Michael Capponi’s Mad Hatter Birthday Bash

Posted by Mary Jo Almeida-Shore On April - 24 - 2010

Michael Capponi celebrated his 38th birthday with an Alice in Wonderland-themed bash on Star Island on Friday night which raised over $30, 000 for the United Way. Dressed as the Mad Hatter, Capponi welcomed his 2, 300 guests all outfitted from head-to-toe in Wonderland attire (costumes were required) with his girlfriend, blonde bombshell, Taylor Erickson, at his side, who personified the perennial “Alice,” and his mother, Danoushka disguised as the White Queen.
Enormous, whimsical inflatable flowers were wrapped around the Royal Palms throughout the property and a huge rabbit clock, and images of the Tweedles and Cheshire cat surprised guests who wandered amid giant rose bushes and mushrooms, dancing to the music of DJ John Cash. Eric Milon, Rich Santelises, Tamar Burton, Ira Lang, David Grutman, Karelle Levy, and celebrities Michael Bay, Andre Berto, Project Runway’s Uli Herzner and Baroness Marianne von Brandstetter came out to celebrate and enjoy cocktails courtesy of Grey Goose Vodka.

So what was Capponi’s birthday wish this year? “One the biggest responsibilities I have taken on has been ‘adopting’ 3000 Haitian refugees and providing them with temporary shelter, food and water in Petionville, Haiti. With the help of Project Medishare, Miami Beach Fire Rescue, United Way and many local supporters, we have created a tent city to house these Haitian people, half of whom are under the age of 10. Feeding and providing shelter is a huge expense and I am proud that the proceeds from my birthday will be able to keep this going for at least another 6 months.” Thanks to sponsors such as: The Opium Group, Grey Goose Vodka and 3DX productions, 100% of the money donated by guests at the entrance to Capponi’s party went straight to the United Way.
The festivities continued at SET where guests saw the nightclub like never before. The space was decked out with 4 foot playing cards hanging from the ceiling and all over the tables. Black and white balloons filled the club to match the checkerboard dance floor and a huge clock made for the occasion was suspended from the DJ booth.
When asked about the evening’s highlights, Capponi responded, “It was heart-felt to watch guests support United Way, a cause that is so important to me. I am proud that my birthday party was not only a great time, but was also able help so many in need. Thank you to all who attended, there is no better gift.”