On Saturday, April 24th, with a Gala that celebrated 25 years of “Priceless” experiences for children and families, Miami Children’s Museum (MCM) delighted more than (625) attendees with a host of food catered by the Ritz Carlton South Beach, featuring celebrity Chef Jeff McInnis and Executive Chef Thomas Connell, entertainment featuring a concert by the Average White Band, and a spirited auction that helped successfully raise more than $750,000 for the Museum’s programming!
Perhaps the crowning jewel of the evening was the announcement that Philanthropist Gloria Martin has donated $1 million to the launch of MCM’s Capital Endowment Fund Campaign that will work to insure the Museum’s viability for years to come. Additionally, the Knight Foundation committed $100,000 to the Capital Campaign.
“My gift to the Museum’s Endowment Fund represents my commitment to ensuring that the next generation of children can have the same wonderful experiences that only the Miami Children’s Museum is bringing today,” says Ms. Martin. “I hope that my involvement will encourage others here to get involved and support the Campaign that the Museum has just launched.”
“Gloria is self-made woman and a true philanthropist who lives a very modest and private life,” says Jeffrey Berkowitz, Chairman of the Children’s Museum Board. “She gives from the kindness in her heart and is a woman of great integrity. Her handshake is her promise.”
The 25th Anniversary Gala’s title sponsor was Berkowitz Development Group and it’s presenting sponsors were MasterCard and Moss Construction. It was hosted by Gala Chairperson: Claudia Potamkin and Board President Jeff Berkowitz, with honorary host committee Dave Barry, Romero Britto, Gloria & Emilio Estefan, Tracy & Alonzo Mourning, Lisa & Donald Pliner, Nicole Miller and Chris & Pat Riley
A lively and spirited live auction, emceed by Adam Kuperstein of NBC6 featured a wide variety of priceless items such as: a private jet to a Nicole Miller runway show; a Romero Britto custom portrait; and a Pure Bliss 145 foot yacht charter.
Among the more than 600 of attendees for the festivities were: Nicole Miller, Romero Britto, Lisa and Donald Pliner, Gisela and Diego Lowenstein, Tracey Mourning, Gloria Martin, Jeff and Yolanda Berkowitz, Claudia Potamkin, Lisa Schejola Akin and Jeffrey Akin, Richard and Susan Lampen, Mo Abety, Evan and Stephanie Reed, FJ and Abigail Pollak, Richard and Sandy Berkowitz.
For more information about Miami Children’s Museum call: (305)373-KIDS (5437) or visit www.miamichildrensmuseum.org.