Team Up For Toys

On Thursday, November 3, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., Team Up For Toys and Moonshadows at Hollywood Beach Golf & Country Club host a night of shopping, music, and support benefitting Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundation. Founded in 2007, Team Up for Toys has grown to be one of the largest toy collections the hospital receives, bringing smiles to children that are admitted throughout the year during their birthdays, special occasions and the holiday season. This year, in addition to collecting new and unwrapped toys, tax-deductible cash donations and sponsorships are being accepted to support programs and purchase new equipment for the Foundation’s Child Life Department. Tickets are $20 and include a glass of wine and delicious hors d’oeuvres. To purchase tickets visit .

Bass Museum Presents Laurent Grasso: Portrait of a Young Man

The Bass Museum of Art will host an artist reception for its newest exhibit Laurent Grasso: Portrait of a Young Man on Friday, November 4, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. coinciding with the opening of French Week Miami. For his solo exhibition at the Bass Museum, open to the public on October 29, Parisian artist Laurent Grasso juxtaposes historical works from the museum’s permanent collection of Renaissance and Baroque art with his own series of paintings, sculptures, videos and neons. The artist provocatively forms literal and figurative connections between the past and present and investigates shifting and multiple time frames in his conceptual art practice. French Week Miami is organized by the French-American Chamber of Commerce with the support of the French Consulate in Miami and showcases the diversity and richness of the French presence to the community of South Florida. This event is actively supported by the Consulate General of France, www.Frenchweekmiami.org. ; Guests will enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres by A la Folie Café and cocktails. The reception is free to members and bass-pass members and $8 for non-members. French week participants can RSVP at faccevents@faccmiami.com for free admission to the reception.

Miami Science Museum’s Reptile Day

Those who are reptile lovers or simply want to learn more about the fascinating creatures are invited to attend Miami Science Museum’s Reptile Day on Saturday, November 5 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Merging two of the Museum’s most popular events, Snake Day and Lizard Day, Reptile Day will include entertaining and interactive activities about many different reptile species. New to the event this year is the Turtle and Tortoise category. During the event, attendees will have the opportunity to see, touch and experience several different lizard and snake species, while the reptiles’ enthusiastic owners share details about their pets. The pet reptile competition will give select owners a chance to show off their scaly sidekicks, and compete for People’s Choice Awards such as The Largest, Best of Show, Most Unusual, People’s Pick and Junior Herpetologist. Guests will also enjoy a reptile trivia contest, live demonstrations, face painting, build-a-snake or lizard activity, snake personality quiz, and a sampling of “Insect Cuisine” prepared by a professional chef. Reptile Day is sponsored in part by GEICO, Tom Crutchfield, Zoo Med, and United Pet Group, Inc. For more information about sponsorship opportunities, contact Rachael Sablotsky at rsablotsky@miamisci.org. Entrance to the event is included with Museum admission. Students (with valid ID), seniors (62+) and children 3 – 12, $10.95; adults are $14.95. Admission is free for MiaSci members and children under 3. Parking is free.

Sleepless Night at the Betsy Hotel

The Betsy Hotel, a hub for arts and culture on South Beach, will take part in Sleepless Night; Miami Beach’s all night arts festival, on Saturday November 5, with a series of events that exemplify the hotel and its leadership team’s firmly established commitment to philanthropy, art, music and literature. In cooperation with The John Lennon Educational Tour Bus, a state of the art mobile recording studio and video production facility, The Betsy Hotel will host a dedication ceremony for a tree that it has donated to the City of Miami Beach in honor of Yoko Ono’s interactive artwork, Wish Tree. Located in Lummus Park, directly across the street from the hotel at 1440 Ocean Drive; the community is invited to attend the dedication and plaque installation beginning at 6:00 p.m. The Wish Tree has been integral to many of Ono’s exhibitions around the world in museums and cultural centers where people have been invited to write their personal wishes for peace and tie them to a tree branch. The first 100 guests to add their wishes to the tree will have their photograph taken by one of several professional photographers (including Robert Zuckerman) and exhibited on board the Lennon Bus. For a full schedule of the evening events, contact the Betsy Hotel at 305.531.6100.

