The third annual Nautica South Beach Triathlon takes place on Sunday, April 11 to benefit pediatric cancer research for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.  Participants expected in this year’s 2010 races include co-anchor and national correspondent for NBC‘s “Today”, Natalie Morales, actress, Eliza Dushku, former NBA player, Rick Fox,  Australian triathlete and five-time Ironman champion, Chris “Macca” McCormack, NBC’s “Biggest Loser”, winner Ali Vincent, The Bold and the Beautiful’s, Heather Tom, three-time Winter X Games freestyle skiing gold medalist, Sarah Burke, WPLG Local 10’s news anchor, Sasha Andrade, and WKMG Orlando’s news anchor Michael Garolfalo. The “fun” starts at 7:00 a.m. (yes, in the MORNING) on 5^th street and Ocean Drive.  For more information, please visit www.SouthBeachTri.com.

The American Red Cross presents its annual Red Cross Ball on March 27, at 7 p.m. at the Ritz Carlton Key Biscayne (455 Grand Bay Drive).  In light of recent disasters, the Red Cross needs your support more than ever,  so consider joining over 400 influential leaders of Miami’s social and corporate communities for a night of elegance, delicious food, music and dancing.  In addition to the auction which features items such as cruises, trips and other fabulous items, Will Earl Spanheimer, a young artist in residence with the San Diego Opera will perform. Tickets cost $500 per person.  Tables are also available.

For more information contact Kenia Tedesco at 305.728.2512 or email:  tedescok@usa.redcross.org.

This concert will be held from noon-10 p.m. on March 28, at the Central Broward Regional Park, located at 3700 NW 11th Place, Lauderhill, Fl and feature several musical genres including, Kompa, Reggae, R&B, Hip-Hop, Soca, Gospel and Latin.  The stellar line-up of invited guests include: Tabou Combo, Nu Look, Jahnesta, Sweet Mickey, Sister Sledge, Donna Allen, Whodini, Special Ed, Nadine Sutherland, Glen Washington, Singing Melody, Abijah, Causion, King Banton, Barbee, Twiggy, Maurice, Hope for Tomorrow, Junior Tucker, Sherell Rosegreen, and DJ Griot.

Tickets cost $15.00 and are available online at www.tohaitiwithlovebenefit.com or by calling 888-695-0888 or at various ticket outlets across Broward and Dade County.

RA Sushi (5829 SW 73^rd St.) and Yelp.com invite all levels of competitive eaters to enter its Maki Madness sushi-eating contest on Wednesday, March 31, from 6-9 p.m. to benefit Miami Children’s Hospital’s Radio Lollipop.®.  The grand prize winner will receive free sushi for a year, and bragging rights as the RA Sushi MAKI MADNESS champion.  Second place gets a $100 gift certificate and third place gets a $50 gift certificate.  All participants will receive a RA Sushi sweatband or t-shirt and participants (21 years and older) who do not advance to the final three will receive Penny Drink and/or Appetizer Cards for use during their next visit.

Maki Madness is limited to the first 30 entries. Applications are available at RA Sushi in South Miami.  The deadline to register is Monday, March 29 and all eaters must be at least 18 years old to participate. Registration to compete includes a $10 entry fee (cash only), which will be donated to Radio Lollipop® of the Miami Children’s Hospital along with donations from guests at the door. Round 1 starts at 6:30 p.m. and the Championship Maki Madness is at 8:30 p.m.  For more information call 305.341.0092.

Fenom Absinthe and the Big Bounce

 Absinthe will be the liquor of choice during the Big Bounce album release after party on Friday, March 19, following their concert which takes place at the Colony Theater at 8:00 p.m.  The after party, sponsored by Fenom Modern Absinthe will be held at The Florida Room.

 Exhale

 Exhale Spa at the EPIC Hotel is celebrating its grand opening on Tuesday, March 23 with an exclusive event hosted by Ocean Drive Magazine’s Suzy Buckley and exhale’s Danielle Terranova. Guests will be treated to light bites by Executive Chef John Critchley of Area 31, fresh juice and raw treats by Blueprint Cleanse and have the opportunity to experience Exhale’s active and multi-disciplinary approach that combines fitness and movement with spa and healing therapies in a modern, tranquil day spa setting. To score an invite or to RSVP, contact exhale at 305.423.3900.

Malinka Max

 Anyone who’s been to a party at Casa Malinka knows that it’s worth the trip and price of admission.  This Saturday, the first annual Hearts and Stars Gala, a philanthropic effort benefiting the Little Lighthouse Foundation and Ronald McDonald House Charities of South Florida takes place there, from 7-11 p.m. and promises to be a night to remember, featuring free flowing cocktails courtesy of Grey Goose vodka, and live musical performance by Pras Michel (Grammy Award winner and original member of the Fugees), and 19 year old Israeli singing sensation Nir, who’s been compared to Justin Timberlake.  Live and silent auctions including celebrity experiences, fine jewelry, and getaways as well as dancing under the stars will add to the already exciting evening.  Casa Malinka has been the location of choice for the many over-the-top affairs. To read about Malinka Max’s outrageous circus-themed New Year’s bash visit:   https://miamisocialholic.com/. Tickets cost $125 in advance / $150 at the door.  For more information visit:  http://www.rmhcsouthflorida or contact Christin Naab at 305.585.5960; christin@rmhcsouthflorida.org.

Jennifer Valoppi

 Women of Tomorrow

 Also on Saturday, the Women of Tomorrow Mentor and Scholarship Program celebrates its spring-inspired gala at the Mandarin Oriental. The event will feature a live performance from Latin heartthrob and Billboard nominated singer/actor JenCarlos Canela, music by the Steve Chase Band and an extravagant live auction emceed by WPLG Channel 10’s Calvin Hughes and Neki Mohan, who is also a WOT mentor.  Local VIPs and tastemakers to be expected will include Founders of the Women of Tomorrow Mentor & Scholarship Program, Jennifer Valoppi and Telemundo president Don Browne; Gala Chair Marisa Toccin; WOT Vice-President and State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle; Honorary Chairmen Madeleine and Micky Arison; Legacy Builder Honorees Lora and Fred Drasner;  Empowerment Award Honorees Jason and Haley Binn and many more.  Auction items include tickets to The Jay Leno Show and to Super Bowl 2011, among other fab prizes.  For tickets or more information, call 305.371.3330 or visit www.womenoftomorrow.org.

 Heart of Gold Gala

 The Wellness Community will host their annual Heart of Gold Gala on Saturday as well at the Eden Roc Hotel.  We are buying these event planners a calendar as we speak!  This year’s theme, Monte Carlo, sets the stage for an extravagant evening which begins at 7 p.m. with cocktails and a silent auction followed by dinner and dancing. Live auctioneer CBS-TV’s chief weather-caster Lonnie Quinn will be back for his second year as emcee. The event is black-tie optional. Tickets cost $350 per guest. For more information and to buy tickets, contact the Wellness Community at 305.668.5900.