By: Dr. Mary Jo Almeida-Shore
Wine, Women & Shoes- a Perfect Match
One of the most fun afternoons to date took place on February 7, as more than 450 ladies slipped into their stilettos and gathered for Wine, Women & Shoes, a lunch and shopping party at the Coral Gables Country Club in support of the Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation (MCHF). The wine was free flowing as guests shopped signature items throughout a bazaar that was set up in the lobby outside of the ballroom. As excited ladies showed off their fabulous shoes and purchases, hunky guys, known as “Shoe Guys” carrying silver trays showcased signature auction items. Perhaps it was the wine, or the irresistible shoe hunks (our guess is that both factors were at play) but an astounding $450,000 was raised to support MCHF, not bad for a day’s work!
“We are proud to announce that after 150 Wine Women & Shoes events produced throughout the country over the past eight years, Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation’s event in only its second year has raised more than any single Wine Women & Shoes event in history,” said Elaine Honig, Wine, Women & Shoes Founder and President.
Event Co-Chair and CBS 4 anchor, Shannon Hori served as Mistress of Ceremonies. Joined by her fellow Co-chairs Criselda Breene and Carola Pimentel Hori called upon the women in the audience to donate to MCHF. “Miami Children’s Hospital is here for my family because of people like you,” said Hori. “This event sold out two months ago because you care about our children and I encourage everyone in the community not to take this precious gem for granted and donate to help fund world-class children’s healthcare in our backyard.”
Once Hori introduced the “Shoe Guys” the mood in the room changed from sophisticated to “Bachelorette party” we could swear there was a strobe light somewhere, as the hunks strutted to their pedestals to the sounds of catcalls and whistles (again, we may have just imagined this).
After the crowd calmed down, Vanessa Martinez took the stage to tell about her experience with MCHF. There wasn’t a dry eye in the audience, as Martinez, whose 19-month-old daughter Luna’s life was saved by the Miami Children’s Hospital cardiac team told her heart wrenching story. Precious Luna, wearing a pair of hot-pink sequined slippers made a special appearance on stage. “I feel so lucky to have a hospital like Miami Children’s in our community, because if it was not for their incredible doctors and staff, Luna would not be here today,” said Martinez. Luna is a real miracle. Through events like this one and donations of supporters, this incredible hospital can continue to make miracles for families like ours.”
After a fashion show by Neiman Marcus, the winners of the “best shoes” contest were announced and received Neiman Marcus gift certificates. Andrea Noboa won “Best Stiletto,” Priya Panjabi won “Best Classic” and Barbara Becker went home with the prize for “Best Overall” shoes. Shoe judges included CBS 4 Entertainment Reporter Lisa Petrillo, 2012 Best Overall winner Alison Kunkel and Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation President & CEO Lucy Morillo-Agnetti. Becker was the first of the winners to donate her gift certificate to “Luna’s mommy.” The other two winners followed in Becker’s footsteps. “I’m very excited that we are able to bring together women of all generations for philanthropy, friendship and fun,” said Morillo-Agnetti. “When it comes to our children, we only want the best. Miami Children’s Hospital is about providing the best healthcare of the children of our community and across the world.”
Criselda Breene, Shannon Hori and Carola Pimentel served as Co-chairs of the 2nd Annual Wine, Women & Shoes Committee. Members included Barbara Becker, Gingi Beltran, Michele Benesch, Susanne Birbragher, Beatriz Bravo-Gutierrez, Klaudia Brown, Eilah Campbell-Beavers, Tina Carlo, Tonya Cozzarelli, Fiorella De Satory, Cristina Echavarria, Karin Figueroa Cisneros, Christina Getty-Maercks, Iran Issa-Khan, Gaby Jimenez, Irene Korge, Alison Kunkel, Jennifer Levin, Nicole Lozano, Melissa Medina-Schnur, Bronwyn Miller, Andria Miyares, Lily Moskovitz, Tammy Napoli, Marcella Novela, Kerry Perez, Leticia Pfeffer, Sam Robins, Katharine Rubino, Jacqueline Silverman, Molly Snyder, Tara Solomon, Blair Sonville, Elizabeth Spill, Lauren Sturges-Fernandez, Debbie Tano, Maria Elena Uzcategui, Siri Willoch and Jocelyn Woolworth.
Louis Vuitton Opens Its Newest Maison In Miami
That night, Louis Vuitton celebrated the opening of its newest Maison in Miami at Aventura Mall, with a party for a stylish, sophisticated crowd. Guests were invited to discover Louis Vuitton’s heritage through live demonstrations, as seasoned artisans showcased highly specialized practices from the House’s shoe atelier in Fiesso D’Artico as well as craftsmanship of the iconic Louis Vuitton trunks and hand-painting techniques on leather goods. Jetsetters also got a lesson through the Art of Packing demonstration in the Maison’s new travel room. A rotating exhibition in the Maison’s vestibule featured a bright video along with two “paper cuts” panels by Janaina Tschape at the opening.
Louis Vuitton Maisons are conceived as travel destinations incorporating art and cultural elements into its retail space offering clients an unforgettable experience. Aventura’s exhibits include two permanent installations: a sculpture by Jorge Pardo above the grand staircase and floral work by Dan Colen in the women’s universe.
The store presents a one-of-a-kind retail experience for Miami featuring all products categories, including leather goods, ready-to-wear, shoes, accessories, watches and jewelry. Among the first stores in North America to offer Louis Vuitton’s bespoke leathergoods services, Maison Aventura debuts “Made to Order Shoes” for men and introduces “Haute Maroquinerie”: made-to-order leathergoods for women.
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden’s 20th annual Gala in the Garden
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden’s 20th annual Gala in the Garden on Saturday, February 2, drew a crowd of more than 400 generous South Florida philanthropists dedicated to supporting Fairchild’s programs in conservation science, education, horticulture and collection management. Organized by co-chairs Swanee DiMare and Frances Sevilla-Sacasa, philanthropy chairs Penny Stamps and Joyce Burns, and the Gala Committee members, this year’s “Botanical Tapestry” themed event transformed the garden into an extraordinary venue with beautiful floral displays.
The night began with cocktails sponsored by Grey Goose vodka and delicious hors d’oeuvres by Le Basque followed by a gorgeous dinner in the Lakeside Marquee, which was covered in flowers from top to bottom and glowed in purple light. Orchids were entwined on columns and hung from the ceiling under fringed parasols created by artist Ignacio Goitia and Le Basque party planning. Flower bouquets and candles in all hues adorned the grandiose table centerpieces. The scrumptious gourmet dinner, was followed by a night of dancing thanks to the Soul Survivors Orchestra.
Notable guests in attendance included: Dan and Trish Bell, Tony and Joyce Burns, Paul and Swanee DiMare, Adolfo Henriques, Jorge and Darlene Perez, Lou and Mary Jean Risi, Eugene and Frances Sevilla-Sacasa, and Roe and Penny Stamps.