11:11:11

The Wolfsonian Visionaries will host 11:11:11, the second annual Visionaries’ fundraiser to benefit The Wolfsonian–Florida International University. The event will run from 7:00-11:11pm on Friday, November 11, 2011, at the landmark 1111 Lincoln Road garage. The evening, which also marks The Wolfsonian’s 16th anniversary, will feature signature dishes from Miami’s top restaurants and caterers, as well as top shelf spirits from Bacardi. DJ Mauricio Parra will curate the music, and the images of artist Emilio Chapela will be on display in a site-specific installation. The evening will also include a surprise interactive event to mark 11:11pm. 

The evening features an impressive selection of tasting tables from Le Basque, Lovely Daze Desserts, Lyon + Lyon, Meat Market, Petit Pois, Ortanique, Rosa Mexicano, Shake Shack, Stella’s Sweet Shoppe, and Thierry’s Catering. Additional confirmed event sponsors include The Shore Club, Alhambra Antiques, ArtNexus, Fiction Events, and Jacober & Associates. 

The Wolfsonian Visionaries is comprised of young professionals from Miami’s arts and business communities who are committed to promoting The Wolfsonian through innovative events and design-related programming. The 11:11:11 host committee includes Olga Granda-Scott and Douglas Scott, Aimet and Josh Oberhausen, Jaime Odabashian, Lucia Schito, and Jose Zaldivar. Tickets are $150 per person. Tickets may be purchased online at https://fiualumni.com/SSLPage.aspx?pid=1020 . For further information about 11:11:11, contact Nelly Farra at nelly@thewolf.fiu.edu or 305.535.2626.

By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore 

Get your tickets now for the annual Make-A-Wish Nightclub Charity Event at the Intercontinental Hotel (100 Chopin Plaza) this Saturday, November 5 at 10:30 p.m.  This late night extravaganza promises to be filled with fashion, music and dancing and features tunes by mash-up master, DJ Joe Dert and a complimentary open bar. The event will take place on the heels of the 17^th Annual InterContinental Miami Make-A-Wish Ball which is modeled after Truman Capote’s legendary Black & White Ball at New York’s Plaza Hotel in 1966, with iconic rock-n-roll group Joan Jett and the Blackhearts as the entertainment. Unfortunately the ball is completely sold out.  The great news is that you can still be part of the excitement during the after party, where you will be sure to spot a celebrity or two (the gorgeous Burn Notice star Gabrielle Anwar is the gala’s celebrity auctioneer) and get the chance to peruse high fashions during fashion shows by Bogosse and Andrew Charles, not to mention the stellar looks worn by gala guests.  The party goes until 3 a.m. 

Michael Capponi, Norman Wedderburn, Robert B. Hill, Shareef Malnik and the knock-out Make-A-Wish Nightclub committee promise an elegant night of mystery and fantasy.  Tickets cost $100/$1,000 for a table of ten.   To make a donation, visit www.makeawishball.com.

With all of this flair and excitement, the actual ball seems almost like a pre-party!

By: Maryanne Salvat

msalvat@miamisocialholic.com

Smokey Bones Bar & Fire Grill

Spook the house down at Smokey Bones Bar & Fire Grill’s “Spooky Bones” Halloween bash on Friday, October 28. The neighborhood restaurant and bar will host a ghoulish costume party with all “Fire Starters” dressing in their best Halloween getups. From 9:00 p.m. until close guests will enjoy signature “All Day, Every Day” drink specials. Smokey Bones encourages guests to enter its costume contest for a chance to win a $100 gift card, which will be awarded to the sexiest, scariest and most originally dressed. For more information, call 954.474.3711 (Plantation) or 561.383.8240 (Wellington). 

