Dream in Green

Posted by Maryanne Salvat On May - 1 - 2013
Amber Valletta & Rohan Marley1 credit WorldRedEye

Amber Valletta & Rohan Marley

By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore 

“Everyone can do one thing to help the environment and to improve the planet,” said Yalmaz Siddiqui, Office Depot’s Director of Environmental Strategy, as he addressed a stylish, enviro-conscious crowd at the Forge Restaurant/Wine Bar during this year’s Eco-Lifestyle Gala on April 20.  In its third year, the gala, hosted by South Florida Green Drinks, aims to raise awareness and to benefit Global Green USA and Dream In Green’s efforts to “green” South Florida Schools.

The event offered an opportunity to expand the environmental audience throughout South Florida’s communities while also honoring those whose commitment to an eco-lifestyle has helped ignite change and innovation. The 2013 Eco-Lifestyle Award honorees included Supermodel , actress, and Eco-Activist, Amber Valletta, and Rohan Marley, Eco-Pioneer and founder of the organic coffee company, Marley Coffee.

The party began with a VIP reception at the stunning Terra Veritatis, the newly renovated home of William H. Dean who served as Honorary Event Chair along with Capponi Group Founder and renowned philanthropist, Michael Capponi. Guests enjoyed light fare and stimulating conversations while sipping sparkling wine and cocktails before moving on to the awards dinner in the East Room of the Forge. Forge owner Shareef Malnik and girlfriend, actress Gabrielle Anwar once again lent their support to SFGD’s Eco-Lifestyle Gala and to SFGD co-founders Marci Zaroff and Yalmaz Siddiqui.

Zaroff and Siddiqui served as co-emcees for the evening, presenting awards to Valletta and Marley as well as impressing upon guests the need for South Florida to help affect behavioral change towards environmental issues, beginning in our schools. Nick Gunia, President and Founder of Dream in Green, took to the podium to further the message by informing guests about DIG’s efforts to build partnerships with schools, local governments, and businesses for the purpose of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, waste, and our reliance on fossil fuels. Global Green USA’s I AM video which features cameos from actors and activists such as Mark Ruffalo, Orlando Bloom, Adrian Grenier, James Cameron and many other celebrities, drew roaring applause from the audience. Gala sponsors included: Office Depot (presenting sponsor); Aubrey Organics, Marley Beverages, Greenline, Sante, Under the Canopy, Capponi Group, MC Dean, event producer, Eventologie; Whole Foods Market, Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, 360 vodka and Shipyard Beer.

 

 

Susan Turchin, Carlos Bustinza, John Turchin, Giulio PetriliEverything’s Coming Up Oranges!

Carlos Bustinza and Alberto Snaidero hosted a fabulous evening soiree: “Just Orange,” to celebrate the launch of the Snaidero Living collection at the newly designed Studio Snaidero Hollywood, FL showroom, which also features many new Snaidero kitchen designs, including Pininfarina’s Ola20.

Over 250 designers, architects, developers, socialites and artists from Palm Beach to Coral Gables were greeted with a “Snaidero orange” carpet, where they stopped for photos; and peered onto a selection of the latest Ferrari and Aston Martin motorcars from south Florida luxury marquee, Excell Auto Group.  Once inside guests admired a showroom filled with a thousand Florida fresh oranges, dozens and dozens of white orchids, and larger-than-life photographs from fashion and art legend Iran Issa-Khan.   Three of Mr. Bostinza’s prized Bonsais were showcased, including a priceless “Bucida Spinosa” from his mentor and teacher, Bonsai Master Saburo Kato.  Italian artist Alex Turco’s striking interior installations were on display as well.

The evening, produced by Michael Leondas Kirkland for mkarte was filled with spirited conversations about upcoming business ventures, exciting design projects and repeated mentions of the perfect fit of Snaidero’s latest designs.  DJ David Bitton‘s music flowed as guests sipped custom “Snaidero orange” cocktails from OR-G, and dined on small bites from Thierry Isambert. Tucked away in a quiet corner of the showroom was a pouring table with free-flowing Macallan 12 single malt Scotch. Representatives from Miele appliances, Compac – The Surfaces Company, Opustone, and Caesarstone were on-hand to discuss their own products used in the Snaidero kitchens.

Guests included: Anna Paolo Snaidero, Alberto Snaidero, Lourdes & Carlos Bustinza, Rosalba Gil & Giulio Petrili, Susan & John Turchin,  Alferd Karram, Jr. & Andrea Gaughan, Mary Jo & Michael Shore, Marnie Howard, Jimena Scarfone, Cynthia Whitaker, Brooke Auclair, Paula Molina, Veronica Bennett, Emily Rivera, Allison Ortiz, Bruce Weiner, John Hall Nelson, Bill Ford, Ron Choron, Kevin Gray, among others.

 

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