By: Maryanne Salvat

Iran Issa-Khan at Books & Books Coral Gables

On Friday, May 11, join Iran Issa-Khan for an intimate lunch, celebrating her first book of photography. Lunch from the Books & Books cafe will be served at 12:00 p.m. followed by a presentation and Q&A with the artist. Cost for the event is $25.

Style Rack at Chalk Ping Pong & Billiards Lounge

On Saturday, May 12, at 10:00 p.m. join Chalk Ping Pong & Billiards Lounge along with Valerie Durado for the Style Rack shopping event. The fashion soiree will feature a trunk show by local designers Mandalynn, RDo, Fake Frivolity & Pop-Up Vintage Boutique Shop bar. Proceeds from the event will benefit the South Florida Cancer Association. Other fabulous hosts for the launch event include:  Kat Turner, Emma Lucia Jauregui, Mariana Loumiet, Ninoska Osorio and Cristina Menendez and Heather Hannon; to attend the event or for more information contact Mariana@ChalkMiami.com.

Celebrate the Spirit of Community with Cabot Creamery Cooperative 

The 2012 Community Tour created by Cabot Creamery Cooperative has partnered with Volvo Ocean Race Miami to celebrate those who give their heart, time and skills to strengthen communities. The two-month program kick off on May 12 at 10:00 a.m. at Downtown’s Bicentennial Park, and continues up the East Coast, following the route of the East Coast Greenway culminating in Portland, Maine, on July 7, the International Day of Cooperatives. The Tour features eight major weekend stops in key cities along the northerly route, including Charleston, Durham, Fredericksburg, Wilmington, New York City, Providence and lastly, Portland. Additionally, smaller weekday events will take place at stops along the route between the key cities. While events and activities will vary by market, the overall theme of cooperatives, community service and volunteerism will be the hallmark of each celebration. This festival full of entertainment will consist of sailing and extreme water sports activities, educational programs for children of all ages, interactive pavilions, 3- D Marine Cinema of the global race, live musical acts, water sports, a classic steamboat race, an antique auto show and more. In the center of all this excitement, The Cabot Community Tour will host a Cabot Village that will include cooking and cheese-making demonstrations, a photo booth, a milk truck from the Florida Dairy Farmers and other activities designed to bring families and friends together to celebrate the spirit of community. Guests will also gather as 80 bikers kick off their 2,300 mile journey up the East Coast Greenway, the traffic-free path linking cities from Florida to Maine. For more information, visit www.communitytour.coop.

Mother’s Day 2012!
 

Dancing with Moms

Forget the decorative candles, the flowers and the overly-scented beauty products. This Mother’s Day give your mom the gift of Dance with Body & Soul’s special class, “Dancing with the Moms”.Body & Soul along with instructor Jay Marcos will be hosting a special VideoSync class in honor of the women who bestowed us all with the gift of life. Your mom will have a blast in the popular aerobics dance class feeling like she is a star in a high-energy music video. Marcos’ enthusiastic instruction and mix of hip-hop, R&B, pop, rock and country music come together for a riveting hour of cardiovascular dance. The class will take place in Body & Soul’s extra large studio equipped with nightclub style lighting and a revolving disco ball.At $22 per person for non-members, Dancing with the Moms is the perfect supplement to the usual Mother’s Day dinner or card. What more of a bonding experience can you ask for than moving and shaking to the tunes of Rihanna, Usher, Shakira, Maroon 5 and Diana Ross alongside your mother for an hour straight? Guaranteed to be the best gift she’s received in ages, you are almost certain to become the favorite child. If you feel like sharing the love, feel free to bring your sister, aunt and best friend as well. Pre-registration is required. Reserve your and your mother’s spots by calling 305.441.BFIT (2348). 

 Mother’s Day Tea at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden will hold a special Mother’s Day Tea on the veranda and in the ballroom of the Jean Ellen Dupont Shehan Visitor Center on Sunday, May 13. Mothers, daughters and grandmothers will all delight in the ambiance of afternoon tea served at beautifully set tables, complete with fine china, by the delightful Fairchild volunteers. The menu includes scones, mini tea sandwiches, cookies and petit fours. Live music by local guitarist Rob Friedman is sure to enhance the guests’ experience. Tea service begins at 3:00 p.m. Cost per person is $27 for members, $37 for non-members and $17 for children 12 and under. For more information and reservations, call Marnie Valent at 305.663.8059.