Mercadito Midtown Day of the Dead

Beginning Saturday, October 29, Mercadito Midtown will commemorate the Day of the Dead with costumes galore, entertainment, themed cocktails, festive food specials and more. Mercadito along with Citrus Miami, will host the first annual Day of the Dead costume party on Saturday, October 29. Beginning at 10:00 p.m., guests arriving in full costume will be treated to a complimentary shot of tequila. Live music and entertainment will keep guests grooving into the wee hours. Extending the celebration into the week, guests can enjoy a spooky concoction created by the acclaimed Tippling Bros., the Blood Bite – a combination of tequila, orange juice, grenadine, and jarritos tamarindo. Reservations are strongly recommended for the week’s festivities, and can be made by calling 786.369.0430. 

 Nightmare Above Lincoln Road

The annual Nightmare Above Lincoln Road is a special, charity Halloween Event benefiting The Little Lighthouse Foundation, Inc., an organization assisting children and their families in South Florida who struggle with medical, educational, emotional and financial challenges. On Saturday, October 29, costumed guests will mix and mingle with demonic dancing girls and fire performers, sip cocktails from a large central “Fire Bar” courtesy of GREY GOOSE Vodka, and enjoy food stations from Miami Beach’ finest catering companies and local restaurants. During the past 10 years, GREY GOOSE Vodka has helped charities to raise more than $1 billion dollars. Event begins at 8:00 p.m., general admission tickets are $100 and VIP tickets are $150. VIP tables are also available starting at $2500.  For more information please contact: Jason Venger – info@thelittlelighthouse.org or at 786.368.5494 or – www.thelittlelighthouse.org <http://www.thelittlelighthouse.org>  

Monsters Ball at Cafeina 

The Wynwood lounge and art gallery presents Monsters Ball on Saturday, October 29 with a spooktacular costume contest giving away $500 for 1^st prize, $250 for 2^nd prize and a complimentary SVEDAK bottle and VIP table for  3^rd prize. Guests will enjoy complimentary SVEDKA Monster Mash martinis from 9:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. VJ Tom LaRoc and DJ A-Train will spin monstrous beats inside and out while frightening 8mm shorts play in the haunted garden movie theater. A freakish monster exhibit will be on display in the gallery. Event admission is $5, for more information and table reservations, call 305.438.0792 or visit www.cafeinamiami.com. 

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Happy Anniversary Wine Depot & Bistro 555

In honor of their first anniversary, starting this week until the end of the month, guests who dine at Wine Depot & Bistro 555 (party of four or more required) will receive a free bottle of champagne. Also, this month, Wine Depot & Bistro 555 will host an amazing wine fair. The wine fair will begin on October 27 and will run until November 6. There are over 400 different wines in stock and will be up to 50% off.

Miami Red Dress Fashion Show

The American Heart Association is pleased to step out on the runway for Funkshion’s Fall Fashion Week with its “Miami Red Dress Fashion Show” on Thursday, October 20 at the Setai Hotel. The event, which will celebrate fashion, philanthropy, and culture all in the name of women’s heart health, will begin with the pre-show cocktail hour at 8:00 p.m. and a runway show at 9:00 p.m.  Actor and founder of Music For Your Heart Foundation, Ruben Campbell, will kick-off the fashion show with a special performance. Local celebrities walking the runway for the cause include: Monica Fonseca, Natalia Jimenez, Marysol Patton, Danna Garcia, Candella Ferro and Adriana de Moura. Lissette Gonzalez, meteorologist at CBS4, will serve as the Mistress of Ceremonies. Festivities will continue after the fashion show at the MOMMS Post Show Party at Mokai starting at 11:00 p.m. Reservations are required to attend. For further information, call 305.631.4750.

Spam Allstars at Cafeina 

On Friday, October 21, Cafeina presents Miami’s popular Latin-funk band Spam Allstars. The Grammy nominated group will keep guests on their feet as they dance to an improvisational blend of Latin, funk, and hip-hop music. DJ Erick Paredes will keep the party going into the early hours as guests at the Wynwood lounge enjoy $4 Sam Adams Octoberfests as well as Grey Goose and Jose Cuervo bottle specials.

