Patricia Arquette
By: Mary Jo Almeida-Shore
2011 Eco-Lifestyle Gala
South Florida Green Drinks’ 2nd Annual Eco-Lifestyle Gala, paid tribute to environmentally-minded actress, Patricia Arquette, at the picturesque five-star Boca Raton Resort & Club a couple of weeks ago. Guests enjoyed organic cocktails and delicious hors d’oeuvres poolside overlooking the scenic Intracoastal while marveling at a gorgeous sunset. After the cocktail and silent auction, witty rising-star NYC comedian Jessica Kirson took stage inside the resort, to entertain the hip, eco-conscious crowd of 500, several of whom ventured all the way to Boca from South Miami.
Marci Zaroff and Yalmaz Siddiqui, co-founders of South Florida Green Drinks, served as the gala’s emcees and welcomed the evening’s honorary host, Patricia Arquette, who gave a heartfelt presentation on the dire conditions in Haiti, following the devastating earthquake that hit the poverty stricken country in 2010. She spoke of the need for bare necessities like improved eco-sanitary conditions, as well as temporary housing and schools for the island’s homeless; providing further significance to the evening’s fundraising efforts. Zaroff and Siddiqui presented Arquette with the Eco-Lifestyle Pioneer Award for her efforts with GiveLove, a non-profit relief organization she founded and directs to help rebuild the island of Haiti.
Next, Robby Romero, an internationally acclaimed Native Rock musician, and world-renowned Australian Aborigine Didgeridoo (say THAT 3 times fast!) player Cameron McCarthy performed live, in honor of Arquette and the people of Haiti. All proceeds from the event went to support GiveLove and Global Green.
DolceVino Opens
Last week DolceVino Ristorante, a new Italian restaurant at the Mediterranean inspired Claridge Hotel in Miami Beach (3500 Collins Avenue) hosted a small unveiling for several lucky VIPs. Owners Luca Paltrinieri, Andrea Rainis and wife Nicole Rainis raised a glass to their beloved guests and family; thanking them for their love and support. Attendees included: Alan Randolph, Ali Mahallati, Andres Asion, Brian Elias, Cindy Dana, Corina Biton, Dana & Gary Shear, Daniela Swaebe, Dirk DeSouza, Gwen Gaydos, Iran Issa Khan, Jason Inasi, Jason Wells, Jourdan Binder, Laura Buccellati, Monica Tomayo , Ricky Elias, Rita Dargham, Susanne Birbragher and Vivianne Kurzweil.
