Amigos For Kids, a Miami-based nonprofit committed to preventing child abuse and neglect, is preparing to host its much-loved 33rd Annual Holiday Toy Drive. This cherished event, taking place on Sunday, December 15, 2024, at Jose Martí Park, promises to spread joy and fulfill holiday wishes for thousands of underprivileged children across South Florida.

First launched as the organization’s flagship event, the Toy Drive has grown into a cornerstone of holiday giving, brightening the season for families who need it most. Karina Pavone, President & CEO of Amigos For Kids, shared, “Year after year, our community comes together to create magical moments for the children and families we serve. Their generosity allows us to bring hope and joy to families during the holiday season.”

The annual initiative is made possible through the unwavering support of corporate sponsors, community donors, dedicated volunteers, and Amigos’ hardworking staff. Board Chair Maggie Fresen Zulueta, who also serves as Vice President of Academica, highlighted the event’s impact: “This Toy Drive is about more than just giving gifts. It’s about making dreams come true for children and advancing our mission to prevent child abuse and neglect in our community.”

This year’s sponsors include:

• Make A Wish Sponsor: The Chariff Family, Magic City Casino
• Gold Leaf Sponsors: The Gloria Estefan Foundation, FedEx, Miami Heat Charitable Fund, Miami Dade County District 5 Commissioner Eileen Higgins, The Floyd Family, Chick-Fil-A, and the Brunetti Foundation
• Silver Bell Sponsor: Amerant Bank, AA Advance Air, and Abogadas 305
• Candy Cane Sponsors: Archdiocese of Miami, FPL, Florida Blue, First American Bank, Miami Dade County District 6 Commissioner Kevin Cabrera
• Amigos Partners: PNC Bank, LIV Golf, Republica Havas, Urbieta Family Foundation
• Media Sponsors: Univision 23

The day promises to be filled with festive fun as pre-registered children and their families join the celebration at Jose Martí Park. From selecting their personalized gifts to meeting Santa and enjoying holiday treats, the event creates lasting memories for all.

Extending the spirit of giving beyond the park, Amigos For Kids will also distribute toys directly to children at partner organizations throughout the community, with the help of board members, staff, and volunteers.

Make A Wish Sponsor, Jonathan Chariff, expressed his pride in being part of the event: “Collaborating with Amigos For Kids is incredibly rewarding. Witnessing the smiles on children’s faces and the joy it brings to families is priceless. Supporting this remarkable initiative is truly an honor.”

Amigos For Kids invites the community to join in spreading holiday cheer by donating, purchasing gifts, or volunteering. Visit amigosforkids.org for more details, and stay connected on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter at @AmigosForKids

The 11th annual Fashion Gives Back fundraiser took place at the Bass Museum of Art, bringing style, heart, and impact to the runway, raising an unprecedented $107,025 for Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, thanks to the efforts of the Nicklaus Children’s Young Ambassadors (NCYA)—a powerhouse group of young professionals championing pediatric healthcare.

Guests enjoyed a glamorous evening of luxury bites, sips and shopping, where top brands showcased fashion to support Nicklaus Children’s Forward for Generations campaign, a transformative effort to advance children’s healthcare for years to come.

The evening’s highlight came courtesy of Juniper, aka “June-bug,” a brave 4-year-old who proved she’s tougher than a cancerous brain tumor. With her parents by her side, Juniper shared her incredible journey. “Nicklaus Children’s Hospital is legit, and we are living proof of that,” her father said, expressing gratitude for the life-saving care she received.

Juniper’s story is a testament to Nicklaus Children’s unparalleled dedication. After being diagnosed with Medulloblastoma—a brain tumor—Juniper underwent emergency surgery and a tailored treatment plan created by the hospital’s expert teams. In October, she rang the celebration bell, marking the end of her chemotherapy journey.

“Juniper’s experience exemplifies the commitment of everyone at Nicklaus Children’s,” said Allison W. Baker, President of Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Foundation. “Events like Fashion Gives Back allow us to continue delivering the care children deserve, ensuring their health for generations to come.”

The evening was made possible by generous support from sponsors, including Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Hollywood as the title sponsor, alongside Coconut Cartel, Moët & Chandon, and many others.

