandonment will stop and children can have bright futures.”
The sisters’ testimonial brought the room to tears and opened the hearts of all those in attendance, with guests pledging donations to join Voices’ Angel Society and a chance to win a $5,000 shopping spree at Neiman Marcus Coral Gables. Adeline Cassin, who won the shopping spree, was so touched by Olinda and Carol’s story that she selflessly gifted the spree to the two sisters. Additionally, Ana Weissman was so moved by their story that she generously gifted tuition to FIU. The Gala was successful in not only raising awareness of foster children and their stories, but also raising over $490,000 in cash and in-kind donations, including a generous commitment from Stambul LLC for $25,000 over the next five years.
We extend a very special thank you to our very generous sponsors Mandarin Oriental, Miami; Southern Wine and Spirits; Cathay Pacific Airways; Berkowitz Dick Pollack & Brant; Greenberg Traurig; and Swire Properties, Inc. for making the gala such an accomplishment.
Save the date for our next BE A VOICE GALA, February 19, 2011.