Kitchen 305 All-You-Can- Eat Mother’s Day Brunch

Keeping with tradition, Kitchen 305 hosts an all-you-can-eat Mother’s Day champagne brunch for $29.95 per person on Sunday, May 13 from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Guests will enjoy live music and free flowing champagne throughout the day. To ensure this holiday brunch is extra special, moms receive a long stem rose and a $25 gift card to the Seven Seas Aveda Spa & Salon to use on a future visit. For reservations please call 305.949.1300.             

 Mother’s Day at SUGARCANE  

Midtown Miami’s sweetest sensation, SUGARCANE raw bar grill, is the destination of choice for moms to kick back, eat well and be spoiled for a while this Mother’s Day.  “A greatest hits of delicious dishes;” as quoted by Dana Cowin, editor-in-chief of Food & Wine, SUGARCANE raw bar grill’s Chef de Cuisine, Timon Balloo, will prepare five brunch specials in addition to the regular brunch menu.  For reservations and brunch specials contact 786.369.0353 or visit www.sugarcanerawbargrill.com. 

Mama Knows Best at Café Prima Pasta

We all know Italian mothers have a special way around the kitchen and Mama Cea of Café Prima Pasta is no exception with her traditional award-winning cuisine, which for the last 19 years has made celebrities such as Matt Damon, Lenny Kravitz and Dwayne Wade regulars of the family owned and operated restaurant. Prima Pasta will be celebrating Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 13 with their regular menu plus some new dinner specials;early bird families can enjoy half off regular menu items from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Free-flowing champagne and long stem roses will be hand delivered to mom throughout the evening. Reservations recommended, visit www.primapasta.com.

The Forge Restaurant | Wine Bar.

 Celebrate Mother’s Day at Miami’s legendary landmark, The Forge Restaurant | Wine Bar. The customized menu will feature an array of hot and cold dishes by Executive Chef Dewey LoSasso including offerings such as Almond Seared Chicken Paillard, Malted Berry Pancakes and Organic Egg Roll Ups. This family oriented menu is sure to please all palates and will leave your entire family feeling wholesome and happy.

*Cost is $55 per person (menu attached)

For reservations, call 305.538.8533 | www.theforge.com | 432 41^st Street, Miami Beach, FL 33140

Cecconi’s Miami Beach. Cecconi’s at Soho Beach House will celebrate Mom with an intimate outdoor brunch. An egg station, sweet station, raw bar, cold-cut corner and carvin station will offer a variety of delectable selections. Guests can customize every dish as chefs will be on-hand prepared with the freshest ingredients.

*Cost is $35 per person

For reservations, call 786.507.7902 | www.cecconismiamibeach.com | 4385 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139

RA Sushi. Go back in time and connect with memories of your youth with old family and friends at RA Sushi’s popular happy hour. Far east-inspired drinks will tantalize your senses as rolls and salads with taunt your taste buds. The menu includes favorites like Tuna Tataki, Shrimp Tempura Roll, Spicy Sesame Chicken Wings and Salmon Carpaccio with drinks such as Hot Sake, Shiso Naughty, Emperor’s Cucumberita, Kirin and Samurai Cowboy to name a few.

*Cost is $3 – $7 per item

For reservations, call 305.341.0092 | www.rasushi.com | 5829 SW 73^rd Street, South Miami, FL 33143

Vesper American Brasserie. Vesper American Brasserie’s brunch will take Mom on an adventure this Mother’s Day – after all, you have to walk through the kitchen to get to your table! Bond over Applewood Smoked Bacon & Link Sausage, Smoked Salmon, Stuffed Tomatoes with Tuna or Chicken Salad or Italian Cured Meats. If those choices don’t tickle your senses, an omelet station with all your favorite toppings will be there too!

*Cost is $48 per person

For reservations, call 305.341.1500 | www.shelborne.com | 1801 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139

By: Maryanne Salvat

Beachwear Bash at Bliss Spa   

Just in time for summer, Shortcuts to Fabulous, the go-to blog for all things fabulous, presents the Beachwear Bash at Bliss Spa at the W Hotel on Thursday, May 3, from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. Hosted by Electric Blogarella, Ginger Harris, guests will shop swimwear by Kariza, beachwear by Aquarius and jewelry by Septimo, while receiving complimentary mini-spa treatments courtesy of Bliss Spa. Indulge in free hand massages, rapid rub massage and energizing vitamized oxygen spray facial treatment while imbibing on cocktails provided by Grey Goose; to attend or for more information contact: RSVP@shortcutstofabulous.com.