Since its inception, Fashion Gives Back has raised over 1 million dollars: funding vital programs such as child life services, dental health, physical therapy, and even summer camps for patients. Post-event, NCYA leaders channel their inner sharks during a Shark Tank-inspired session to allocate the funds to areas with the greatest impact.

To join the movement or learn more about NCYA visit: www.nicklauschildrens.org/NCYA. For details on the Forward for Generations campaign, head to www.nicklauschildrens.org/campaign.

MOMENTO by Ikaro is where the grit of Spanish and Ecuadorian roots collides with Miami’s unrelenting pulse. Led by Michelin-starred chefs Carolina Sanchez and Iñaki Murua, it’s a love letter to the flavors of La Rioja and Ecuador, wrapped in the vibrant chaos of Downtown Miami. This isn’t just another stateside outpost—it’s an immersive culinary experiment, where tradition and innovation meet head-on, anchored by a state-of-the-art wood oven and meticulous seasonal ingredients.

The chefs: Iñaki, hailing from the vineyards of Laguardia, Álava; and Carolina, the first Ecuadorian chef to snag a Michelin star, are culinary alchemists. Their La Rioja-based Ikaro restaurant has already earned Michelin and Repsol nods, and in 2023, they were named gastronomic ambassadors of La Rioja. At MOMENTO, their menu pushes boundaries: Amazonian Tiradito cured and smoked with a signature neapia sauce, Wood-Fired Branzino in sweet and sour escabeche, slow-cooked Glazed Bone-In Short Rib with tamarillo BBQ, and their showstopper—tonka bean foam, the Espuma de Abatonca. This isn’t just food; it’s an all-out flavor riot, where even the Lotus Cheesecake gets a Basque twist, topped with Biscoff cookies.

MOMENTO is more than a restaurant. It’s a story, where every dish is another chapter in the saga of Spain and Ecuador intersecting within Miami’s rich culinary landscape.

MOMENTO by Ikaro’s interior blends traditional and handmade elements sourced from Chef Sanchez’s hometown in Ecuador with metropolitan sophistication, inviting diners on a voyage of taste and discovery. Featuring a lush alfresco dining terrace and a state-of-the-art open kitchen that connects guests to culinary artistry, the restaurant exudes both comfort and elegance with plush furnishings, vintage and modern art, textured plaster walls, and layered rugs. Natural features like climbing vines, lush potted plants, and a striking entrance graced with vibrant bougainvilleas create an enchanting, garden-like atmosphere.

The lively bar serves creative cocktails and features a daily happy hour. Don’t miss the espresso martini with truffle foam. There’s also a cozy lounge/nightclub in the back with a state-of -the-art lighting and sound system- for those who want to keep the party going.

For more information about MOMENTO by Ikaro visit: https://www.momentomiami.com

The 2024 American Cancer Society Evening of Hope Miami Gala took place on Saturday, November 16 at the J.W. Marriott Marquis. Miami’s most compassionate and glamorous gathered in a shared mission: to end cancer for everyone, everywhere.

Event Chair Karen Ford, Vice Chair Nikki F. Upshaw, and Honorary Chair Gabriela B. Ibarra turned the Grand Ballroom into a jet-setting paradise where guests “traveled” to global destinations while sipping Bacardi and Southern Glazer’s finest. Guests dined on filet mignon and sipped top-shelf cocktails. The energy in the gorgeous ballroom was off the charts.

Veteran journalist Laurie Jennings kicked things off with charm, handing the mic to the event’s powerhouse leadership team to thank the sponsors and partners who made it all possible. Then came ACS Southeast Florida Executive Director Joan Gonzalez, who presented the inaugural Hope Awards to  Remedios Diaz-Oliver and Lilliam Machado for over 30 years of fundraising brilliance.

The live auction, hosted by a spirited Megan McRoberts, had guests vying for everything from all-inclusive cruises to once-in-a-lifetime experiences like a ride on the Goodyear Blimp or VIP suites for the Usher concert.

But the heart of the evening came when Casey Liening, a cancer thriver battling metastatic breast cancer, took the stage. Her story moved the room to tears and action, as hundreds raised their paddles during the Mission Moment to fund ACS’s life-changing work.

As if the night couldn’t soar higher, ACS Executive VP Kimberly Jackson honored NBA legend Alonzo Mourning with the 2024 ACS Courage Award, recognizing his battle with prostate cancer and advocacy for health awareness. His words left the room inspired.

