By: Maryanne Salvat 

The Friends of St. Jude Present: It’s All About the Kids

On Saturday, September 29, join The Friends of St. Jude-Miami Chapter for a night   All About the Kids! The fifth annual celebration benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital will be held on the 19^th floor, also known as the basketball court, of the JW Marriott Marquis. DJ Irie will be spinning sounds sure to make the cirque-chic event a night to remember. Guests can expect a fabulous evening filled with dancing and live entertainment all for an amazing cause. Friends of St. Jude – Miami members -$150; Non-members – $175 advanced purchase (includes membership for one year) $200 at the door. For more information visit:  paola.cassana@stjude.org.

Strawberries and Champagne Spa Package at Aveda Seven Seas Spa & Salon

The Aveda Seven Seas Spa & Salon is brining extra heat to the steam room by introducing its Couple’s Strawberries and Champagne Spa Package. Pairs can enjoy a full-service spa day including dual massage, hand dipped strawberries, private beach cabana and free flowing champagne made for two. Starting October 1, couples can enjoy a 90-minute Aveda Elemental Nature Massage in a luxurious, private suite including free flowing champagne, hand-dipped chocolate covered strawberries and access to steam room and showers. Following the sensual treatment, pampered pairs can escape to a secluded Tiki cabana on the beach with all day pool access. Valued at $500 the impressive package is available for $250. Complimentary valet parking is included. To book, visit www.sevenseasspasalon.com.

Monday Night Football Viewing Party at Haven Gastro-Lounge

HaVen Gastro-Lounge is proud to announce a Monday Night Football viewing party series, screening each game in high-definition on its wrap-around walls with its state-of-the-art surround sound system. After the massive popularity surrounding the NBA play-off viewing parties and Miami Heat victory, HaVen boasts its idyllic entertainment system, providing the best seats to any sporting event. The Lincoln Road hotspot will feature specially priced beers, select craft cocktails by mixologist Isaac Grillo and global small plates by executive Chef Todd Erickson, perfect for sharing in between high fives. Guests may expect $7 Double Cross Vodka, $4 Coronas and Heinekens to be accompanied by small plates including but not limited to: Buffalo-Style Tots, Mini Bratwursts, Mini Corndogs, and Popcorn. Good Mondays, the weekly Monday night installment, will to continue the nights festivities with DJ Damaged Goods, providing the best of old and new-school hip hop until 5 a.m.

Third Annual World Festival presented by Common Threads

On Tuesday, October 2, Executive Chef Michelle Bernstein will host the Third Annual World Festival presented by Common Threads, in support of the organization’s mission to prevent childhood obesity while celebrating our cultural differences. The evening will feature 20 local chefs from restaurants across Miami. Guests will be treated to delicious samples from some of Miami’s top chefs paired with students from the program as they come together to benefit Common Threads’ cooking and nutrition programs from Miami’s youth. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Common Threads programs in Miami.  For more information on the World Festival and ticket information, visit www.commonthreads.org.  Tickets can be purchased online for $150.

Toscana Divino Presents Wine & Fashion Florence Week

Toscana Divino is debuting Miami’s first-ever Tuscan infused celebration called “Wine & Fashion Florence Week.” Toscana Divino is hosting a week full of events with authentic dining, wine, fashion and art straight from the cultural epicenter of Europe from October 8 through October 12, at the peak of grape harvesting season in Chianti Rufina and on the heels of fashion industry’s most famous week in Milan. With the support of The Beacon Council, Toscana Divino’s Wine and Fashion Week highlights, Tuscany’s top sommeliers and winemakers, will be offering wine tastings of new labels, a menu designed by Michelin Star Marco Stabile. Tuscan designers will also be on hand creating unique bags showcasing their talents to guests. To view a complete schedule of upcoming events, visit www.toscanodivino.com.