Miami Surf Archive Project Annual Fundraising Party

The Miami Surf Archive Project and the Miami Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation will be hosting their annual fundraising party on Saturday, May 5 at 7:00 p.m., at the Miami Beach Botanical Gardens. The Miami Surf Archive Project is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation, presentation and promotion of surfing in Miami-Dade for the appreciation and education of current and future generations around the world. The Surfrider foundation is an environmental non-profit dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the world’s oceans, waves and beaches. In celebration of Cinco de Mayo, a screening premier of Rumors: a Cinematographic journey into Mexico’s deepest surf scene will be shown, as well as a presentation of rare, vintage surf footage from 1970s Miami Beach, courtesy of filmmaker Bruce Walker. The evening’s activities will include: music by local artist Mike Maytin; a raffle that includes a new surfboard; a ticketed bar serving beer, wine, liquor and non-alcoholic beverages; catering provided by local food truck Gastropod; and various multi-media stations displaying Miami’s surf history.  Admission is free, drinks and raffle tickets are $5.00.

13th Annual Hugs & Kisses Fashion Show

On Sunday, May 6, at 10:00 a.m., join the Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation at The Ritz-Carlton South Beach for the 13th Annual Hugs & Kisses Fashion Show: How Sweet it is, featuring children from infants to age 18 modeling fashions from Peace Love World. Attendees will enjoy a gourmet lunch, silent auction, marketplace, entertainment from Hip Hop Kidz and a children’s fashion show highlighting both grateful parents and local children – and of course, a variety of sweet surprises. Jeanine Mason, winner of the 5th season of So You Think You Can Dance, is scheduled to serve as Fashion Show Mistress of Ceremonies. The event will be featuring some of Miami Children’s Hospital’s Bald, Brave, Beautiful™ pediatric cancer patients as part of our efforts to support and enhance their self-esteem and self-image by eliminating the stigma and bullying that coincide with baldness, while raising funds and awareness for Miami Children’s Hospital. The event also showcases the 5th Annual I Make a Difference Awards, honoring outstanding student philanthropists who have made a significant positive impact in the lives of others, and the 2nd Annual Thank You for Making a Difference Award which recognizes a community activist who sets a positive example for children. This year’s honoree is Sandra Muvdi, founder of the Jessica June Children’s Cancer Foundation. CBS 4 Anchor Shannon Hori is scheduled to return as Awards Mistress of Ceremonies. For more information or tickets visit mchf.org/hugsandkisses.

10th Annual Honey Shine Hats Off Luncheon

On Tuesday, May 8, the Honey Shine Mentoring program celebrates ten years of happiness, love, and good luck with an Asian inspired Hats Off luncheon. More than 600 guests and young girls will gather at Jungle Island for the highly anticipated event; hosted by founder Tracy Wilson Mourning and co-chairs Cathy Blank and Monisha Melwani, the mid-day luncheon includes an annual awards presentation, a fashion show featuring children’s apparel provided by Gap, Aleren, and Bloomingdale’s, and a silent auction with more than 120 items that include jewelry, sports memorabilia, and popular brand accessories like Louis Vuitton, Alexander McQueen, and Prada, to name a few. All proceeds benefit the Honey Shine Mentoring Program. Tickets to the annual benefit start at $125. RSVP required by contacting Isabella at (305) 854-2444 or by email at RSVP@honeyshine.org. For more information on the Honey Shine Mentoring Program and membership opportunities, visit HONEYSHINE.org.

Iran Issa-Khan Book Signing at the Webster 

On Thursday, April 19, join the Webster boutique for a celebratory event in honor of famed photographer and artist Iran Issa-Khan. Issa-Khan will be signing her first book entitled Photographs on the Second Floor Salon from 7 to 9 p.m. There are a limited number of books with a special print available for purchase. Grey Goose vodka is providing the cocktails and catering will be provided by the talented Michelle Areces of Petit Pois.  RSVP to iran@thewebster.com. 

