By: Mary Jo Almeida-Shore
“Beautiful things don’t ask for attention,” was one of our favorite quotes from The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. The quote was whispered by Sean Penn’s character in the movie, with reference to an elusive snow leopard which he had been waiting to photograph for days. As it turns out, the snow leopard was one of 45 wild creatures who gathered at the Feast of Species on Saturday night at Primary Projects, for a dinner designed to bring attention to the needs of animals. The wild event was hosted by Nicole Davis, founder and senior editor of Red Flag magazine, who was disguised as her favorite bird, the hummingbird and artist, Christina Pettersson in celebration of the eighth edition of Red Flag, which is centered on the theme of animals. The five-year old, nonprofit publication, seeks to “raise awareness about important environmental and social issues as well as gathering a community together around activism both locally and globally.” Every guest dressed as an animal that holds a special significance or to which they can relate and gave a short presentation about their costume. At this feast, a shark dined alongside a pelican; a tiger, a lion and a bear, joined the stag, peacock, bulls, cats and various other species. The best costume of the night went to artist, Bahkti Baxter, who donned a hand-made larger-than-life pelican costume. The delicious four course vegan menu, prepared by local chefs with organic produce from Witt Road Organics in LaBelle, Florida and Chef Aaron included an exquisite Thai Coconut Red Curry dish as the main course.
Davis shared her thoughts on the evening:
“The Feast of Species was an invitation to stand in the talons, hooves, paws or tentacles of another to spark dialogue around environmental conservation and to better understand what each creature needs to thrive on this planet. The event really showed what incredible potential we have here in Miami to engage activism. I saw the colors of our magic city come to life with the arrival of each guest in their brilliant feathers and creature costumes. They were all so enthusiastic and genuinely committed to staying in character for the cause. We are known as a party city, but I believe that same energy can be channeled into positive global change. The mission of Red Flag magazine is to raise awareness about issues shaping our world and to engage community around activism.”
Event guest, philanthropist and Chairman/CEO of Capponi Group, Michael Capponi, had this to say: “All guests came dressed up as the animal to which they felt most connected and everyone embodied their animal spirit to entwine into the Grand Organism of this planet. The metaphoric experience not only ACTIVATED awareness of all animal causes but also taught everyone that we are all so amazingly connected and we all behold an animal spirit within ourselves. Thank you Nicole Davis for all your incredible passion towards so many causes that need attention on this planet.”
photo credit: Nathan Valentine World Red Eye
Little Dreams Foundation Brunch
On Sunday, May 4, Orianne and Phil Collins’ International non-profit organization, the Little Dreams Foundation hosted Brunch on the Beach at Joe’s Stone Crab. More than 180 friends of the organization including famed artist Romero Britto were treated to Joe’s best offerings, including stone crab claws and signature sides and musical entertainment by Biana Pinchuk and Luisa Maggioni, two of the LDF Kids chosen for this year’s program. The highlight of the early afternoon, came courtesy of Orianne and Phil’s son, Nick Collins, who showed off his skills on the drums during an eight minute solo, an expertise which he clearly inherited from his papa! Incidentally, Nick’s dad will headline the Little Dreams Foundation’s Gala and Concert on December 6, 2014 at the Fillmore Miami Beach, along with other celebrity guests. All proceeds from the event will be used to support talented underprivileged children throughout South Florida. The Collins established the Little Dreams Foundation in 2000. Their mission is to fulfill the dreams of young talented artists in Music, Sports, and Art. Little Dreams supports participants, ages 4-16, with private lessons and supervision allowing them to pursue their dreams. For more information, visit: http://www.ldf.cc/en/.