“Hula-ween” luau at Solé on the Ocean

The ultra-contemporary boutique hotel in Sunny Isles Beach gets “a head” of the holiday with its “Hula-ween” luau on Saturday, October 22 from 5:00 to 10:00pm. For $25 per person, guys and ghouls are invited to celebrate the haunted holiday island-style with a pumpkin carving, paddle boarding, limbo contests (win a weekend stay) and a beachside pig roast, complete with all the Polynesian trimmings. A Mai Tai, valet and ear candy by DJ Dutch and ukulele-clad Aloha Boyz are also included in the price of admission. Festive attire is encouraged and rewarded. For reservations, call 786.923.9300 or email alba@soleoto.com.  

 MCM “Not So Scary Family Halloween Bash”

You don’t have to be spooked to enjoy Halloween! And that’s just the way Miami Children’s Museum (MCM) will celebrate this year with the MCM “Not So Scary Family Halloween Bash” on Sunday, October 23, from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m. at their Watson Island location. All this while benefiting the MCM’s scholarship programs, and your little ghosts and goblins will have a boo-tiful time as they trick or treat their way around the Museum’s 14 galleries, brave the haunted house, test their knowledge in the mad scientist lab, or create crazed crafts.  Families are bound to have a bewitching time decorating pumpkins donated by Robert Netkin and cupcakes donated by Misha’s Cupcakes!  There will also be face painting, balloon artists, scary music by Rhythm City Productions, silent auction, a costume parade and much, much more. Food is sponsored by Epicure Markets with desserts and snacks from Ghirardelli, VITA COCO, Quaker, A Piece of Cake and Coca-Cola.   Special Packages are available including a Benefactors Family Package for $1,000.00 that includes 12 tickets to the Halloween Bash, Benefactor MCM Membership & a personalized tile on the Museum’s Starfish Stroll; a Members Family Package for $500.00 that includes 10 tickets & MCM Family Membership; and a Family Package for $200.00 that includes 6 tickets. Individual tickets are also available for $50.00 each. For more information call 305.373.KIDS (5437), ext. 142 or visit www.miamichildrensmuseum.org. Please note: The Museum will be closed for this event.

Karaoke for a Cause at Rik Rak Salon

Rik Rak Salon, Mercedes-Benz of Coral Gables,  and CBS 4’s Cynthia Demos are teaming up to host the first-ever Karaoke for a Cause, on Thursday, October 27 from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. The contest will bring out Miami’s best amateur voices who will vie for first place, all to raise money to support the CHARLEE Organization. Warm up your vocal cords and prepare your inner Elvis for an evening of exciting competition, Karaoke favorites, tasty food, and raffle prizes. The champion will receive a Rik Rak gift certificate and have a chance to defend their title in the next Karaoke for a Cause competition. Karaoke for a Cause committee members include: Denie Harris, Jamie Rusk, Jorge Estevez, Lissette Gonzalez and Stephanie Demos Brown. Tickets are $30 per person in advance and $40 at the door. Admission price includes complimentary drinks and hors d’oeuvres. To purchase tickets visit www.charlee.org or call 305.779. 9793.

Best Buddies At The Stage

Best Buddies South Florida is pleased to announce that Buddies at the District presented by the Miami Business Buddies Committee taking place on Thursday, October 27 from 7:30 to 10:00 p.m. Miami finest will come together for an evening of entertainment, food trucks, and friendship. This fabulous fundraiser will be held at the Design District’s trendiest venue, The Stage. Local artists, the Deadly Blank and Space Between Words will energize the crowd to live music while DJ Hottpants will keep everyone moving with a custom set. 300 young professionals and top executives are expected to eat, drink, and network all while supporting a great cause. $35 minimum suggested donation guests are entitled to entrance to the event, complimentary cocktails courtesy of GREY GOOSE Vodka, and a select food truck menu. All the funds raised from Buddies at the District will go towards supporting Best Buddies Miami Programs which positively impact the lives of over 1,000 individuals with and without intellectual disabilities a year.

