On February 12, jewelry designer Carole Seikaly and MADinItaly’s Nadine Curmi Borgomanero joined forces during a Valentine’s Day-themed brunch that brought together a stellar group to celebrate all things well-designed. And while attendees shopped everything from cuffs to couches, they sipped ice-cold flute full’s of Moet’s Ice Imperial champagne. Greeted by a heart-laden Fiat parked outside the entrance, guests came for more than just shopping and sipping; the posh group came together in support of a great cause: The Samantha Wall Cancer Fund.

Tracy Wilson Mourning with beautiful Honey Bugs

We were thrilled to see the joy on the faces of the” Honey Bugs” as they rushed to greet the gorgeous Tracy Wilson Mourning upon her arrival at the Asian-themed 10th Annual Hats Off luncheon on Tuesday, May 8, at Jungle Island, to benefit the Honey Shine Mentoring Program, a program which she founded to provide support and guidance to hundreds of girls (Honey Bugs) in the community.

Tracy was joined by her husband, NBA Champion Alonzo Mourning, who graciously mingled and took photos with admiring fans before giving an inspiring speech in which he lauded his wife and encouraged continued support of Honey Shine. When Tracy took the stage, she shared that 15 of the Honey Bugs have successfully graduated and gone on to higher education thanks to funds raised through Hats Off. “The luncheon was amazing. Our Honey Bugs were glowing and the community support was stellar”, said Tracy.

Honey Shine Members and Co-chairs Cathy Blank and Monisha Melwani helped lead the effort, resulting in a successful silent auction and Camp Honey Shine appeal. Between the Membership program, ticket sales, auction, and appeal, $250,000 was raised for the program. Special recognition was given to Steering Committee Member of the Year, Ayana Rodriguez, and Honey Bug of the Year, Jasmine Thompson, who was selected for her overall achievements in the program. To add, two outstanding role models, Tahiese Beckford and Jonaura Wisdom, were honored with the Mentor of the Year Award.

The highlight of the afternoon was the Honey Bug showcase, where the girls showed off their talents by singing, dancing and walking the runway to model fashions provided by GAP, Aleren, Bloomingdale’s Aventura, Manisha Patel and MIA Shoes.

To join the Honey Shine program or to make a donation, visit HONEYSHINE.org.

 We had the distinct pleasure of joining the exquisite, Maggie Henriquez, President and CEO of Krug Champagne a couple of weeks ago at an exclusive luncheon at Conrad Miami, where Henriquez entertained a small group of journalists who tasted Krug’s newly released Vintage 2000, Vintage 1998, and Krug’s signature Grand Cuvee and legendary Rose. Henriquez took the lively group (which became livelier after every sip) through a journey which included the Maison’s long history and Krug’s unique approach. A born storyteller, the brilliant Henriquez captivated us with exciting anecdotes about each of the vintages, which she described with the reverence and knowledge of a mother describing each of her children. Krug’s newest innovation includes the recently launched bottle ID codes which enhance the tasting experience by highlighting the unique characteristics, history, and tasting notes for each bottle of Krug disgorged after 2011.

The afternoon was an enlightening and delicious journey of Krug’s generous spirit and philosophy of uncompromised excellence.

Cathy Blank, Tracy Wilson Mourning, and Honey Bug Rebecca Francisque

On Tuesday March 6, Tracy Wilson Mourning, wife of NBA Champion Alonzo Mourning, and Founder of the Honey Shine Mentoring Program, encouraged more than 150 women to become members of the Honey Shine Mentoring Program, through a series of “The Art of Entertaining” tips and tricks useful for any social occasion, at the residence of longtime member and philanthropist Cathy Blank.

Held in part to creatively build upon the network of members in support of the program’s mission, recruitment events like “The Art of Entertaining” help fund nurturing experiences that enlighten the path and empower the future of young girls enrolled in the Honey Shine Mentoring Program. “We are truly thankful. It is through the collective power of the women who gathered that we are able to make profound changes in the life of our Honey Shine girls”, said Tracy.

Professionally lead do-it-yourself tutorials included floral arranging by Kitanim, a floral design company founded on the philosophy that flowers have the magical ability to transform a space and mood through the senses with flowers provided by Berkely Florist Supply. Fare to Remember, Miami’s premier caterer, served-up creative culinary bites made easy by Chef Sarah Davidoff. Berry and strawberry mojitos, prepared by popular mixologists, soon followed. Meanwhile, helping any “entertaining” hostess look her best for her guests was Cream Beauty who had the Beauty Bar booked in between demos and Salsa dance classes lead by Morgan Munoz. Topping-off the mid-day soiree were the many sweets and entertainment gifting treats courtesy of Gift Chixx, Aroma Espresso and 3 Men & A Lil Lady Sweat Treats who provided the best cake pops ever!

