Posted by Mary Jo Almeida-Shore On December - 12 - 2024
Get ready to Mambo under the Miami moonlight at the Kiwanis Club of Little Havana’s most fun event of the year – the “Every Child Has a Dream” Gala. Don your most comfortable dancing shoes for what’s sure to be a dance marathon- all for a great cause.
The party will take place on Saturday, December 14th at the Miami-Dade County Fair & Exposition Center. Get ready to shimmy to the electrifying beats of DJ Alex Gutierrez and DJ Jimmie E., then sing your heart out to chart-topping Cuban crooner Leoni Torres. Keeping the whole night lively will be the ever-charming Martica Lopez, host of the afternoon show on Hits 97.3. The fun starts at 7:00 pm and unlimited cocktails and food will be served.
The real stars of the night are the kids. The Kiwanis of Little Havana Foundation has been making a difference in the lives of children and young adults for years, providing scholarships, educational programs, summer camps, and more. They’ve impacted hundreds of thousands of kids and awarded over $3 million in college scholarships Now that’s something to celebrate!
A big shout-out to Bacardi, Amerant Bank, Williamson Cadillac, Coca-Cola South Florida, Café La Llave, Gaviña Gourmet Coffee, Homestead Speedway, and all of the sponsors who are helping make this night possible.
Head to https://kiwanisgala.com for tickets. Follow the Kiwanis Club of Little Havana on Facebook (@KiwanisLittleHavana) and Instagram (@KiwanisofLittleHavana) to stay in the loop.
Lala’s Burgers, the smash burger sensation from Miami’s iconic Apocalypse BBQ, has officially opened at Lincoln’s Beard Brewing Co., bringing its viral creations to Miami’s Bird Road Art District and now offering fans the opportunity to enjoy them seven days a week.
Since debuting as a Tuesday-only pop-up at Apocalypse BBQ in Kendall over the summer, Lala’s Burgers has repeatedly drawn an overwhelming response. The team attempted a soft launch for this new phase of the brand at Lincoln’s Beard Brewing earlier this month, hoping for a gradual start to operations for the location, but that proved impossible. News spread quickly across social media, and lines soon formed as eager fans returned for more legendary smash burgers.
Lala’s Burgers debuted with three signature smash burgers, each loaded with flavor:
Lala Smash ($12) – A five-ounce patty with American cheese, grilled onions, “Lala Sauce,” and house-made pickles.
Classic Smash ($12) – A five-ounce patty with American cheese, onions, house pickles, lettuce, tomatoes, and the OG sauce.
Maxwell Smash ($16) – A five-ounce patty topped with American cheese, queso frito (fried cheese), chopped pepperoni, and hot honey aioli. This “Burger of the Month” will only be available for November.
For those with a big appetite, burgers can be doubled (for an additional $4). The team recommends rounding out the meal with crispy fries (available for $6) and a classic chocolate chip cookie round—a fan favorite from Apocalypse BBQ (for $3.50).
Owned by Jeff Budnechky and his wife Laura “Lala” Budnechky —after whom the burger concept is named—Apocalypse BBQ in Kendall has become a prized spot in the Miami food scene that draws long lines daily. Known for its coffee-rubbed ribs, juicy brisket, and outstanding burgers, it was only a matter of time before the team brought Lala’s Burgers to a broader audience. Apocalypse BBQ’s signature “Jefe Smash” burger, which boasts a brisket and short rib patty topped with American cheese, grilled onions, and “Jefe Sauce” served on a Martin’s potato bun, helped cement their reputation for delivering a rich, meaty, and irresistibly crispy smash burger.
” We’re truly humbled and energized by the love and enthusiasm Miami has shown for Lala’s Burgers,” said Laura “Lala” Budnechky, co-owner of Apocalypse BBQ. “What started as a simple pop-up has turned into something extraordinary, and we’re grateful to have a home at Lincoln’s Beard Brewing Co. where fans can enjoy our smash burgers every day. Seeing the overwhelming response has been incredible, and we can’t wait to keep serving up flavors that bring people together.”
Lala’s Burgers is now open daily at Lincoln’s Beard Brewing Co., 7360 SW 41 Street, in Miami. Hours are Monday from 4 to 11 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday from 4 p.m. to midnight, Wednesday and Friday from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m., Saturday from noon to 1 a.m., and Sunday from noon to 9 p.m. The Tuesday pop-up at Apocalypse BBQ, 9980 SW 104 Street, in Kendall, will continue every Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Posted by Mary Jo Almeida-Shore On December - 11 - 2024
Amigos For Kids, a Miami-based nonprofit committed to preventing child abuse and neglect, is preparing to host its much-loved 33rd Annual Holiday Toy Drive. This cherished event, taking place on Sunday, December 15, 2024, at Jose Martí Park, promises to spread joy and fulfill holiday wishes for thousands of underprivileged children across South Florida.
First launched as the organization’s flagship event, the Toy Drive has grown into a cornerstone of holiday giving, brightening the season for families who need it most. Karina Pavone, President & CEO of Amigos For Kids, shared, “Year after year, our community comes together to create magical moments for the children and families we serve. Their generosity allows us to bring hope and joy to families during the holiday season.”
The annual initiative is made possible through the unwavering support of corporate sponsors, community donors, dedicated volunteers, and Amigos’ hardworking staff. Board Chair Maggie Fresen Zulueta, who also serves as Vice President of Academica, highlighted the event’s impact: “This Toy Drive is about more than just giving gifts. It’s about making dreams come true for children and advancing our mission to prevent child abuse and neglect in our community.”