Color A Cause 

The Color Queen, Joey Mugica, is proud to announce the first ever COLOR A CAUSE, on Thursday, April 19. The event will take place at Pearl, from 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. The originally inspired images will feature and honor some of Miami’s most dynamic and renowned women, including successful philanthropists, businesswomen, journalists, socialites, reality stars, artists, designers and entertainers. COLOR A CAUSE will benefit Dress for Success Miami, which provides professional attire for economically disadvantaged men and women. There is a suggested minimum $20 entry ticket payable at the door during the night of the event. Miami’s diva extraordinaire, Ms. Elaine Lancaster, will provide the evening’s entertainment. To prepare the ladies for this momentous occasion, Tim Quinn, International Celebrity Face Designer for Giorgio Armani Cosmetics and his team will be available at Saks Fifth Avenue, Bal Harbour from 12 to 5 p.m., to create that special Color Look for the evening;  honorees and guests will be gifted a $25 gift card available at the counter. 10% of the day sales from the Gift Card will benefit Dress For Success Miami.  RSVP to rsvp@coloracause.com. 

Young Patrons Happy Hour – 2^nd Annual Great Energy Challenge 

On Thursday, April 19, The Young Patrons challenge you to an energy happy hour. Join the YP’s for networking and interactive challenges to see who the greenest young professionals in Miami are. Food trucks will be at the event catering to the crowd, 21 and older. A $15 entry fee will charged for admission and will include open bar and entrance to the museum. For more information, contact Adriana Oliva at 305-646-4248 or aoliva@miamisci.org. 

2012 American Cancer Society Gala

The 2012 American Cancer Society Gala will take place on Saturday, April 21, at the elegant InterContinental Miami. About 500 influential leaders of Miami’s social and corporate communities will gather for a night of elegance, exquisite food, breathtaking décor, and live entertainment. The cocktail reception and silent auction will start at 7:00 p.m., followed by dinner and dancing at 8:30 p.m. Chairpersons for this year’s black-tie fundraiser are Lourdes and Felipe Valls and Co-Chairs are Madeline and Pedro Munilla. Marile and Jorge Luis Lopez will serve as Honorary Co-Chairs. The silent auction will feature items such as airline tickets, jewelry, golf packages, sports collector’s items, spa packages, and couture fashion. During the live auction, guests will be challenged to raise money for the American Cancer Society’s Reaching Out to Cancer Kids (R.O.C.K.) Programs. Every year, the gala presents a testimonial showcasing R.O.C.K. Programs. For more information contact Carmen Piles, Gala Manager, at 305-779-2861 or carmen.piles@cancer.org. 

Earth Day Activities  

Miami Science Museum 

On Saturday, April 21 beginning at 12 p.m. the Miami Science Museum is encouraging members of the community to take its “Great Energy Challenge” and celebrate Mother Earth this Earth Day weekend. At the 2^nd Annual Great Energy Challenge, members of the community will form teams to spin, dance, yo-yo, read and scavenge their way around the Museum’s Energy Tracker exhibit, as well as create a “green” structure out of the Museum’s recycled junk. The top two teams will then face off in an Environmental Jeopardy Brain Challenge, which will decide the Green Champion! Members of the first place team will take home Nokia C5-03 Smartphones.  Members of the community can gather up family and friends to form a team. Also, community teams (including teams of middle, high school & college students, community organizations and non-profits) and corporate teams can participate. Four people per team, ages 8 and up. Team registration begins at 11 a.m. on the day of the event. Event sponsorship opportunities are available at www.miamisci.org. For sponsorship opportunities, visit www.miamisci.org. For more information about the event and to see if your team qualifies, contact Adriana Oliva 305-646-4248 or aoliva@miamisci.org.

Earth Day at Fairchild 

On Monday, April 23, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden will be celebrating Earth Day granting free admission to the public. Enjoy 83 acres of tropical paradise right in your own backyard! This is the perfect opportunity to walk Fairchild’s grounds, have a family picnic, admire the monumental sculptures of Will Ryman and Dale Chihuly or simply sit on a bench and read your favorite book. In addition to free admission, guests can take advantage of the following special offers on April 23: walking and tram tours, 50% membership for new members only, and 10% off for membership renewals and rejoining members. 