By: Maryanne Salvat

Gourmet Breakfast for M-DCPS Students

The students of Miami-Dade County Public Schools are in for a treat! Local Celebrity Chefs and Miami-Dade County Public Schools Department of Food and Nutrition are joining forces creating special breakfast menus for students attending M-DCPS. Eating Breakfast at school is a slam dunk for kids.   Research links eating breakfast with better test scores, better attendance and better health.  M-DCPS Celebrity Chef Partners, Michelle Bernstein, Kris Wessel, Michael Schwartz, Julie Frans, Doug Rodriguez, Richard Ingraham and Lorena Garcia, will be out at schools supporting Florida School Breakfast Week and jump starting the District’s initiative to expand the FREE Breakfast program which is available to all M-DCPS students.

Decadence in Design

On Thursday, September 20 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., join MIAMI magazine, Artefacto Merrick Park and Ketel One Vodka for Decadence in Design, a joint anniversary soiree celebrating South Florida’s art and design scene. Delicious bites by CRAVE, specialty cocktails by Ketel One Vodka, whimsical desserts by Sigal Sweets Decor, an exclusive preview of HOUSE nightclub, and beats from DJ Mad Linx. To attend and RSVP to the event visit: rsvpmiami@modernluxury.com.

Her City Card “End of Summer Bash”

Shoppers are invited to Her City Card “End of Summer Bash” slated for Thursday, September 20, from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. at the Penthouse of the Riviera Hotel on Miami Beach. A farewell to summer, the event will feature VIP goodie bags, discounted shopping and beauty treatments, raffles, giveaways, cocktails and more. For more information visit the event website: www.HerCityCard.com/september20.

New World Symphony’s 25th Anniversary

On Saturday, September 22, from 7:30 p.m. to 12:00 a.m., celebrate the New World Symphony’s 25th Anniversary. The beloved Friends of New World Symphony present a “Passport to Musical Journey for a New Generation,” kicking off another eclectic season with a “Hip Hop Symphony, featuring fames Miami HEAT DJ Irie. VIP members will start the evening at the Frank Gehry designed New World Center with renowned guitarist, Manuel Barrueco and conductor, Michael Francis as the orchestra debuts the world premier of “a dance into reflected daylight” by Jeffery Mumford and plays Concierto de Aranjuez.Guests are then invited to the Symphony After Hours Party where Miami’s favorite celebrity DJ Irie and Opus Love Quintet play in tandem poolside at Shore club as guests sip on cocktails courtesy of GREY GOOSE Vodka. MIAMI Magazine, celebrating their 5th Anniversary, will also be part of the festivities. Combining classical compositions with contemporary musical styles, Friends of NWS’ upcoming season will pair traditional and emerging musical genres with memorable performances to create a truly unforgettable series of events; Free admission to Friends of NWS members, non-members $40 single tickets. For individual event tickets contact the NWS box office at 305.673.3331. For membership information contact Nathalie Cadet- James at 305-428-6733 or Nathalie.Cadet-James@nws.com. 

Cointreau Ambassador of Libations

The Search for the Cointreau Ambassador of Libations event takes place on Monday, September 24, at W South Beach from 7:00 to 9:30 p.m. The following local Miami bartenders will go head to head for a chance to win the coveted role of Cointreau Ambassador of Libations at Cannes 2013:  Mark Kinzer from Zuma, Cameron Scholderer from Living Room @ W South Beach, Tiffany Soles from Irvin Mayfield’s Jazz Playhouse, Isaac Grillo from Haven, Philip Khandehrish from Setai, Nick Nistico from Soho Beach House, Julio Cabrera from Club 50 at Viceroy, and Rebecca Kenton from St. Regis Bar. The Grand Prize winner receives the honor of creating cocktails for a high-profile audience at the Cannes Film Festival.