 A South Beach Star at Books & Books

Local favorite and author James Cubby will be at Books & Books South Beach/Design Within Reach on Thursday, October 13 at 7:00 p.m. for a reading from his new novel, South Beach Star. There will also be a book signing and reception after the reading. Beverages compliments of Delaplaine Champagne. The event will be held at Design Within Reach which is adjacent to Books & Books Lincoln Road.

 Funkshion: Fashion Week Miami Beach 

Funkshion: Fashion Week Miami Beach celebrates its 8th year and 17th season from October18 through October 23. As with every year, FUNKSHION: Fashion Week Miami Beach fuses music and fashion and like no other city in the world.  MIAMI STYLE! FUNKSHION: Fashion Week Miami Beach venues include: The Setai Hotel in Miami Beach and The Moore Building in the famed Design District in Miami.   FUNKSHION: Fashion Week Miami Beach is a four day/evening long event providing an intelligent, innovative platform for progressive and established designers to showcase their collections to media, celebrities, international buyers, and select style makers. For a complete line-up and show listings visit WWW.FASHIONWEEKMIAMI.COM or WWW.FUNKSHION.COM.

Bass Museum of Art Pays Homage to Steve Jobs

The Bass Museum of Art, one of Miami Beach’s key cultural landmarks, pays homage to Steve Jobs, co-founder and former CEO of Apple, Inc., by prominently displaying Apple, a 38 X 38 inch silkscreen piece created by pop artist Andy Warhol. In light of Jobs’ recent death, the museum decided to honor the American inventor by sharing one of its contemporary works with its visitors. Warhol’s Apple is part of the artist’s famous 1985 Ads Portfolio which also includes works featuring brands such as Paramount, Chanel and Volkswagen. George Lindemann Jr., President of the Board of Directors of the Bass Museum of Art, is a fan of both men. “Apple represents the work of two creative geniuses who are no longer physically with us, yet remain very present,” adds Lindemann. Andy Warhol’s Apple is a piece of artwork from the permanent collection of the Bass Museum of Art and will be on view inside the museum’s new Chad Oppenheim designed lobby through Saturday, November 5.  

National Gay and Lesbian Task Force 15th Annual Miami Recognition Dinner

The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force is proud to present the 15th Annual Miami Recognition Dinner, sponsored by Wells Fargo, at Fontainebleau Miami Beach on Saturday, October 15. This annual fundraising event honors individuals for their outstanding contributions to the social, cultural, political and humanitarian needs of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community. This year’s honorees include local activist and attorney Georg Ketelhohn and Ben Cohen, international sports star and chairman of the Ben Cohen StandUp Foundation, the world’s first anti-bullying organization. The event will also feature a special appearance by actress Pam Grier, star of Showtime’s The L Word: Complete Series, the official stage sponsor for the evening. Tickets to the 15th annual Miami Recognition Dinner are $200 for general admission and $300 for VIP admission (which includes a private VIP cocktail reception and meet & greet prior to the dinner). For ticket information, visit www.thetaskforce.org/miami or call 305.571.1924. Become a fan of the Miami Recognition Dinner on Facebook by visiting www.facebook.com/MiamiDinner. 

Jazz Brunch at Solé on the Ocean

On Sunday, October 16, Solé on the Ocean, the boutique hotel in Sunny Isles Beach, will host a New Orleans-inspired “Jazz Brunch” to close out the 4th Annual Sunny Isles Beach Jazz Festival. Held at its beachfront lounge Alba from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., guests will enjoy traditional fare from “The Big Easy” while listening to the smooth sounds of The Frank Axtell Quartet jazz ensemble. The extensive brunch menu ($34.95 per person, excludes taxes and gratuity) will boast an array of breakfast and lunch fixings including Belgian Waffles; Biscuits with Gravy; Grits with Shrimp and Egg; Jambalaya; Creole Beef with Onions; paninis, fresh fruit and more. Unlimited Mimosas and Bloody Marys are available for an additional $10 (excluding tax and service fee). For Jazz Brunch and hotel reservations, call 786.923.9300 or email alba@soleoto.com. Valet is also available to diners at a discounted rate of $5.