Kickoff the Great American Bake Sale

To kickoff this year’s Great American Bake Sale and Taste of the Nation, local chefs from around Miami and Fort Lauderdale including Allen Susser, Paula Da Silva from 1500 Degrees, Andre Bienvenu of Joe’s Stone Crab, and Clay Conley of Buccan are getting together to fill boxes with food for the hungry at Feeding South Florida from 10 a.m. to noon on Monday, April 23. Several food trucks will also be in attendance to serve lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The public is invited to volunteer alongside these chefs. To RSVP, email jbalhon@strength.org.

By: Maryanne Salvat

21st Annual Reach for the Stars Gala

Actors’ Playhouse and Lexus of Kendall Host the 21st Annual Reach for the Stars Gala Auction at the Miracle Theatre on Saturday, April 14. Attendees will have the chance to bid on over $300,000 worth of live and silent auction items while enjoying exquisite fare provided by 30 of Coral Gables’ finest restaurants and an open bar sponsored by Bacardi U.S.A. and Premier Beverage Company. Items for bid include international business class airline tickets, worldwide hotel travel packages and cruises, exclusive celebrity wine dinners at popular South Florida restaurants, jewelry, golf packages, fine art, home decor, sports collectors items, spa visits, objets d’art, couture clothing, membership gift certificates, and more. CBS4’s Former Chief Meteorologist Bob Soper, the official celebrity auctioneer for the past 21 years, will conduct the live auction with Artistic Director David Arisco. The popular auction is the major fundraising event for Actors’ Playhouse each year with funds going to the capital improvements of the historic Miracle Theatre and the operating costs of Actors’ Playhouse’s 25th Anniversary Season in 2012-2013. Items can be viewed on line at www.actorsplayhouse.org. Cost for the event is $150 per person, which includes gourmet dining, open bar sponsored by Bacardi U.S.A. and Premier Beverage Company, entertainment, silent auction and live auction; for tickets, call 305.444.9293, or purchase online at www.actorsplayhouse.org.

Friends of the NWS Season Finale

On Saturday, April 14, join the Friends of the New World Symphony at 9:00 p.m. for a sizzling night under the stars featuring the 8-piece Afro-Latin World Beat Sensation, Lanzallamas Monofonica, sumptuous light bites and cocktails courtesy of GREY GOOSE Vodka. Contact Nathalie Cadet at New World Symphony to purchase tickets, Nathalie.Cadet-James@nws.edu or call 305.428.6733.

Pool Party with Mario Lopez and GARNIER FRUCTIS

On Sunday, April 15, GARNIER FRUCTIS has teamed up with Mario Lopez to host a pool party to celebrate their newest launches from 2:00 to 7:00 p.m. Held at the renowned Fontainebleau Miami Beach, guests will soak up the sunshine at the hotel’s Arkadia Pool while being treated to hair styling services, mini-massages and acupressure treatments. Garnier Fructis celebrity stylist, Marc Mena, will also be on site leading the styling cabanas where guests will choose between four different beach styles using Garnier Fructis products. For more information, visit www.garnier.com.

Joe’s Boutique Opens in Aventura Mall

Joe’s, premium denim and contemporary lifestyle brand, establishes a presence in Miami after opening boutiques in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago and Atlanta. The new retail location will launch its grand opening event for the brand’s sixth US location on Saturday, April 21, in Aventura Mall. The boutique will open to the public with the brands stylish Spring/Summer 2012 collection as well as entertainment by DJ Dutch.

A Night at the Museum

The Bass Museum of Art will host its annual fundraiser, “A Night at the Museum,” on Thursday, April 26, from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. The event is expected to attract more than 500 guests who will receive a private preview of “Charles LeDray: Bass Museum of Art,” curated by Bass Museum of Art Adjunct Curator, Steven Holmes. Artist Charles LeDray will be in attendance. Guests will explore the new exhibition while enjoying hors d’oeuvres by TiramesU; cocktails & refreshments from Mandarine Napoleon, Kanon Organic Vodka and Perrier; desserts by Stella’s Sweet Shoppe; and beats by Vida’s house DJ. Attendees will also be introduced to an innovative silent auction of custom art experiences, including a studio visit and catered lunch with artist Carlos Betancourt and a curator-led art day in New York City. Admission to the fundraising event is $175 for two and includes a Mummy Level Membership or renewal to the Bass Museum of Art for one year. Rubens Level Members or above receive complimentary admission for two, while those members below may upgrade. To RSVP, email rsvp@bassmuseum.org. For membership upgrades, email dwolpert@bassmuseum.org, visit www.bassmuseum.org, call 786.800.6302.