Tacos For Strength at Mercadito Midtown

As Mercadito Midtown continues its yearlong Tacos for Strength program benefitting Share Our Strength, Chef/Partner Patricio Sandoval welcomes China Grill Brickell’s Chef Sean Mohammed as October’s featured chef. After dedicating himself to working his way through some of the of the country’s finest restaurants such as the four – star Le Cirque and Gramercy Tavern, Chef Mohammed joined China Grill Management in Miami managing Tuscan Steak and China Grill South Beach. Mohammed is now part of the developing team and executive chef of the soon-to-open China Grill on Brickell Avenue. Chef Mohammad’s taco, which will be featured throughout the month of October, includes lamb spare ribs with tzatziki sauce. The cost of the featured taco is $16.50 for an order of four tacos. Five percent of sales generated from Chef Mohammed’s taco will be donated to Share Our Strength, a non-profit organization dedicated to ending childhood hunger by 2015. Visit Mercadito Midtown’s website for more information. Reservations may be made by calling 786. 369.0430.

Hyundai Hope on Wheels 2^nd Annual Miami Children’s Hospital 5K

On Saturday, September 29, Run or walk for healthier, happier kids at the Hyundai Hope on Wheels 2^nd Annual Miami Children’s Hospital 5K (MCH5K) presented by TotalBank. Michael Baiamonte, Voice of the Miami Heat, NBA Champions, is scheduled to serve as Master of Ceremonies. The MCH5K is open to runners and walkers of all levels. Individuals and teams are invited to participate and fundraise to support the children and families at Miami Children’s Hospital. Prizes will be awarded to the top fundraising teams; Walkers/Runners, $30, Student Walkers/Runners (ages 10-18), $20, and Kids Fun Run (ages 2-9), $10. Sponsorship and underwriting opportunities available, register today at MCH5K.com.

Community Dog Wash Event Benefitting Women In Distress of Broward County

On Saturday, September 29 from noon to 4:00 p.m., celebrate the last “dog days of summer” by pampering your pooch at a community dog wash event sponsored by Dr. Patty’s Dental Boutique and retailers at the Victoria Park Shoppes to benefit Women In Distress of Broward County. Stop by the Victoria Park shopping plaza with proof of your dog’s rabies vaccination and your favorite store owners will bathe and beautify your pooch (with a suggested donation of $10). One hundred percent of the proceeds will be donated to the Women In Distress of Broward County in celebration of their 14^th Annual SAFEWALK-RUN 5K. This organization is the only nationally accredited, state-certified, full service domestic violence center serving Broward County.If you aren’t sure whether your favorite furry friend is up to date on his shots, Victoria Park Animal Hospital will also be offering discounted canine exams and rabies vaccines for $15.00. To cool you off, Jamba Juice will be on hand to offer patrons free smoothie samples. For more information, email Info@DrPattyDental.com or call 954.523.2400.

Taylor Owen Beautiful Supports Breast Cancer Awareness           

South Florida-based Taylor Owen Beautiful is supporting Breast Cancer Awareness.  Twenty percent of proceeds from each ‘The One Serum and Cream’ (retails for $325), which is the latest innovation for the natural reduction of wrinkles, purchased during the month of October will be donated to Breast Cancer Research. To support Breast Cancer Awareness and rejuvenate your skin visit: www.taylorowenandco.com.

photo courtesy of Miami.com

Fashion’s Night Out 2012 

Designers, stylists, fashion editors, and bloggers gear up and wish they had multiple clones, for Fashion’s Night Out on Thursday, September 6, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., as they take to the stores for the fourth installment of the iconic event. Below are a few events, but for a complete listing of scheduled events visit: www.Fashionsnightout.com.  

Village of Merrick Park celebrates 10 years of fashion and unveils their September fashion series with the kick off of FNO. In preparation of Ocean Drive Magazine’s hosted fashion show, famed Sex and the City celebrity stylist Danny Santiago will arrive on September 4 to pull fall’s HOTTEST new trends hitting the runways. Notable FNO events include Neiman Marcus’ fall trend fashion show hosted by Shireen Sandoval of DECO DRIVE, Elemis Spa offering beauty complimentary services, and FNO Red Carpet After Party at SAWA Restaurant & Lounge along with multiple store specials. Extending the renowned Fashion’s Night Out, Village of Merrick Park will debut the first-ever “Fashion’s Weekend Out,” a weekend of collection parties and shopping incentives from September 7 through the 8 with charity partner, Fashionably Conscious. 

