On Thursday, June 9, InterContinental Miami hosted its annual Kickoff celebration in honor of the upcoming 17th Annual InterContinental Miami Make-A-Wish Ball, to be held on Saturday, November 5. With inspiring words about the Ball’s mission and its profound impact to-date, “The Three Amigos:” Norman Wedderburn, President/CEO of the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Southern Florida; Shareef Malnik, Ball Chairman and proprietor of The Forge Restaurant | Winebar; and Robert Hill, Ball Host and General Manager of InterContinental Miami; kept the crowd of 200 abuzz about the main gala, themed – and dubbed – “The Party of the Century.”
“We are very excited about our continued partnership with Make-A-Wish of Southern Florida. In recent years, the Ball has always sold out months in advance as it has become the event of Miami’s Social Season” said Hill. “This year will certainly not disappoint with an over-the-top affair.” Having raised $9.6 Million in the history of the Ball, we are delighted that with your support this year will mark the $10 Million Ball, to deliver hope to children with life-threatening medical conditions in our community.” Malnik continued, “It’s only fitting we celebrate this phenomenal feat to the tune of one of history’s most unforgettable events – Truman Capote’s famous ‘Black & White Ball’ otherwise known as ‘The Party of the Century.’ Guests can also expect an action-packed live auction emceed by Burn Notice’s Gabrielle Anwar, who has made a career out of provoking her co-stars and fans with her tempting ways.”
Esteemed guests including Founding Benefactors Howard and Barbara Glicken; former Make-A-Wish Foundation Chairman of The Board Robby Elias; philanthropist Sanford Ziff; Ball sponsor and owner of Primp Salon, Jonathan Babicka; socialite Erin Newberg; Dr. Leonard Tachmes; Lady Monica Heftler; Baroness Beatrice Clancy; as well as Aristotle and Diane Ares enjoyed musical entertainment, cocktails and an elegant spread by InterContinental Miami’s Executive Chef Alexander Feher.
“The Foundation is very lucky to have the support of such a generous community,” said Wedderburn. “It is because of the unwavering support of our donors that the Southern Florida Chapter of Make-A-Wish is coming off of a record-breaking year, for which we were recognized as the nation’s leading chapter in wish granting. Notably, 35 percent of those wishes were a result of last year’s Ball, which attests to the importance this one night of fundraising has on the ability to grant wishes for children with life-threatening medical conditions.” Speaking to the impact of a Wish, Wish Child Samuel Huxford recounted his battle with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and the renewed sense of happiness and hope the Foundation provided both him and his family by granting his wish to ski the Swiss Alps.
Tables for the InterContinental Miami Make-A-Wish Ball range from $5,000 to $20,000, and for the past five consecutive years, seats have been sold out two months prior to the event. Wish Sponsors range from $5,000 to $100,000. Tables, wishes and other sponsorship opportunities can be purchased by calling 954.967.9474 extension 318 or by visiting www.sfla.wish.org. 
The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Florida grants the wishes of children who have life-threatening medical conditions, to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. Covering a 13-county territory of Southern Florida, the chapter’s goal is to grant more than 500 wishes in 2011. For more information, contact the Foundation at (888) 773-WISH or log on to www.sfla.wish.org.
Photo credit: Manny Hernandez and World Red Eye