This year’s sponsors include:
Make A Wish Sponsor: The Chariff Family, Magic City Casino
Gold Leaf Sponsors: The Gloria Estefan Foundation, FedEx, Miami Heat Charitable Fund, Miami Dade County District 5 Commissioner Eileen Higgins, The Floyd Family, Chick-Fil-A, and the Brunetti Foundation
Silver Bell Sponsor: Amerant Bank, AA Advance Air, and Abogadas 305
Candy Cane Sponsors: Archdiocese of Miami, FPL, Florida Blue, First American Bank, Miami Dade County District 6 Commissioner Kevin Cabrera
Amigos Partners: PNC Bank, LIV Golf, Republica Havas, Urbieta Family Foundation
Media Sponsors: Univision 23
The day promises to be filled with festive fun as pre-registered children and their families join the celebration at Jose Martí Park. From selecting their personalized gifts to meeting Santa and enjoying holiday treats, the event creates lasting memories for all.
Extending the spirit of giving beyond the park, Amigos For Kids will also distribute toys directly to children at partner organizations throughout the community, with the help of board members, staff, and volunteers.
Make A Wish Sponsor, Jonathan Chariff, expressed his pride in being part of the event: “Collaborating with Amigos For Kids is incredibly rewarding. Witnessing the smiles on children’s faces and the joy it brings to families is priceless. Supporting this remarkable initiative is truly an honor.”
Amigos For Kids invites the community to join in spreading holiday cheer by donating, purchasing gifts, or volunteering. Visit amigosforkids.org for more details, and stay connected on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter at @AmigosForKids
The Hot 100 is the trusted guide to navigating Art Basel Miami Beach Week, providing access information to the best special events of the week. For just $50, this high-profile directory offers a chronological listing of top private event programming, clickable RSVP links, select comp passes, and daily updates as new invites roll in. Trusted by celebrities, media professionals, and luxury brand leaders, the Hot 100 simplifies your schedule, keeps you informed on what’s happening at any hour, and helps you navigate the overwhelming Basel process. Get your guide here and experience Art Week like never before.
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Posted by Mary Jo Almeida-Shore On November - 7 - 2024
On Saturday, November 9, 2024, Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) will host its 11th annual Art of the Party—an unmissable fête mixing philanthropy, fine dining, and flair. Honoring Kenneth C. Griffin, Citadel’s head honcho and an arts-and-culture patron extraordinaire, the night celebrates art with Miami-style glamour.
Expect a star-studded cocktail reception, a dinner that’s more culinary art than meal, and the announcement of the sixth Pérez Prize—a coveted award for artists shaping global art narratives. As PAMM Director Franklin Sirmans puts it, this event is all about creating “genuine human interactions with and through art.” Translation: it’s not just a party; it’s a cultural moment.
Funds raised will turbocharge PAMM’s arts education programs—already the largest outside Miami-Dade Public Schools—and keep the museum’s mission thriving.
The Breakdown: Chef’s Table Dinner (6:30 PM): Dine under the stars on the East Portico, where cocktails, live music, and a gourmet menu accompany the evening’s honors.
Remix Party (9:30 PM): Hit the North Terrace Platform for a dance party led by DJ and artist José Parlá, whose exhibit Homecoming lands at PAMM later this month. Bonus: decadent desserts and an open bar to keep the vibes high.
Want in? Tickets and sponsorship info are at pamm.org/aotp24. Whether you’re mingling with Miami’s cultural elite or just there for the vibes, Art of the Party promises to be a masterpiece of its own.
Miami’s most anticipated fundraising event is back, and it’s set to be bigger and better than ever! Amigos For Kids, a beloved Miami-based nonprofit dedicated to preventing child abuse and neglect by supporting children, families, and communities, proudly announces the return of its celebrated annual event, Amigos Night, on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at The Hangar at Regatta Harbor. Known for attracting record-breaking crowds and a star-studded lineup, this unforgettable evening will unite Miami’s top celebrities, media personalities, elected officials, and influential civic and business leaders—all for a meaningful cause.
Upon arrival, guests will step into an unforgettable evening of style, entertainment, and exquisite cuisine. The event will feature a culinary wonderland with Miami’s top chefs and restaurants offering mouthwatering dishes, paired with an open bar sponsored by Bacardi, serving exclusive, handcrafted cocktails that will set the perfect tone for the night.
This year’s Black Carpet will shine brighter than ever, with Miami’s biggest stars, influencers, and social elite showcasing their support for Amigos For Kids. Notable attendees include Venezuelan actor and singer Gabriel Coronel, Telemundo anchor Gloria Ordaz, and award-winning journalist and Univision co-anchor of Primer Impacto, Pamela Silva. Their presence underscores the vital importance of this cause and the event’s powerful impact on the community.
As the night unfolds, guests will be treated to a showstopping performance by The Clique, a high-energy band that has been igniting Miami’s nightlife for over 25 years. With non-stop dancing and a vibrant Hora Loca, the evening promises to be one for the books, keeping the energy high and the dance floor packed!
For those seeking a bit of friendly competition, “Domino Park” will offer an exciting corner of the party, where both seasoned and first-time domino players can match skills in a lively atmosphere.
The event’s success is made possible by our generous sponsors, and we extend our heartfelt gratitude to all of them. We especially thank our title sponsor, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino; our presenting sponsor, Bacardi; our diamond sponsors, Academica and Prestige Clinical Research; our platinum sponsors, Greenberg Traurig, Intermedia Touch, and Ford; and our gold sponsors, including Banesco, Baptist Health, Goya, Larry Geller & Ingrid Hoffmann, Jorge Luis Garcia, Ryder, and Truist.
To support and learn more about Amigos For Kids, visitamigosforkids.org and follow @AmigosForKids on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.