Fashion’s Night Out hits Fort Lauderdale with an official event at Lilac And Lilies Boutique that promises not just designer deals, celebrity appearances, informal modeling, official FNO merchandise and other entertainment but a “Fashion Face-Off” celebrating the launch of a new interactive fashion blog called Ali VS. Ali Claire. In this unique blog concept that mixes fierce fashion competition with a quirky sense of humor, Ali Claire Marino (daughter of former Miami Dolphin Dan Marino) competes against Ali Kostoff in online style wars that puts the power in the hands of the people and the public votes to determine which stylist tackles the trends best. During the event, guests can experience the blog live and vote on their favorite outfits being modeled from Lilac And Lilies Boutique’s designer arrivals of fall and holiday collections as styled by Ali and Ali Claire.Guests can mix, mingle and have their pictures snapped with local celebrities as they enjoy 15% off in-store, non-sale merchandise, contests, prizes, passed hors d’oeuvres, cocktails and a Lilac And Lilies Boutique swag bag upon departure. The official DJ of the Miami Dolphins, Mike Marino (aka DJ1Tre), will preside over the turntables as guests shop-‘til-they-drop during this once-a-year, social soiree.To RSVP, call 954.530.309 or email Kelli@LilacAndLilies.com. 

Neiman Marcus Bal Harbour and Vault Magazine host a night of fabulous fashion. Guests will be treated to cocktails and bites by Barton G. and a fashion showing of the latest trends for the season styled by fashion guru Danny Santiago.  The show will be MCd by Huffington Post blogger and “Queen of the Night” Tara Solomon, with a personal appearance by luxury handbag designer Nancy Gonzalez.

Chloé Boutique Bal Harbour is hosting an exclusive in-store shopping event during this year’s Fashion’s Night Out on Thursday, September from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. to celebrate the launch of the brand’s new iconic handbag, Alice. Inspired by the 1970s, the two-tone handbag comes in soft, supple fine materials including python and rawhide. Practical and elegant, the Alice is available in pastel tones (sunrise, husky white) or warmer, more autumnal colors (hot chocolate, fir green, and black) – ideal for the upcoming season. Sizes come in medium or large. Now available at the Chloé Bal Harbour Boutique. Official FNO t-shirts will be available for purchase at the event. Champagne will be served and music by DJ Johnny The Boy.  

Saks Fifth Avenue Dadeland will also be hosting a Fashion’s Night Out event, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Enjoy complimentary make-overs, light bites, and delicious cupcakes as you shop for a great cause. 10% of all the event sales will benefit Women’s Fund of Miami-Dade and  Dress for Success Miami.

Bon Apetite: Celebrating the Life of Julia Child! 

Les Dames d’Escoffier Miami is marking the 100^th anniversary of Julia Child’s birth by presenting a series of exciting events on Saturday, September 15, commemorating the “Lady of the Ladle’s” commitment to gastronomy, education and philanthropy including appearances from celebrity chef Michelle Bernstein, celebrated author Nancy Verde Barr, and chef extraordinaire Norman Van Aken.  Net proceeds will benefit the Les Dames d’Escoffier Miami Legacy Awards, which gives professional experiences to young women studying Culinary Arts, Hospitality, Gastronomic Journalism and Food Agriculture. To purchase tickets, contact Claire Tomlin at 305.775.2165 or online at www.lesdamesmiami.org.

Gilt-y Pleasures

Gilt City Miami is hosting their legendary warehouse sale on Saturday, September 15, at the Miami Iron Side. To absolve yourself of the Gilt within, purchase your tickets quickly by visiting: www.giltcity.com/miami/warehousesalemia.