After a few moving words and testimonial from Rebecca Francisque, high school freshman and Honey Bug, an impressive group of 40 women, present at the mixer, became members, totaling $20,000 in donations awarded to the program, with more expected to pledge Honey Shine in the coming weeks. Membership, by both individuals and corporations, continues to be one of the primary funding sources by which more than 180 girls enrolled in the Honey Shine Mentoring Program continue to receive much-needed mentorship. In addition to the fun perks, such as tickets to the highly anticipated 10^th Annual Hats Off Luncheon on May 8^th, 2012, and member-only functions that make up the membership program, each commitment by a new or returning member helps support year-round program activities that include bi-weekly workshops and a six-week summer camp developed to encourage young girls to shine as women. For additional programming and membership package details, visit HONEYSHINE.org.

photo courtesy: Mitchell Zachs

Melba Reyes and MCH Foundation President and CEO Lucy Morillo-Agnetti, Miami Children’s Hospital patient and Honorary “Shoe Guy” Joseph Reyes (center) presents thank you frames created by him and other patients to Wine, Women & Shoes Honorary Chair and CBS 4 Anchor Shannon Hori and Co-chairs Carola Pimentel and Criselda Breene

More than 400 ladies slipped into their stilettos and joined together at the Inaugural Wine, Women & Shoes for a day of shopping and fun with the common purpose of supporting world-class pediatric healthcare. BFFs, colleagues, daughters, mothers and grandmothers from throughout South Florida gathered at Coral Gables Country Club on February 8 to raise nearly a quarter of a million dollars to benefit Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation. Honorary Chair and CBS 4 Anchor Shannon Hori served as Mistress of Ceremonies. Attendees were treated to a never-before-seen trunk show featuring Christian Louboutin shoes and accessories. They also enjoyed a sophisticated day of wine tastings, a silent auction featuring lavish trips and experiences, a fashion marketplace and a fashion show presented by Neiman Marcus.

 “This is a fun-filled day of shopping and camaraderie,” said event Co-chairs Criselda Breene and Carola Pimentel. “At the same time we are here for a very serious cause because the women here today are able to make a major difference in the lives of so many children.” 

Guests had the opportunity to hear from Melba Reyes, who has two special needs children whose lives were both saved by the experts at Miami Children’s Hospital.

“On behalf of my entire family, I want to thank all of you who have made my children and all children a priority in your lives by being here today,” said Reyes. “If Miami Children’s was not here, I wouldn’t have my two miracles and I am eternally grateful for your support.” 

The luncheon was also highlighted by “Shoe Guys” representing area organizations like –the City of Miami Fire Department, United States Marines and Miami Children’s Young Ambassadors – who showed off the latest ladies fashions on a silver platter, literally. Two fashionistas were awarded with Neiman Marcus gift certificates for winning a shoe contest. Aimee Cogan won “Best Stiletto” and Alison Kunkel came home with the prize for “Best All-Around” shoes. Shoe judges included designer Lisa Pliner; Ocean Drive Editor Suzy Buckley; Inaugural Wine, Women & Shoes Committee member Christina Getty-Maercks; and Lucy Morillo-Agnetti, Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation President & CEO. 

“I’m very excited that we are able to bring together women of all generations for philanthropy, friendship and fun,” said Morillo-Agnetti. “It’s only natural that you are here to support Miami Children’s Hospital because our doctors and nurses provide the best pediatric care in Florida and expert subspecialized care to thousands of children worldwide.” 

Sponsors included Audi; Baudouin Croonenberghs; Capital Group Companies; CBS 4; Coral Gables Country Club; DJ Crespo; Delmonte; Estefan Enterprises; KARLA Conceptual Event Experiences; K&L Gates, LLP; Logistical Outsourcing; Menu Men, Inc.; Miyo Home; Montero Wolkov, LLP; Neiman Marcus; Ocean Drive Magazine; Victor & Tammy Napoli; Passion Growers, LLC; Premier Beverage; Tech-Optics, Inc.; Tui Lifestyle; Tui Pranich & Associates; Vattikuti Foundation; Vogue; and Isa & Ava Zucker. 

Members of the Inaugural Wine, Women & Shoes Committee included Co-chairs Criselda Breene and Carola Pimentel and Norma Jean Abraham, Gingi Beltran, Michele Benesch, Susanne Birbragher, Carolina Arellano Cejas, Heidi Charalambides, Andria Miyares, Fiorella De Satory, Cristina Echavarria, Christina Getty-Maercks, Gotmar Giron Ocariz, Beatriz Bravo-Gutierrez, Iran Issa-Khan, Gaby Jimenez, Irene Korge, Alison Kunkel, Nicole Lozano, Nancy Lopez Levy, Andrea Maenz, Belen Martinez-Christensen, Lily Moskovitz, Bronwyn Miller, Bridget Murphy, Tammy Napoli, Leticia Pfeffer, Terry Schecter, Jackie Silverman, Blair Sonville, Molly Snyder, Lauren Sturges-Fernandez, Maria Elena Uzcategui, Saoussan Wahab, Siri Willoch, and Jocelyn Woolworth. 

Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation has announced this will be an annual event and Wine, Women & Shoes Palm Beach benefiting Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation will debut on Thursday, November 15 at Mar-a-Lago.

photo courtesy: Mitchell Zachs and Yamila Lomba

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.