Lea and Roy Black

The Blacks’ Annual Gala hosted by power-couple Lea and Roy Black took place right smack in the middle of the South Beach Wine and Food Festival, on Saturday, February 27 at the Fontainebleau.  Known for hosting one of the coolest events every year, with the most eclectic guest list and entertainment roster, the Blacks hosted over 700 guests during this year’s 15th anniversary gala. One hundred percent of the ticket sales and auction proceeds benefited The Consequences Charity, Educate Tomorrow, I have a Dream and Project Medishare for Haitian relief efforts founded by internationally renowned physician, Dr. Barth Green.  Uber Diva, Elaine Lancaster, served as Celebrity Hostess, a role she has valued dearly for eight years in a row.  After the reception and silent auction, guests enjoyed a 4-course meal and special musical performances, the first of which was a soulful saxophone rendition of Bob Seger’s “Turn the Page” by Alto Reed, quite fitting for a benefit for the Consequences  Charity, which is primarily devoted to helping troubled youths do just that. 

Latin Pop sensation, Paulina  Rubio took the mic next, followed by Grammy Award-winning Artist Natalie Cole, who got guests to their feet to slow dance (when was the last time you did That?), especially when she sang crowd pleaser, “Unforgettable.” Platinum Recording Artist Rick Ross performed next.  We did say “eclectic” did we not?

This year’s live auction included a Rolls-Royce Ghost, Bentley Mulsanne and Bugatti Veyron, provided by Braman Motors, a 2009 Limited Production Spyker C8 Laviolette, provided by The Craig Zinn Automotive Group, and an extraordinary modern design package including furnishings, art and accessories by award-winning designer Tui Pranich, creator of Tui Lifestyle Showroom. The auction was followed by an exhibition boxing match, (which explained the ring that was set up in the center of the room) between Top Heavyweight Boxer Fres Oquendo and Mixed Martial Arts Specialist Andrei Arlovski.

Celebrities in attendance included Florida Governor Charlie Crist and First Lady Carole Crist; Gloria Estefan, Grammy Award winning singer and songwriter; Emilio Estefan, 19-time Grammy Award winning producer and author; Bobby Flay,chef, restaurateur and television personality; Ana Cristina, singer;  Helio Castroneves, 3-time Indy 500 race car driver; Lennox Lewis, former World Heavyweight Champion; Alonzo Mourning, former NBA Player and wife Tracy Mourning; Evelyn Lozada, VH1’s “Basketball Wives;” artist, Romero Britto; musician, Alto Reed; DJ Irie, DJ Tracy Young;  EJ Viso, IZOD IndyCar driver, Ron Duprat, Top  Chef and Kim Zolciak ofThe Real Housewives of Atlanta.