By: Maryanne Salvat 

Crumb at The Webster 

Michelle Bernstein’s Crumb at The Webster, need we say more!  Combining two of Bernstein’s passions, food and fashion, the dynamic duo will launch on Wednesday, August 29. “I’ve been a fan of The Webster since it opened and love the space,” says Bernstein.  “The care and thought that Laure and Milan (The Webster’s owners) put into everything they do is evident and mirror how David (Martinez, her husband and business partner) and I approach cooking and hospitality.  Working together was a very easy decision to make.”  Crumb at The Webster will feature the fresh soups, salads, hot plates and to-die-for baked goods that Crumb in the Design District is known for, with future surprises in the works.  Initially, Crumb will serve lunch 11 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, with fresh-brewed coffee, pastries and cocktail ‘til 8:00 p.m.  Housed in The Webster’s first floor lounge space, Crumb will seat approximately 30 guests, with an additional 12 on the outside patio, a chic spot for people watching on world-famous Collins Avenue.  The space is also available for private event buy-outs. 

Style Saves Presents Back to School In Style 

On Sunday, September 2, Style Saves will host its annual go “Back-to-School In Style” event at The Wynwood Cigar Factory from noon to 3:00 p.m. Utilizing the funds raised from the Style Saves Summer Fashion Show Fundraiser that took place at Soho Beach House in conjunction with Miami Swim Week, Style Saves’ founder and FORD fashion stylist Rachael Russell will lead the styling for over 150 students. Selected students from Big Brothers, Big Sisters, Miami Children’s Hospital, Miami Art Museum’s Girl Power and Tracey Mourning’s Honey Shine Mentoring Program will secure new outfits for back-to-school. The students will enjoy a day of makeovers and fun activities that include a bounce house and mini yoga sessions plus interactive games and arts & crafts. The day will also include perks like mini manicures, haircuts by Privé Salon, face painting by Make-Up by Aileen Quintana, cupcakes by Stella’s Sweet Shoppe and grilled hot dogs and hamburgers prepared by the chefs of Soho Beach House’s Cecconi’s. Rachael, along with Jilian Sanz, Fashion Director of Haute Living magazine and Amanda Del Duca of Capture Fashion will coordinate the styling for these deserving kids. Eyewear line, Tortoise & Blonde will be on-hand to check the students’ prescriptions and outfit them with frames to provide them with new eye glasses for back-to-school. Style Saves’ mission is to “build confidence through clothes and give a fresh start through fashion.” To accomplish that mission Style Saves raises funds to allocate to underprivileged students in the South Florida area. In collaboration with The Miami Foundation, Style Saves works with local retail stores, designers and boutiques to provide these students with brand-new outfits for back-to-school. The premise is to inspire self-confidence and give students the assurance they need to succeed, both academically and personally. For more information about the event or to become involved, contact Rachael Russell, rachael@stylerr.com. 

LeSUTRA Sparkling Liqueur by Timbaland

Grammy Award Winning Super Producer Timbaland will launch his new brand LeSUTRA Sparkling Liqueur at Fontainebleau Miami Beach over Labor Day weekend and kickoff the BleauLive weekend long series of parties and iconic concert performances. This exclusive red-carpeted, celebrity-studded weekend will include a private performance by Timbaland, Nas and Missy Elliott, as well as surprise celebrity guests and performances, tantalizing tastings of the sparkling liqueur’s four exhilarating flavors (strawberry, grape, peach and blueberry) and poolside parties with delicious LeSUTRA cocktails, developed by the resort’s mixologists. 

The District Factory on Fashion’s Night Out 

Fashion rocks the block outside The District Factory on Fashion’s Night Out on Thursday, September 6, from 6:00 to 11:00 p.m. Factory fans are invited to celebrate one of the most fashion-forward nights in the world, alongside local emerging designers manufacturing today’s hottest trends. Shop 30 brands of accessories, apparel, vintage, and rock the block party with a special live music performance by dance- duo Afrobeta and sounds by DJ Mike Sike. The mash-up combines Bar Lab Spirited Mixology with cocktails infused by Société Perrier, Mandarine Napoleon, Gran Sierpe, and Zignum, a beer garden, food, giveaways, video art installation by Juan Henriquez and Carlos Pedreanez, the best in auto design by Prestige Imports North Miami, interactive beauty stations provided by Fashion Koncept and Blo Blow Dry Bar Midtown and more. The Factory, in collaboration with partners Miami Design District, The Beacon Council, and MIAMI Magazine, is open to the public and offers complimentary admission. Learn more at the DISTRICTFACTORY.com. 