ONEHOPE Pink Roll at RA Sushi

In support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, RA Sushi South Miami presents the ONEHOPE Wine and Pink Roll combination. For $15, patrons will enjoy a glass of ONEHOPE California Chardonnay and the Pink Roll:  shrimp, crab mix and combined with lettuce, avocado and cucumber wrapped in pink soy paper and served with a pink ribbon of strawberry sauce. All proceeds from the ONEHOPE Combination will benefit the National Breast Cancer Foundation® (NBCF).  This special will run from Saturday, October 1 through Monday, October 31. 

 Pink Package at Solé on the Ocean 

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Sunny Isles getaway Solé on the Ocean has created a special “Pink Package” benefitting the Susan G. Komen for the Cure® Miami/Ft. Lauderdale Affiliate. Guests who book the package during the month of October will receive a special rate on the hotel’s popular King Ocean View Room (single occupancy at $219; double occupancy at $229), a welcome pink Martini in Alba Lounge as well as a bottle of rosé Champagne and a pink M&Ms-styled amenity in-room upon arrival. Valet, resort fee, and all taxes are included in the price of the package.  A minimum of a two-night stay required; rates are based per room, per night. For more information, visit www.soleonthebeach.com.

I <3 Juernes at Cafeina

Cafeina Wynwood, is proud to present the launch of its “I <3 Juernes” party series, beginning on Thursday, October 6, at 9 p.m. The weekly happening, named after the Spanish-language fusion of “Jueves” and “Viernes”—Thursday and Friday—is devoted to celebrating the unofficial beginning of the weekend with an international twist. Guests will enjoy a variety of drink specials, DJs and live performances, each designed to fuel the festivities into the early morning hours. The initial installment will feature crossover beats by MTV Latin America’s in-house DJ sensation Mauricio Parra, who will set the tone for a night of dancing and revelry. A slew of specially priced spirits will be available. As an ode to age-old Latin machismo, groups of six or more ladies will receive a complimentary bottle of champagne. Last but not least, surprise guest musicians will take center stage in Cafeina’s outdoor garden to help patrons welcome Friday with a Miami-inspired soundtrack. For table reservations, contact info@cafeinamiami.com or call 305.438.0792.

Kids Eat Free in October at BGR Coral Gables

This October kids eat free every Wednesday at BGR The Burger Joint in Coral Gables and our favorite burger joint in town. The funky, rock n’ roll themed restaurant, known for innovative sandwiches made with top-quality ingredients, is offering a free kids meal with every purchase of a burger, fries and drink after 4 p.m. It’s a delicious dinner deal that will make both children and parents smile. Be sure to try the Wellington, which is prepared with black truffles and foie gras, or the Buffalo Blue (our personal favorite) or whatever the featured burger is. The special, which is for children under 12, consists of a soft drink, two delectable sliders or grilled cheese sandwiches and Yukon Gold fries, which can be topped with rosemary, garlic or parmesan for all those junior gourmands in training.  So aside from all this goodness, what sets BGR in the Gables apart from the zillion other burger joints in town? If you ask the kids, they will tell you it’s the state-of-the-art, $30, 000 Ferrari soda machine containing over 100 soda combinations. 

VIPink at Soho Beach 

Ocean Drive magazine and Bright Pink will host a celebration of Breast Cancer Awareness Month for the ultimate “pink” cocktail party, VIPink. The event will be held on Thursday, October 6, from 7 to 10 p.m. at Soho Beach House.  The evening will feature a silent auction composed of luxury and lifestyle goods, “Bright-tini” cocktails by GREY GOOSE® Vodka as well as, wine, champagne and a variety of delectable desserts. Ocean Drive magazine is the exclusive media partner for VIPink Miami. All proceeds from the event will benefit Bright Pink’s educational and awareness programs. For additional details or to purchase tickets, visit: vipinkmiami11.eventbrite.com. 