And then—cue the confetti cannons. The final total raised was revealed, a whopping $750,626, sending guests into celebration mode as the dance floor ignited. Partygoers danced until the early hours of the morning.

It was an unforgettable evening of elegance, impact and undeniable hope. For more information contact or to make a donation visit miami.acsgala.org.

Miami’s well-heeled art set converged under one roof on Saturday, November 9, as Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) hosted its 11th annual Art of the Party gala on its stunning waterfront terrace. Honored at the soirée was Kenneth C. Griffin, billionaire philanthropist, founder of Citadel, and now, PAMM’s latest arts angel. The big news of the night: Griffin dropped a casual $10 million gift to enhance PAMM’s collection and fortify its role as Miami’s artistic crown jewel. Cue the applause.

Throughout the magical evening Miami’s finest artists, patrons, and tastemakers sipped, savored and celebrated all things PAMM. Among the highlights? The reveal of the newly minted Kenneth C. Griffin Gallery, PAMM’s largest and most central space, now forever tied to a man whose generosity knows no bounds.

But let’s not forget the other star of the evening: Colombian artist Delcy Morelos, recipient of the prestigious Pérez Prize and its hefty $50,000 award, thanks to Jorge and Darlene Pérez. Known for her deeply rooted explorations of humanity and nature, Morelos proves that minimal aesthetics can still pack a powerful, earthy punch.

As PAMM Director Franklin Sirmans put it, the night was a celebration of art, community, and transformative giving. “We’re thrilled to honor Delcy Morelos, whose work unearths the profound connections between people and the planet. And we’re deeply grateful to Ken Griffin—his philanthropic vision continues to inspire and uplift.”

Ken Griffin, for his part, kept it gracious. “Pérez Art Museum Miami is a world-class arts and cultural hub that enriches our great city,” he said. “I’m proud to support this outstanding institution alongside the Miami community.”

Nikki Kidd brought the soul, with her fabulous performance and Constellation Culinary Group delivered an artful menu. The after-party was a remix to remember, with artist José Parlá spinning vibes on the North Terrace Platform. (Pro tip: his exhibition Homecoming opens at PAMM on November 14. You heard it here first.)

As if all this weren’t enough, the event raised a staggering $1.7 million for PAMM’s arts education programs. This isn’t just philanthropy; it’s legacy-building. And for Griffin—already a benefactor to MoMA, the Art Institute of Chicago, and more—it’s just another masterpiece in his ongoing support for the arts.

Photos by World Red Eye

On Saturday, November 2, Amigos For Kids turned up the Miami magic with their blockbuster annual fundraiser, Amigos Night, at The Hangar in Regatta Harbor. The soirée exceeded its fundraising goals, drawing Miami’s glitterati, including celebs, media darlings, politicos, and power players, all rallying behind a critical cause: preventing child abuse and neglect.

Karina Pavone, Amigos For Kids’ President and CEO, summed up the night’s vibe perfectly: “We are overwhelmed by the support shown at Amigos Night. Thanks to our generous community, we can continue empowering families and strengthening our communities through transformative programs.”

The evening was a feast of Miami’s culinary A-listers who served up mouthwatering bites alongside an open bar stocked with Bacardi’s finest concoctions. Add a black carpet packed with star power—Gabriel Coronel, Gloria Ordaz, and Pamela Silva, to name a few—and you’ve got a recipe for a night to remember.

The Clique had the crowd on their feet all night, capped off by a buzzing Hora Loca. Meanwhile, “Domino Park” brought a touch of Miami’s soul, with enthusiasts battling it out for bragging rights.

But Amigos Night was more than a party with a purpose. As Maggie Fresen Zulueta, Chair of Amigos For Kids’ Board, put it: “This event is a testament to our community’s dedication to making a difference.” And make a difference they did. The night raised crucial funds to sustain programs that provide after-school enrichment and family support services.

Big props to the MVPs of the evening—presenting sponsor Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, and heavy hitters like Bacardi, Academica, and Prestige Clinical Research. Shoutouts also go to Greenberg Traurig, Ford, Goya, and Ryder for stepping up in a big way.

To learn more and to make a donation, visit:  amigosforkids.org and check out  @AmigosForKids on social media.

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