By: Maryanne Salvat

All Hail Queen Lounge

Queen Lounge, an intimate cocktail and gastro-lounge will celebrate its official grand opening on Thursday, April 5. The 4,000-square-foot venue pays homage to the power and glamour of women in art, music and fashion throughout history. Founded by European nightlife savant Sanaa Moussaoui and managing partner, Miami native Maria Ortiz, the multi-room venue features superior handcrafted cocktails by mixology master Thomas Merolla and small plates by Executive Chef Matthew Goldberg. The lounge boasts a 30-item cocktail menu featuring “Timeless Truths” and Queen Lounge Signature Cocktails, created by head mixologist Thomas Merolla, a previous contributor to the illustrious bar menus of staple South Beach hotels including Delano, Mondrian, and W South Beach. Queen Lounge is open seven days a week from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. The kitchen is open until 10:00 p.m. Guests can unwind and enjoy $5 cocktails and tapas from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. daily during The Ultimate Happy Hour. For private bookings and advance reservations, contact 305.397.8056, info@queenlounge.com or visit www.queenloungemiami.com.

Operation HOPE TOTE

Miami Rescue Mission will be hosting Operation HOPE TOTE, their annual Easter/Passover event, on Friday, April 6. The event is open to thousands of homeless and needy families in the Miami area. The goal of Operation HOPE TOTE is to provide basic, personal hygiene items to thousands of needy men, women, and children in our communities starting this Easter and Passover Season. Items needed include: toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, shampoo, deodorant, new underwear, new socks, disposable razors, diapers, baby wipes, sanitary napkins, and lotion. Please note, the Capponi Group will be accepting hygiene products and/or monetary donations to purchase the items for the HOPE TOTE. To learn more about the Operation HOPE TOTE, visit: http://miamirescuemission.com/hopetote.htm. Drop off products to 228 5th Street Miami Beach, Florida 33139. If you have any questions, call 305.695.4410.

3rd Annual Golden Key 5K

The 3rd annual Golden Key 5K to celebrate heart and skin health will be held this Saturday, April 7. The event is a collaborative effort between University of Miami undergraduate and medical students. UM dermatologists will be on site giving free skin cancer screenings and all proceeds will go to support melanoma skin cancer research at the University of Miami and a program called Team for Life that helps get life-saving heart defibrillators out into Miami. The run/walk will take place at Crandon Park South on Key Biscayne. Race day registration and packet pick-up begin at 6:30am and the race start time is 8:00am. Private skin screening stations will open after the race. An awards ceremony will also be held after the race. All participants receive free t-shirts. Early online registration is $20 for individuals and $15 for UM students. Race day registration is $25 for individuals and $20 for UM students. For more information, and to register, visit www.GoldenKey5k.com.

The District Factory 

In honor of Andy Warhol’s famed studio “The Factory”, The District Factory, an evening shopping event & mash-up, set to launch Saturday, April 14, from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. in the Miami Design District, during Art & Design Night, shines a spotlight on the emerging designers and artists who are single-handedly manufacturing the hottest trends. Partners of this eagerly anticipated launch include Miami Design District, MIAMI Magazine, and Mercedes-Benz of Coral Gables. Receiving a portion of the evening’s proceeds is Dress for Success Miami. To learn more about The District Factory, visit www.DISRTICTFACTORY.com.

Food and Garden Festival at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden

Come see what’s cooking at Fairchild during a celebration of fresh fruits and vegetables and the gorgeous gardens they grow in on Saturday and Sunday, April 14 and 15. Gather new tips and recipes from our popular culinary demonstrations taught by local chefs using local products. Go green at the farmers’ market where local growers showcase the best organic fruits, vegetables and herbs available in South Florida. Sample a variety of spring beers and summer ales at the Beer Garden. There’ll even be a Spring Flower Market where you can buy beautiful fresh cut flowers! All weekend, children will enjoy hands-on activities and special culinary programs just for them. Invite the whole family to come out and learn how to cook and enjoy food that is fabulously fresh, healthy and in season! For more information visit: www.fairchildgarden.org .

