By: Mary Jo Almeida-Shore
Nearly 2,000 guests gathered in their tropical finest to raise $400,000 for underprivileged children at the summer’s hottest kick-off party- the 2014 Voya Miami Celebrity Domino Night presented by Bacardí USA, on Saturday, June 14, at Jungle Island. This bash, which benefitted Amigos For Kids, featured hours upon hours of dancing, a full concert by legendary Grammy-award winning musician, Willy Chirino and limitless sips and bites.
Devoted to strengthening families and educating communities, Amigos For Kids once again partnered with title sponsor Voya Financial (formerly ING U.S.) and major corporate sponsors Bacardí U.S.A., Walmart and The Lincoln Motor Company for the highly anticipated event.
“Amigos For Kids is extremely fortunate to once again have celebrated an incredibly successful Voya Domino Night,” said Rosa Maria Plasencia, Amigos For Kids President & CEO. “I’d like to take this opportunity to extend our appreciation to Voya Financial, for their 10-year title sponsorship and their great collaboration over that long period of time. We also take this opportunity to extend our appreciation for the giving spirit of our community leaders, celebrities and media and restaurant sponsors. With your help, we exceeded our fundraising goals and raised $400,000, our most successful Domino to date! It is all thanks to the continued contributions of those Amigos that believe in our mission and the work we do for South Florida’s children and families.”
The 2014 Voya Miami Celebrity Domino Night featured the renowned celebrity orange carpet, celeb domino players, bar courtesy of presenting sponsor, Bacardí U.S.A., a silent auction, live entertainment, South Florida culinary fare and much more. Guests mingled while helping to raise funds and create awareness about child abuse and neglect with iconic celebrities and personalities such as: Miss Universe 1996 Alicia Machado, actress and model Gaby Espino, actress Carolina Tejera, Puerto Rican TV personality Maripily Rivera, actress and singer Laura Flores, Amigos For Kids longtime supporter and Deco Drive’s Louis Aguirre, NBC6’s Jackie Nespral, as well as, a surprise appearance by Miami’s Cuban puppet and Media Mogul Pepe Billete. Entertainment Sponsor, Dr. Maribel Santa Cruz made it possible for guests to enjoy live performances Willy Chirino who kept the crowd in a singing. And dancing frenzy and world-renowned disc jockey and Miami Heat resident DJ Irie.
Guests delighted in an array of culinary fare including: Baptist Health South Florida, Café Pilon, Cancun Grill, Edda’s Cake Designs, Goya Foods, Italy Today, Jojo Tea, Jungle Island, Los Ranchos, Mena Catering, Paella’s R Us, Papa John’s Pizza, Pasta Factory, Patagonia, Shula’s Steakhouse, Sushi Maki, and Versailles Restaurant.
“For 12 years, the success of Domino Night has raised funds, spread awareness of child abuse and neglect and given thousands of children and families in South Florida a second chance. It is extremely humbling and rewarding to see how our community comes together year after year to support the efforts of Amigos For Kids,” Plasencia added.
For more information or to make a donation, visit: http://amigosforkids.org.