 Yoga Does The Body Good 

September is National Yoga Month and the Ayama Yoga and Healing Arts Center is celebrating by offering free classes to the masses in their new studio in North Miami. Throughout the month of September, new “Yogi” students can drop in for a week of unlimited yoga classes, completely “gratis”. Not a new student? Current students of Ayama can also join in the celebration by purchasing classes at a major discount of 10 classes for $99 or five classes for $49.  Limit one package per person. Ayama offers 43 classes a week in various styles of yoga including Vinyasa, Ashtanga, Hatha, Ivengar, Kundalini, Anusara, kid’s and prenatal yoga  classes.  Students of all levels are encouraged to participate and experience the many benefits of yoga including improved health, posture, complexion, strength, balance and flexibility.  Yoga can also help boost the immune system, relieve depression, reduce stress and help with weight loss.  For a schedule of classes, visit http://www.ayamayoga.com/schedule.htm. 

By: Maryanne Salvat

Appleton Estates Bartender Challenge

The third annual Appleton Estate Bartender Challenge will take place on Monday, August 27 at Blackbird Ordinary from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Miami’s best bartenders will prepare their original Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum cocktails and compete to win a countrywide competition for a spot in the Finals round. Join in for a night of music, food, and of course, cocktails.

4G for Charity: the Power is in Your Hands 

On Thursday, August 30, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., MIAMI magazine and Verizon will officially announce the winner of the “4G for Charity: The Power is in Your Hands” campaign at Miami hot-spot, FDR at Delano. Earlier this summer, MIAMI magazine selected four local celebrities to compete in the Verizon “4G For Charity” campaign, which had four local celebrities equipped with Verizon 4G LTE tablets battling it out for the chance to win $4,000 for the charity of their choice. The fab four competitors included DJ Irie, Stacey Glassman Mizener, Kenneth Gilbert, and K.C. Jones. The invite-only finale event will celebrate the six-week long campaign and entertain over 300 of Miami’s top tastemakers and celebrity supporters. With social media as the driving force behind “4G For Charity”, guests will be urged to turn to their own social media pages throughout the night to create excitement around #4G4Charity with the chance to also win exclusive prizes and giveaways. In addition, guests will be treated to bites by Bianca, signature Motorola and Samsung branded cocktails courtesy of Belvedere and, of course, sounds by one of Miami hottest dj’s, DJ Vertigo. Delano’s Italian eatery, Bianca, is proud to present its three-course $39 Miami Spice menu for event guests to enjoy either before or after the event. Guests can make a reservation by calling 305.674.5752.  

NCLA Nails Arrives at Ricky’s Miami 

NCLA nails (an LA born and bred nail brand that brings fashion and on-trend colors to your fingertips…literally) is making a grand entrance in Miami and will now be sold at Ricky’s on Lincoln Road. NCLA has been on the fingertips of some Hollywood hot ladies including Kelly Clarkson, Shay Mitchell, and Miley Cyrus.

 Children’s Place: Back to School

With school back in session, the ever popular children’s boutique, The Children’s Place is offering incredible Back- to- School specials for “socialites in training”.  The new fall line includes navy crested blazers and flared plaid skirts for the trendiest brood, and rugbys paired with denim fit for the rough play. For all specials and locations visit www.ChildrensPlace.com .

Hunger Games Release Party

Join Blockbuster Video on Thursday, August 17, for the Hunger Games DVD Release party from 9:00 p.m. to midnight. Celebrate like a tribute and enjoy different activities fit for District 12 fans.

