Loren and Kate Kreiss with Tracy and Alonzo Mourning

Earlier in the week, home furnishings powerhouse, Kreiss, celebrated the arrival of its Design District showroom, with a cocktail hosted by retired NBA All-Star Alonzo Mourning and his fabulous wife, Tracy Wilson Mourning to benefit the Honey Shine Mentoring Program, founded by Tracy more than a decade ago. The event attracted more than 300 design-minded trendsetters who enjoyed eco-friendly cocktails courtesy of VeeV, hors d’oeuvres by MG Events and beats by DUTCH. 

Special guests included: photographer Iran Issa-Khan, outdoor living designer Fernando Wong, NIBA Home owner Nisi Berryman, stylist Elyze Held, philanthropist Jennifer Valoppi, Miami Beach Commissioner Michael Gongora; Barbara Becker, Kate Kreiss, Amaris Jones, Tara Solomon and Nick D’Annunzio. 

The lovely Loren Kreiss, Managing Director of Kreiss Enterprises shared the following about the stylish gathering at the 3,800-square-foot showroom, “I’m thrilled with the turnout and reception for the grand opening of our Design District location. The crowd’s palpable energy, coupled with the inspiring support for Honey Shine, made this a truly memorable occasion.”

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Dolphins Cheerleaders, CEO Mike Dee, Christina Mandich , Joe Rose, Nat Moore, Michael Mandich, Kim Bokamper, Donna Shalala and Dr. Pascal Goldschmidt

Over 860 cyclists, including over 160 children and 21 cancer survivors, took part in the 2^nd Annual Dolphins Cycling Challenge (DCC) on November 5^th and 6^th. The goal of raising $1 million for the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer is in sight with three weeks remaining before fundraising closes in December.

This major community initiative benefits the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. One-hundred-percent of the rider-generated fundraising goes directly to cancer research and patient support services. The two-day event featured six different bicycle rides from 30 to 170 miles that went through 37 cities in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties. Last year’s inaugural ride had 311 adult riders, 100 kids and raised $533,000. Donations will be accepted through December. Anyone can donate by visiting www.RideDCC.com.

“The Dolphins Cycling Challenge made an even larger impact in its second year, and is a tribute to the dedication of our riders, volunteers, donors and sponsors,” said Mike Dee, Dolphins CEO. “We’re proud that 100% of the rider generated funds will stay right here in South Florida and help Sylvester provide world-class cancer research and treatment in our community.” 

On the first day of the ride, entrants participated in a 100-mile-long “Century Ride” from Sun Life Stadium to West Palm Beach. New to this year’s Challenge was the Miami Homecoming Loop, a 40-mile ride from Sun Life Stadium to Sylvester in Miami and back up to Sun Life Stadium, and the Palm Beach Loop, a 40-mile ride. The second day featured two options for participants: a 70-mile ride from CityPlace in West Palm Beach to Sun Life Stadium, or a 30-mile ride from Ft. Lauderdale to Sun Life Stadium. These rides offered participants the unique experience of riding on I-595 before culminating the ride through the players’ tunnel and an on-field celebration at Sun Life Stadium. Notable riders in this year’s ride included Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Alvarez, Zach Thomas, Bob Griese, and other Dolphins alumni and community leaders. 

Jim Mandich was in everybody’s hearts as they started the ride early Saturday morning. Along with remembering Mandich at the start, the team dedicated the first water stop after him. From now on, the first water stop will be in memory of Mandich and will bear the name of 88 Mad Dog Lane. Along with the water stop dedication, many riders rode in honor of Mandich on Team Mad Dog, which raised almost $150,000 and included notables Kim Bokamper, Mike Dee and Nat Moore. 

“I was blown away by the amazing support that the Cycling Challenge has received from the community,” said Bonnie Mandich, Jim’s wife. “To know that a generous check of this magnitude will be donated to the Sylvester Cancer Center made all of the effort really worthwhile. Cancer unfortunately touches everyone. When it does, it is important to have a world-class cancer facility in your hometown. That’s what these funds are dedicated to and, at the end of the day, great resources will be raised to find a cure for cancer. I know Jim is smiling down proudly on all of the riders and probably saying, ‘ALLLLRIIIGHT MIAMI.’” 

The two-day charity event was also made possible by the generous support of sponsors that included Amgen, Breakaway from Cancer, Mack Cycles as well as Sun Life Financial, Publix, Ford, Downtown Bicycles,Giant Bicycles, Contender, Conchy Joe’s, Stearns Weaver, FedEx and WFOR-CBS4.

For more information on the Dolphins Cycling Challenge, or to make a donation, please visitwww.RideDCC.com.

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Guests of the Diamond Ball had the opportunity to hear from 14-year-old cancer survivor Caroline Pallidine, who shared how she overcame her fear of baldness and became Bald, Brave, Beautiful at Miami Children’s Hospital, thanks to a special visit by Armando “Pitbull” Perez, when she was a patient at Miami Children’s in July.

Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation Board Member Ravneet Chowdhury was so inspired by Pallidine’s story that she immediately pledged a $1 million donation in the young girl’s honor.

Additionally, Pitbull, who was on his worldwide Euphoria tour with Enrique Iglesias and Prince Royce, recorded a special salute to Pallidine and the guests of the Diamond Ball.

“Caroline, you already know what it is; it’s about being Bald, Brave, Beautiful,” said Pitbull. “You are an inspiration, motivation and more than anything you are someone that shows us how strong we can all be. To everybody out there, make sure you support the cause of Miami Children’s Hospital.”

The 2011 Diamond Ball culminated with the induction of Gloria and Emilio Estefan into the Ambassador David M. Walters International Pediatric Hall of Fame.

“Miami Children’s Hospital has been a pillar in our community for decades,” said Gloria. “As a teenager Emilio was a patient when it used to be called Variety Children’s and we took our son a few times after it became Miami Children’s. Now my sister is a nurse there. We have witnessed firsthand the incredible care and service they provide to their patients and families. To be recognized and receive an honor of this caliber from an organization that does such great work for our families is truly an honor.”

Named after the first Chairman and President of Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation (MCH Foundation), the Ambassador David M. Walters International Pediatric Hall of Fame was created in 1986 to recognize and honor individuals who have made significant contributions to the health and happiness of children everywhere. It is the highest honor bestowed by MCH Foundation. Previous inductees include legendary children’s advocates Barbara & Jack Nicklaus, Dwyane Wade, Beyoncé Knowles, Walt Disney and Audrey Hepburn, among others.

“Gloria and Emilio are from Miami, but like Miami Children’s, their impact is worldwide,” said Lucy Morillo-Agnetti, President & CEO of MCH Foundaion. “They have helped countless children from across the globe and have made it their mission to make this world a better place. For this, we proudly honor Gloria and Emilio Estefan among the greatest philanthropists of all time by inducting them into our most prestigious fraternity.”

Other notable Diamond Ball attendees included Ambassador Francis Lorenzo, Honorary President of South-South News and Former Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations from the Dominican Republic; child pianist Ethan Bortnick; and Philadelphia 76ers Center Spencer Hawes.

Guests enjoyed a night of elegance with culinary delights. The evening’s entertainment included musical performances by Drew T Band and an afterparty with DJ Crespo. Voice of the Miami HEAT Michael Baiamonte served as master of ceremonies. Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation Board Secretary Ken Reilly won the live auction for an exclusive Azamara Club Cruise for two.

In addition to the gift from Chowdhury, several key supporters were recognized for their contributions of a half million dollars or more, including Children’s Cancer Cooperative, Dosal Family Foundation, The Fairholme Foundation, The Miguel B. Fernandez Family Foundation, and the Estate of Florence Groover Frank.

Sponsors included Dade Medical College, Premier Beverage, AmericanAirlines, JW Marriott Marquis Miami, Tiffany & Co., Mario Murgado and Brickell Motors, Anand and Ravneet Chowdhury, Brown and Heller, P.A., Duty Free Americas, Selecta Magazine, JustAskBoo, Britto, DJ Crespo and WOW Factor.

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Luis Rigual, Anne Owen, and Mimi Chacin

By: Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

Last Wednesday, Miami magazine hosted its 3^rd Annual “To Live & Dine in Miami” event to celebrate its restaurant issue, which spotlights some of Miami’s top toques and restos. A hungry crowd of 400 maneuvered its way up and around the historic Moore Building’s windy floors and steep steps for an evening of mingling, cocktails and bites and to relax in the cozy lifestyle lounges created by local design showroom, Planet Lighting. 

Participating chefs who thrilled our palates included:  Paula DaSilva (1500° at Eden Roc), Dewey LoSasso (The Forge Restaurant | Wine Bar), Joel Huff (Azul), Douglas Rodriguez (De Rodriguez Cuba on Ocean), Philippe Ruiz (Palme d’Or), Jeffrey Hundelt (Truluck’s Seafood, Steak and Crab House) and Crumb on Parchment. 

VIP guests included Miami magazine Publisher Anne Owen; the restaurant issue editorial team including Editor-in-Chief Luis Rigual; Senior Contributing Editor Riki Altman; dining critic Jen Karetnick; and Contributing Photographer Michael Pisarri.  Several award-winning chefs also attended including Michael Schwartz and Heidi Goldsmith of Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink; Jeff McInnis of Yardbird Southern Table & Bar; and Todd Erickson of Haven Gastro-Lounge. Miami Beach Vice Mayor, Michael Gongora; Majestic Properties’ Jeff Morr; The Forge owner Shareef Malnik; and Cadillac Regional Marketing Manager Sam Homsy were also in attendance. 

“To Live & Dine in Miami” benefited Common Threads, a national non-profit after-school program that teaches low-income children to cook wholesome and affordable meals. Guests had the opportunity to support Common Threads and purchase the organization’s cookbook, Eat the World: Good-for-You Food for Families by Allison Liefer and Katie Leahy.

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