Neiman Marcus Bal Harbour played host to an exclusive, invitation-only, luncheon in honor of Miami City Ballet and its dancers on Thursday, November 17^th . The event began with an intimate cocktail reception as guests mingled amongst the beautiful couture on the 2^nd floor of the store. Guests enjoyed a delicious gourmet lunch as they viewed a stunning fashion presentation highlighting the latest Fall and Holiday 2011 collections from various designers that can be found at Neiman Marcus. Miami City Ballet supporters including Francinelee Hand, Bobi Eroncig, Darla Karlton, Dr. Amy Buchman and Lynne Steinfurth took part in a behind the scenes Q & A discussion hosted byPlum TV personality Gerard Bush and three of the Miami City Ballet’s dancers: Principal Dancer Tricia Albertson, Principal Soloist Didier Bramaz and Corps Dancer Adrienne Carter. The dancers shared secrets about their careers at the Miami City Ballet. They gave an exciting account of their experiences this past July when the company made its debut in Paris, France at the famed 2500 seat Théâtre du Châtelet, performing to standing ovations and sold-out houses. Miami City Ballet’s next presentation is their spectacular holiday production of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker™ December 15-18 at the Adrienne Arsht Center, Ziff Ballet Opera House in Miami and December 21-24 at the Broward Center, Au-Rene Theater in Fort Lauderdale. Tickets range in price from $20 to $68 and are available by calling the Miami City Ballet Box Office at (305) 929-7010, toll-free (877) 929-7010 or visit www.miamicityballet.org. Group Discounts (10 or more) are available by calling (305) 929-7001 or toll-free (877) 929-7001. You can join Miami City Ballet on Facebook, follow the Company on Twitter or subscribe to the MCB Blog.

Debbie Murcarsel-Powell, Dr. John Rock, and Debbie Tano

In celebration of Florida International University’s Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine’s (HWCOM) current and future growth, prominent female philanthropists attended a luncheon and fashion event to support the school and kick off the second-annual benefit dinner that takes place on Friday, November 4. The invitation-only luncheon, part of the college’s ongoing initiative to raise money to support student scholarships, took place from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 12, at Neiman Marcus at the Village of Merrick Park. The event was hosted by philanthropists Gloria Sesana and Debbie Tano and included a brief presentation from Founding Dean John Rock, M.D. and an exclusive fashion presentation of designer collections by Neiman Marcus.

Daisy Casuso, Tracey Mourning, and Leslie Wolfson

 A special group of influential ladies gathered at a special luncheon at the Forge Restaurant I Wine Bar as Shareef Malnik and Sue Miller welcomed the Women’s Council for Educational Change. The organization focuses on giving children the opportunity to succeed and to make a difference for generations to come.  During the luncheon, Executive Chef Dewey LoSasso served Forge favorites including chilled red and yellow tomato gazpacho with chive oil, lobster and shrimp salad, and lemon fennel panna cotta.  VIP ladies in attendance included Alicia and Veronica Cervera, Lisa Pliner, Lydia Touzet, Tara Solomon, Tracy Mourning, Dr. Leslie Bauman, Nancy Batchelor, Norma Quintero, Norma Jean Abraham, Leslie Wolfson, Michelle Rubell, Daisy Casuso, Arlene Chaplin and Judy Weiss.

On the most gorgeous day of the year, top socialites donned their most prestigious headdresses for the Vizcaya Preservation Lunch.  One of the most elegant events to date, the “Gatsby-esque” affair combined sophistication and style to the flourishing gardens of the historic estate.  Community leaders, philanthropists, and professionals came together to support the Vizcayan’s mission to protect and preserve this beloved, extraordinary landmark.  Neiman Marcus Bal Harbour along with Neiman Marcus Coral Gables joined forces to produce a spectacular preview of the latest spring trends showcasing designs from Chanel, Oscar de la Renta, Emilio Pucci, Versace, Zac Posen, Donna Karan, Carolina Herrera, Michael Kors, Dolce and Gabbana, Bottega Veneta, Balenciaga, Armani, and Roberto Cavalli just to name a few.

Guests were also treated to the delights of Ana Paz Cakes, Atlantico Rum, Chateau D’Esclans, Chanel Coco Rouge, Don Pepin Garcia, My Father Cigars, and Thierry’s Catering and Event Design. 

Chic youngsters, Jonah and Isabella Koopman; Audrey and India Harrelson; Kito, Bella and Sophia Brod; Max and Rocco Shore and Abie and Scarlett Dornbusch were joined by other fashionable tots, with parents in tow, for the launch of One Bal Harbour’s kid’s program.  Other special guests included Nobu’s Richie Notar, celeb chef Ingrid Hoffman, FOX 7’s Belkys Nerey, Richard David Story of Departures, Jason Binn, Alejandra Torres, ONE Bal Harbour Resort & Spa hoteliers, Juan and Jorge Arevalo, Jillian Jacobson-Altit and Sarah Harrelson. The fun-filled afternoon included rides, Nobu sushi rolling, custom t-shirt creations courtesy of C By Me, and fun and healthy treats. Guests made on-site donations that benefited the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Florida, which grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy.

As if we needed another reason to break free from the work day routine for an extended lunch, Ladies Lunch tempts us more each month, as the perfect way to get the girls together and disconnect from the hustle and bustle that goes along with a career oriented lifestyle. The social soirees are held every month at different locations, ladies are encouraged to bring any materials or causes they would like to discuss and share with the group. 

Ladies Lunch provides a forum for networking with a slew of local characters from all professions, including: museum curators, socialites, professional polo players, gorgeous bakers (Kosher and Greek), personal trainers, and stay at home moms that enjoy racing high speed motor boats. 

March’s luncheon took place on Thursday, March 18^th at the group’s new location, Morton’s on Brickell. Some of the attendees included Committee Members Sage Hoffman & Irene D’auria; Speaker of the month Carol Hoffman-Guzman; Miami “people broker” Heather Davis and Naomi Wilzig, Owner/Curator of the World Erotic Art Museum.

So if you are looking to update your phone tree with a list of multitasking super women, this is the place to make your connections. The next lunch will be held on Thursday, April 22- location is TBA so be sure to check back.

 We highly encourage you to bring plenty of business cards.For more information, please contact events@m3events.net or 305-865-5733.