Dance Till You Drop with the Guardian Angels of Holtz Children’s Hospital  

To help raise money for Guardian Angels of Holtz Children’s Hospital and Art Studio Miami, and burn some calories while doing it, Body & Soul, the recently renovated world-class fitness facility in Coral Gables, invites members of the community to shimmy and waltz their hearts out at the first annual Dance Till You Drop event on Friday, August 17 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00p.m. The 10,000 square foot gym, with its two large dance studios fully outfitted with nightclub-style lighting and a disco ball, has all the amenities to ensure participants are constantly on their feet and shaking their hips throughout the entire 8-hour event. If the environment itself is not enough, local-favorite DJ Rascal will be spinning live and Body & Soul’s beloved dance instructors will be on-hand to keep up the energy. Aside from the four 15-minute breaks granted throughout the evening, participants must be standing and moving their feet to the music to be considered dancing. Complimentary food, refreshments, including Red Bull, and cocktails by Zignum Mezcal and Voli light vodkas as well as Heineken beer will be available for the duration of the event. Spectators who pay the $35 will have access to unlimited drinks, can dance if/when they want to and are welcome to simply enjoy the scene and support the dancers – all for a great cause; for more information or to register contact 305-441-BFIT. Once registered, individuals will receive pledge forms to assist one’s efforts in recruiting sponsors to donate dollars for every hour danced.

Go Over the Edge at the JW Marriott Marquis Miami  

The JW Marriott Marquis Miami and the Miami Children’s Initiative invite you to go “Over the Edge,” to rappel 19 stories from the JW Marriott Marquis’ pool deck as part of a fund-raising event to benefit impoverished children and families in Liberty City. The signature event will mark the first time that Over the Edge—an interactive fundraiser that’s garnered attention across the country—comes to Miami. The two-day rappelling event will give 125 participants the chance to push their limits and experience something they will never forget, all while supporting a cause that’s aimed at improving the lives of children and families in need. The event will begin on August 17with a VIP reception alongside rapper T-Pain. The following day, participants will rappel 200 meters from the JW Marriott Marquis. This two-day rappelling event is limited to 125 participants who will scale 200 meters from the beautiful all-glass JW Marriot Marquis Miami, while overlooking the bay and the city’s skyscrapers.For more information, contact Cecilia Gutierrez-Abety at 954-376-0036/ cgabety@miamichildrensinitiative.org or Luisana Cavallo at 305-301-4184/ lcavallo@miamichildrensinitiative.org.

Wounded Warrior Poker Run to Benefit the Deptherapy Foundation

The 2nd Annual Wounded Warrior Poker Run benefiting the Deptherapy Foundation, a unique scuba dive rehabilitation program, will be held on Sunday, August 19 in Key Largo,(45 minutes from Miami) from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. PADI, the world’s largest diver training organization, is sponsoring the Poker Run to support the practice of dive therapy as a method of rehabilitation for wounded and paralyzed veterans, many of whom have experienced significant recovery through the positive emotional and physical effects of diving. This motorcycle run will begin at Alabama Jack’s, located at 58000 Card Sound Road in Key Largo. At each stop, cyclists will receive a playing card. Additional stops along the ride include Buzzard’s Roost, the Postcard Inn at Holiday Isle, and the Snapper’s Turtle Club. The ride will end at Gilbert’s for the last hand drawn, awards and music. Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd & 3rd place, as well as worst hand drawn. For participants coming from out of town, the Bayside Inn at mile marker 100 is offering an unheard of rate of $89.00 + tax per night for the weekend of the Poker Run. Call 305-451-4450 and mention the Poker Run to receive the discounted rate. The price of participation is $20 for 3 poker hands, and $5 for each additional hand. Participants are asked to download the registration form and bring it to the starting point at Alabama Jack’s on Sunday August 19^th.  Visit:  http://www.deptherapy.co.uk/2nd-annual-wounded-warrior-poker-run/ to download a registration form. For sponsorships or additional information, please contact Jeannine Cook at 305-451-0601 x1204 or via email jeannine.cook@century21.com. For more information about PADI and Deptherapy, please visit www.padi.com and http://www.deptherapy.co.uk/.