ISA Boutique Breast Cancer Awareness 

ISA boutique in Midtown Miami is preparing to kick off Breast Cancer Awareness Month on Thursday, October 6, from 6 to 8 p.m., with their recently debuted monthly shopping party alongside host Annie Vazquez. Portions of the proceeds from this event will benefit the Florida Breast Cancer Foundation; the boutique will also be accepting donations the entire month of October.  Enjoy on-site dry styling by Blo – Blow Dry Bar (www.blomedry.com), eco-friendly cocktails courtesy of VeeV (www.veevlife.com), VIP cards and more.

South Florida’s Signature Chefs

One of South Florida’s most popular annual food and wine charity events, the March of Dimes Signature Chefs Auction, will return for its 14th year on Thursday, October 6, featuring signature chefs from dozens of Miami’s most popular restaurants.  The event, presented by Goya Foods, will be held at The Westin Colonnade Coral Gables.  Celebrity Emcee Jackie Nespral of NBC 6 will host the evening and Dr. Deise Granado-Villar of Miami Children’s Hospital will be honored for her continuous support of the March of Dimes. VIP Tickets for the event are $250 per person, which includes admission to the exclusive VIP Champagne Reception at 6:30 p.m.  General Admission (7:30 p.m.) tickets are $150 per person.   All proceeds from the event benefit the March of Dimes.  For more event information and sponsorship opportunities, call 305.477.1192 or visit marchofdimes.com/florida.

Walk by Faith with Mike Cardoso 

On Friday, October 7, The Stage will host a fundraiser to benefit Walk by Faith with Mike Cardoso from 6 to 10 p.m. Walk by Faith with Mike Cardoso is a charity to raise funds for stem cell advancement therapy.  A $15 donation includes appetizers and discounted drinks, along with live music by Jahfe.  Guests will also get a chance to bid on silent auction items including specialized sports memorabilia.  The event will be emceed by Jason Jackson from Miami Heat TV.  For more information, or to donate to Walk by Faith with Mike Cardoso, visit:  www.supportmikecardoso.com.

George Kotsiopoulos and Swarovski on Lincoln Road

On Tuesday, October 11, from 7 to 9 p.m., Swarovski on Lincoln Road, the leading designer and producer of fashion jewelry, celebrates Fall Fashion by hosting a style event with Fashion Expert George Kotsiopoulos.  The E! Style Expert will offer insider tips and celebrity red carpet style secrets, all while showcasing the latest trends in Fall Accessories. Refreshments will be provided; special gift with purchases over $150 (while supplies last).

Meat Market Wine Dinner

After two sold-out wine dinners this summer, Meat Market, Miami Beach’s contemporary American steakhouse, announces the third and final event in the 2011 series.  Organized by sommelier Sarah Almand and acclaimed chef/co-owner Sean Brasel, the final wine dinner will take place on Wednesday, October 19 at 7 p.m.  For the dinner, hosted by the United States Sommelier Association, Almand will pair Brasel’s modern American cuisine with 90 point plus bottles from California superstar producers. The reception & four-course dinner menu and correlating wines is priced at $95 per person, excluding tax and gratuity. Reservations for the wine dinner are limited and can be made by calling 305. 532.0088.  www.meatmarketmiami.com.  

Lights Out Miami! 

On Thursday, October 20, chefs, servers and diners will be challenged to explore new approaches to fine dining in the dark, in a dynamic environment. Lights Out Miami presented by Ability Explosion – a non-profit organization committed to highlighting the capabilities of the differently-abled is breaking down barriers.  Service staff at all participating restaurants receive Orientation and Mobility Training sponsored by Miami Light House for the Blind.  This valuable component plays an important part in expanding the skills and the minds of the front line service providers while creating a fun and enlightening experience. Menus range in price from $55 – $135 depending on the restaurant and what is being offered.  Participating restaurants, tickets and information are available on line at www.AbilityExplosion.org.