MCM is entering into a banner year celebrating its 25th season of providing exceptional educational opportunities to children and families. On Saturday, April 24th the annual gala will commemorate a quarter century of milestones in creating “Priceless” experiences for South Florida children and visiting tourists alike with a night of “Priceless” experiences for attendees.
The 25th Anniversary Gala’s title sponsor is Berkowitz Development Group and it’s presenting sponsor is MasterCard. 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, the Museum invites you to its home on Watson Island to enjoy a spirited cocktail reception in the museum’s galleries followed by dining and dancing outside among the backdrop of spectacular views of the downtown Miami skyline and the rocking sounds of the Average White Band.
The committee is Tina Carlo, Nancy Cohen, Marianne Devine, Michelle Diener, Patty Fluxman, Marilyn Gadinsky, Jennifer Boin Getz, Elysze Held, Melissa Lazarus, Gisela Lowenstein, Vicki Miller, Melissa Netkin, Loretta Nunez, Daisy Olivera, Marysol Patton, Darlene Perez, Marlen Pernetti, Norma Quintero, Laurie Riemer, Stephen Riemer, Katharine Rubino, Melissa Sardinia, Lisa Schejola-Akin, Janá Sigar-Malina, Danielle Spiegelman, Tracey Spiegelman, and Tracy Wilson Mourning.
With the Cocktail reception starting at 6:30PM, explore MCM’s 14 exciting galleries as you enjoy a bevy of delectable treats and drinks. Smooth music accents your way as you move through the many exciting exhibits. And don’t forget to take in the acclaimed Wizard Of Oz Children’s Educational exhibit, created by MCM and licensed by Warner Bros. Consumer Products. Travel down The Yellow Brick Road to the Emerald City and experience all the magic of this remarkable tale.
Then at 8PM it’s outside the Museum to a unique and magical area designed by So Cool Events for an extraordinary night of dining and dancing under the backdrop of the downtown Miami skyline. Catered by the Ritz Carlton South Beach, featuring celebrity Chef Jeff McInnis and Executive Chef Thomas Connell, the dinner promises to be a taste tempting delight that will thrill the palate. Culinary demonstrations will enchant guests between the courses.
A Silent Auction includes many exciting gifts and getaways, but perhaps the thrill of the night resides in the Live Auction which features the promise of spirited bidding on priceless items such as: a private jet to a Nicole Miller runway show ($25,000 value); a Romero Britto custom portrait ($30,000 value); and a Pure Bliss 145 foot yacht charter ($100,000 value).
Then it’s time to dance the night away to a live concert by the Average White Band. The perfect end to a perfect evening. AWB are widely regarded as one of the best soul and funk bands in the history of music. Though perhaps best known for their timeless instrumental mega-hit “Pick Up the Pieces,” the band’s strength actually lay in their consistently accomplished song-writing, stretching across several gold selling albums and multi-grammy nominations for the legendary Atlantic Records.
“We are now celebrating 25 years of providing continuous programming of the best fun and educational experiences for children and families throughout South Florida and we are planning a special gala that will be truly sensational,” says Deborah Spiegelman, Executive Director of the non-profit Miami Children’s Museum. “We are looking forward to celebrating another year at MCM filled with exciting and fun exhibits and activities that all our friends in the South Florida community can enjoy.”
The 25th Annual Gala, sponsored by Berkowitz Development Group and MasterCard, will be held on Saturday, April 24th, with a Cocktail Reception beginning at 6:30PM followed by a thrilling night of dining and dancing. Tickets are $500.00 per person or tables of ten people for $5,000.00. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. To RSVP for the event, contact Kelly Bresnahan at 305.373.KIDS (5437), ext. 142 or kelly@miamichildrensmuseum.org. The Museum is located at 980 MacArthur Causeway, on Watson Island in Miami, FL.