By: Maryanne Salvat

Michael Capponi’s 40th Birthday Celebration

Book your tickets now for entrepreneur, nightlife impresario/philanthropist Michael Capponi’s 40th Birthday Celebration which we’ve mused about for years. Contrary to our initial belief, Capponi is not having his 40th bash somewhere in outer space. Instead, he is only having us travel a couple of thousand miles for the grand affair.

On Friday, May 4, Capponi will transform New York hotspot, Capitale for the celebrity studded event, which will feature a Jacmel Carnaval theme. Hosted by fellow philanthropists, Donna Karan and Maria Bello, along with musical performances, cocktails, and dancing, this one’s sure to be unforgettable. Many of you may recall some of Capponi’s past birthday parties, including the one in the tree-house mansion in Nygard Cay; the pirate party at Jimbo’s or the 1930s soiree in an airplane hangar at Opa Locka airport. In lieu of gifts, Capponi has asked guests to make donations to the Haiti Empowerment Mission. For more information and/ or to attend contact: rsvp@capponigroup.com or call 305.695.4410.

Maserati Miami Beach Polo World Cup

The Polo Life, LLC announces the eighth annual Maserati Miami Beach Polo World Cup, the world’s largest and most prestigious Beach Polo competition, taking place from Thursday, April 26 through Sunday, April 29 between 20th and 22nd Streets on the sands of South Beach. Maserati, the award-winning automotive manufacturer of sports-luxury cars, celebrates its inaugural year as Title Sponsor and establishes an unmistakable Italian flair in race bred luxury vehicles, alongside a gallant troupe of thoroughbred horses.The four-day, globally renowned sporting event, considered the most coveted of its kind, features top polo players from around the world competing in two tournaments for both men and women. The Maserati South Beach Women’s Polo Cup IV takes place on Thursday, April 26, featuring eight women’s teams in a one-day series of round-robin championship matches. Last year’s winning team of Tara Lordi, Melissa Hornung and Angela York, will defend their title as 2011 champions, while competing against the highly touted Cecilia Cochran, Tiffany Busch and Natalia Baecher, among others, who are all expected to play in this year’s tournament. The Maserati Miami Beach Polo World Cup – a three-day men’s tournament, now in its eighth year, starts on Friday, April 27 through Sunday, April 29. Six teams will include some of the world’s top-ranked players, including Rico Mansur from Brazil, who will be making his second appearance at this year’s event, following his recent return from Brazil after competing in a charity fundraiser exhibition match for Prince Harry’s foundation. Last year’s champions, The Raleigh, led by team captain, Bash Kazi, will return to defend their 2011 title, and favorites including Luis Escobar, Nic Roldan, John Gobin, Kris Kampsen and Pelon Escapite are all anticipated to return to battle for this year’s coveted trophy. For tickets and a complete schedule of events, visit www.miamipolo.com or call 305.538.3809.

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Heart of a Chef

Eat, play and be healthy at Heart of a Chef (HOAC), a unique culinary experience presented by Florida Blue and Whole Foods Market taking place on Sunday, April 29, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. HOAC is a family-friendly food festival focused on the prevention of childhood obesity, which has been known to lead to heart disease. At this fun, interactive event, activities for all ages including food and wine tastings and educational seminars, all designed to heighten awareness and give children and their parents the tools to make health-conscious decisions while adopting a heart healthy lifestyle. Tickets for HOAC are $30 per person; the purchase of one adult ticket includes admission for two children. For more information and tickets visit www.heartofachef.org.

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Claws For Kids

Last call before stone crab season ends! Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade’s first annual “Claws for Kids” fundraising brunch on Sunday, May 6, 11:30 a.m. at Joe’s Stone Crab in Miami Beach will provide the perfect opportunity to enjoy delicious large stone crabs and other signature Joe’s cuisine without the wait. All event proceeds from the private event will benefit Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade’s new 11,000-sq.-ft. state-of-the-art South Beach location. Joe’s will open up their restaurant for brunch on May 6 only for supporters of Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade’s “Claws for Kids.” “Claws for Kids” sponsorship opportunities are available. Table sponsorships include $10,000 Jumbo Claw Sponsor, $5,000 Large Claw Sponsor; and $2500 Select Claw Sponsor; A Key Lime table for 10 guests is priced at $1500; a Hash Brown Table for $1200. Individual tickets are $150.Menu items include large stone crabs, hash brown potatoes, creamed spinach and Key Lime pie. For those who don’t eat stone crabs, main course options include top sirloin, salmon and broiled chicken. Red, white, and sparkling wines are included in the ticket price. For more information about sponsorships, underwriting or tickets, contact Astrid H. Ehrenstein at 305.446.9910 ext. 30, or via email at aehrenstein@bgcmia.org.

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