Driven to Dine

Driven to Dine is a one-of-a-kind, luxurious dining experience taking place on Saturday, April 14. It kicks off with an exclusive cocktail reception where guests will sample an array of wines and spirits compliments of Total Wine, enjoy delectable appetizers provided by Le Cordon Bleu, and participate in a live auction. After the reception, guests will gather into groups of 8 and select a sealed envelope containing the name of one of several top restaurants in South Florida. With their destination unknown, diners will adjourn to a stretch limousine, which will ferry them to the restaurant for an elegant multi-course, heart healthy dinner sure to please their palates. After an amazing meal, limos will return guests to the place of origin. The FHRI hand-selected some of South Florida’s most prestigious restaurants to partner with in this year’s Driven to Dine. They include: 1500˚ at Eden Roc Renaissance Miami Beach, CRAVE, db Bistro Moderne, Edge, Steak & Bar at the Four Seasons Miami, Flemings Prime Steakhouse, La Cofradia, RED The Steakhouse, Tudor House, Truluck’s and J&G Grill at the St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort. Tickets for Driven to Dine cost $5,000 per limo, which seats 8 guests; or $625 per person. the cocktail reception, at a private residence, will begin at 5 p.m. Tickets cost $5,000 per limo, which seats 8 guests, or $625 per person; to purchase tickets visit www.heartofachef.org.

The Third Annual Dream Makers Gala

The Foundation of Debbie’s Dream (CSC) will host the third annual Dream Makers Gala on Saturday, April 21, at the Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa in Hollywood beginning at 7:00 p.m. Co-Chairs Susie Alvarez Cope, Jason Chalik, and Ani Solarana hope to exceed the $180,000 raised at last year’s Gala. “Expect the Unexpected” is the evening’s theme. The event will begin with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and silent auctions followed by dinner, dancing, fabulous live auctions, and award presentations. Lisa Petrillo, Entertainment Reporter at CBS4, will be the guest speaker. Award recipients being honored at this year’s Gala for their dedication and commitment to CSC’s mission include Michael A. Choti, MD, from Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Mary Lynn Swartz, former CEO of Westside Regional Medical Center; Jennifer Kapp, CSC Board of Directors; and Meredith Clements, Society Scene Editor of the Sun-Sentinel. Tickets for the Gala are $175 per person, and sponsorships range in price from $600 to $25,000. To become a sponsor or to purchase tickets, call 954.475.1200 or email Events@CantStomachCancer.org.

The Miami Marlins are set to kick off their historic 2012 baseball season against the defending World Champion St. Louis Cardinals on Wednesday, April 4 at Marlins Park. The inaugural Miami Marlins Opening Night at the state-of-the-art Marlins Park will feature three fan giveaways: a Commemorative Lanyard presented by Miccosukee Resort & Gaming and Pepsi, a Tic Tac Pack (to be utilized in fan participation with a special pregame ceremony) and a commemorative Opening Night Marlins Playbill. A special edition of the Marlins Magazine will also be available throughout the ballpark. The first pitch for Opening Night is set for 7:05 P.M. and ESPN will carry the nationally-televised game. Ballpark gates at Marlins Park will open at 4:00 P.M. and on-site parking garages will open at 3:00 P.M. For parking and transportation information, fans can visit www.marlins.com/parking. Fans are encouraged to be in their seats no later than 6:15 P.M. for the inaugural Opening Night pregame ceremonies, with never-before-seen special events presented by 19 time Grammy award winning producer and Miami’s very own Emilio Estefan. Pregame ceremonies will include a video and on-field tribute to Miami, full team lineups for the Marlins and Cardinals, the debut of the new Marlins theme song, Marlins Tonight, legendary musician Jose Feliciano performing the National Anthem, a Fireworks Spectacular, a flyover with four F-16’s from Homestead Air Reserve Base and much more.As part of the historic celebration, MLB Commissioner Bud Selig and Marlins Owner Jeffrey H. Loria, together with Miami-Dade County and City of Miami Commissioners and representatives will be part of a ribbon cutting ceremony at 11:00 A.M., on the West Plaza. Opening Night at Marlins Park will also include a pregame party on the West Plaza from 4 P.M. to 7 P.M., featuring live music on the Main Stage with renowned artists. Fans are encouraged to stay for the post-game party on the West Plaza with live music and entertainment, immediately following the game. The game will be broadcasted on WAXY 790 AM and WAQI 710AM (Spanish).