The Playing For Change Foundation’s 2025 Impact Awards gala was nothing short of spectacular—an evening where music, philanthropy, and global unity converged to raise over $2 million for the foundation’s mission.

On March 15, Miami’s Rubell Museum set the stage for this star-studded affair, honoring The Marley Family, JUANES, and Anitta for their commitment to social change through music. The event, co-chaired by Whitney Kroenke Silverstein & Nick Silverstein; Karolina Kurkova & Archie Drury; and Sandra & Howard Hoffen, was a dazzling display of music’s power to unite and uplift.

Before the awards, guests were whisked into the Capital One Entertainment Garden Party, a lush, Amazon-inspired oasis featuring a Caipirinha Bar, vibrant greenery, and exotic performers—setting the night’s magical tone.

The red carpet sizzled with industry luminaries including Island Records founder Chris Blackwell, Grammy-winning artist Maxwell, supermodel Lais Ribeiro, NBA legend Alonzo Mourning, and Recording Academy President Panos A. Panay, all showing up in support of PFCF’s mission.

The Marley Family, led by Cedella & Rohan Marley, was recognized for carrying forward Bob Marley’s vision of One Love through their work with the Bob and Rita Marley Foundation. Chris Blackwell, a longtime reggae champion, presented the award. In a surprise twist, Blackwell himself received an Impact Award for his lifetime contributions to music and social change. JUANES was honored for his humanitarian work with Fundación Mi Sangre, which has empowered over 2 million people across Colombia. Anitta was celebrated for her advocacy in youth and music education, particularly through her work with Instituto Playing For Change in Brazil.

The evening featured show-stopping performances, with GALE delivering a powerful tribute to JUANES that enthralled the crowd. In an unexpected moment, JUANES himself took the stage for a surprise performance. Skip Marley honored his family’s legacy with an unforgettable set, while youth groups Young Musicians Unite (YMU) & Hip Hop Kidz kept the energy high, reinforcing the night’s theme: music as a force for change.

The celebration continued at Superblue Miami, where Cimafunk turned up the heat with its signature fusion of funk, Afro-Cuban, Latin, and electronic beats, keeping the party alive into the wee hours of the morning.

Among the night’s many philanthropic moments, Jerry Plush won a coveted guitar after an exciting, cut-throat bidding war with his wife, Jessica Plush, and Alitza Weiss made a significant contribution to the foundation’s cause.

Capital One Entertainment, Tiffany & Co., Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Jockey, and SPIN Magazine helped bring this mission-driven night to life, reinforcing Playing For Change Foundation’s impact across 95+ locations in 27 countries.

As the night came to a close, one message remained clear: music is more than a universal language—it’s a tool for transformation.

To learn more or support the cause, visit PlayingForChange.org/Impact.

Photo credit: World Red Eye

In a vibrant fusion of high fashion and athletic fervor, Flaunt magazine and Loewe hosted an exclusive celebration honoring Aryna Sabalenka, the tennis virtuoso and recent Flaunt cover star, at chic Casa Neos to kick-off the Miami Open. This curated gathering, a testament to the intersection of sport and artistry, welcomed a discerning assemblage of athletes, creatives, and industry elites.

Guests indulged in signature bites, the Marg-Aryna, a cocktail masterpiece conceived by Sabalenka and executed by Dobel Tequila, while the sonic landscape was sculpted by the dynamic DJ sets of Jay.Wav, Grand Marchis, and Sole Aspect. Sip Channe offered a unique, immersive pour experience, elevating the evening’s sensory journey. 

The esteemed guest list included:  Kris Humphries, Academy Award-winning actor Cuba Gooding Jr., ’80s sensation Taylor Dayne, actor Vincent De Paul, entrepreneur and real estate visionary Alan Faena, art collector Rasher Benacerraf, designer Sam Robin, Kavita Channe, CEO of Sip Channé, VP of events, Ernesto Arambatzis, luxury connoisseur Gianfranco Berardinelli and a host of Wilhelmina models draped in beautiful Loewe ensembles. Each guest added their unique luster to the event.

The event was produced by Rose Thorn (@rosefaiththorn) and Jeffrey Jah (@jeffreyjah), bringing a seamless blend of high fashion, sport, and culture to the heart of Miami. The celebration was captured by William Perez (@williamperez_at) and BFA (@bfa), highlighting the night’s energy and elegance. Photos courtesy of BFA.

