US Antique Shows, a major producer of antique shows in North America, announced today it will be partnering with The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Florida for its 50th Anniversary celebration to help raise funds for the South Florida children. The Original Miami Beach Antique Show will be hosting a silent auction during its five-day event at the Miami Beach Convention Center, February 3rd -7th, of which 100% of the silent auction proceeds will benefit The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Florida.
Funds raised at the show will go towards a 7 year old girl’s wish. Massiel is a non verbal, wheelchair bound little girl from Cutler Bay. Massiel’s wish is for her, and her family, to travel to Disney World on February 20, 2011 for 6 nights and 7 days of Disney fun and Orlando area attractions. A highlight of Massiel’s trip would definitely be a special meet and greet with her favorite character, Dora the Explorer.
The items donated from show exhibitors and local businesses for the silent auction will include gift certificates, 14k white gold, pearl and diamond earrings, a 19th Century hand carved chair, bronze candlestick by Tiffany Studios, Miami Heat Suite tickets, gift baskets, restaurant gift certificates and much more. These items will be on display beginning Friday, February 4th from 12:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m. and again on Saturday, February 5th from 12:00 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. at the silent auction area in the front of Hall C. Bidding will begin at 3:00 p.m. and end promptly at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 5th. Winners will be posted in the silent auction area at 5:30 p.m. that same day. If you would like to make a donation, please contact Barbara Grandenie at 239.732.6642 x1006, or via email at bgrandenie@usantiqueshows.com
“We’re proud to partner with The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Florida for such a worthy cause. Partnering with this amazing organization has enabled us to give back to the Miami community, that we have been a part of for the past 50 years, in a very meaningful way,” said Andrea Canady, fair director of The Original Miami Beach Antique Show. “We’re very excited to contribute a substantial amount to help children’s wishes come true.”
Norman Wedderburn, president and CEO of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Florida said, “We at the Foundation are truly grateful for the efforts of The Original Miami Beach Antique Show. We look forward to the opportunity to work with the show and their partners for years to come. Together we will bring hope, strength and joy to children right here in our local community.”
In honor of the 50th Anniversary celebration, a total of 150 pearl necklaces are expected to be given away during the duration of the five-day show. This will take place at the pearl promotion booth every hour on the hour. Another treat for the public includes an Appraisal Day on Saturday, February 5th where attendees may bring a single antique, art or jewelry item to the show for a free appraisal. Other celebrations include a champagne toast and ribbon cutting ceremony with Miami Beach city officials during the Opening Ceremony at 11 a.m. on February 3rd. One hundred pearl necklaces will be given to the first 100 attendees to come through the doors on Opening Day!
The Original Miami Beach Antique Show has welcomed antique collectors and exhibitors alike for half a century. After 50 years, The Original Miami Beach Antique Show has grown into the largest indoor antique show in the world. It has gained the reputation as a Mecca and must attend event for antique collectors due to the thrilling diversity of its artwork and antiques. More than 800 exhibitors travel from as far away as Australia, the far East and Japan to attend. You can find anything from Tiffany and Lalique glass, American and European silver, to pieces previously owned by royalty such as a 19th century Faberge charka made for the coronation of Tsar Alexander III in 1883. You can also find exquisite artwork such as Russian Impressionist paintings and sculptures by Bufano and Boxer, and furniture dating back to the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. Merchandise on display at The Original Miami Beach Antique Show range from “the rare and unusual” to the historical.
Show hours are from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. from February 3-6th and 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on February 7th. Admission cost is only $15 to attend all five days of the show. For partnership and sponsor opportunities, or additional show information, please call(239) 732-6642 or visit www.MiamiBeachAntiqueShows.com.