As a fragrance lover, I couldn’t wait to visit Olfactory NYC’s newly opened Wynwood, Miami location. Known for their customizable, high-quality perfumes, Olfactory NYC offers a unique experience—blending luxury scents at an affordable price.

Personalizing My Signature Scent

Upon arrival, I was welcomed into a sleek, modern space that reflected Wynwood’s creative energy. The real magic began when I explored their core scents, crafted by world-class perfumers like Frank Voelkl (the nose behind Le Labo’s Santal 33) and Honorine Blanc (responsible for YSL’s Mon Paris).

After sampling the collection, I chose Hunter as my base, a warm, musky blend of cedarwood, vanilla, and tonka bean, created by master perfumer Ilias Ermenidis (known for scents from Gucci and Givenchy). With expert guidance, I customized it further, adding hints of bergamot and sandalwood to create a scent that felt uniquely mine.

A Personalized Touch

One of the coolest parts? Olfactory NYC labels your custom scent with your name and keeps it on file, making it easy to reorder when you run out. No need to remember your formula—they’ve got it saved for you!

More Than Just a Store—A Perfect Experience

Olfactory NYC isn’t just about buying perfume—it’s an experience. Whether you’re looking for a unique date night idea, a thoughtful gift, or even a creative team-building activity, customizing a fragrance is a fun and interactive way to connect. It’s hands-on, personal, and something you’ll remember every time you wear your scent.

Why Wynwood?

From the vibrant murals outside to the curated music inside, this location is more than just a store—it’s an immersive experience. Olfactory NYC seamlessly merges fragrance with art, making it the perfect fit for Wynwood’s creative heartbeat.

Final Thoughts

Leaving with my custom Hunter-based perfume in hand, I felt a new appreciation for the artistry behind scent. If you’re in Miami, don’t miss the chance to create your own fragrance at Olfactory NYC—you may just discover your perfect signature scent.

The Playing For Change Foundation (PFCF) is proud to announce the 2025 Impact Awards, a celebration of music, philanthropy, and the transformative power of positive change. Held on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at the Rubell Museum in Miami, the event will honor the Marley Family, international stars JUANES and Anitta, and their profound contributions to global causes. The evening will culminate with an exhilarating after-party at Superblue Miami. The Marley Family, led by Cedella and Rohan Marley, will be celebrated for their continued dedication to Bob Marley’s “One Love” vision, empowering communities through the Bob and Rita Marley Foundation’s work in education, healthcare, and community development. Music legend Chris Blackwell will present their award, recognizing their enduring impact. JUANES will also be honored for his peacebuilding efforts through Fundación Mi Sangre, which has impacted over 2 million lives in Colombia, while Anitta will receive recognition for her philanthropic support of youth education through initiatives like Instituto Playing For Change in Brazil.

The evening promises unforgettable performances, including Skip Marley, Young Musicians Unite, Hip Hop Kidz, and Grammy-nominated Cimafunk, who will electrify the after-party with his Afro-Cuban fusion. PFCF’s partners, including Capital One Entertainment, Tiffany & Co., and Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, stand united in their commitment to the foundation’s mission of using music to inspire change. With global programs across 90+ locations in 26 countries, PFCF continues to harness the power of music to create a better world. For more information on the 2025 Impact Awards and to purchase tickets, visit playingforchange.org/impact-awards-2025/.

Get ready for an unforgettable evening as The Little Lighthouse Foundation (LLF) hosts its 15th annual Hearts & Stars Gala on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at the Miami Design District’s Jungle Plaza. This year’s “Carnaval do Brasil” theme brings a vibrant fusion of music, culture, and philanthropy, headlined by award-winning rapper and actor Ja Rule. The highly anticipated event will raise funds for LLF’s mission to support children and families in South Florida facing educational, financial, and medical challenges. Guests will be transported to Brazil with immersive décor, high-energy beats, and a lively atmosphere.

The night promises an electric experience with a giant “Feira” tent, replicating Brazil’s iconic street markets, handcrafted cocktails at the Nossa Caipirinha Lounge, and top-tier spirits like Ja Rule’s Amber & Opal whiskey, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, and Casamigos. Guests will indulge in gourmet bites from acclaimed South Florida restaurants such as Pubbelly Sushi, Paperfish, RED Steakhouse, Dukanoo, STK Steakhouse, and more. The evening will also honor Udonis Haslem with the prestigious Shining Light Award for his community impact. Secure your spot for this unforgettable night of entertainment, luxury, and giving at HeartsAndStarsGala.com, with VIP experiences available for an elevated celebration.