Archive for the ‘Social Work’ Category

Make-A-Wish Garden Party- A Splashy Affair

Posted by Mary Jo Almeida-Shore On April - 24 - 2010

Al_and_Nancy_Malnik_at_Make_A_Wish_Garden_Party_2010_028More than two hundred guests braved a monsoon on Sunday to attend one of the premiere events of the year: the InterContinental Miami Make-A-Wish Ball Garden Party at Al and Nancy Malnik’s, oceanfront estate in Palm Beach. Not sure if the monsoon was in keeping with this year’s Asian theme- we wouldn’t put it past them. But despite the rain, guests were in good spirits, some joking about getting splashed by the mermaid in the fountain on the way in. The intimate gathering was the first event of the year in honor of the highly anticipated annual ball, to be held Saturday, November 6, 2010.

Adding some “Hooo-aah!” to this year’s garden party was Burn Notice star, Gabrielle Anwar, who originally gained fame for her Tango scene alongside Al Pacino in the Golden Globe winning film, Scent of A Woman. Anwar was canoodling with Shareef Malnik and playing with her son and daughter and the clan of Malnik children throughout the afternoon. When the party was over, Anwar and Shareef left together, schlepping a car seat and stroller for Shareef’s 9 month-old grandson, whom Shareef kept on his hip the entire day. Talk about “doting”-very endearing indeed. (Incidentally, Shareef has six siblings ages 11 and under- among the world’s youngest “great aunts and uncles!”) The youngest Malnik was enthralled with the gorgeous Geisha girls at the party. That’s one fruit that’s fallen close to home.

Also adding flair to the party was a flamboyant (and frisky) Don King, who delightfully posed for photos with several female attendees. Other notable party guests included Norman Wedderburn, President/CEO of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Florida; Robert Hill, Gala Host and General Manager of InterContinental Miami, Rene Ruiz, Brad Rosenblatt, Jillian Jacobson, Erika Shriftman Koopman, Tara Solomon and Nick D’Annunzio. Guests were treated to Rising Suns, a specialty cocktail designed by The Forge Restaurant & Wine Bar’s mixologist; hors d’oeuvres; beats by DJ Joe Dert and a performance by Japanese Taiko drummers Fushu Daiko. This year’s goal is to grant 525 wishes. You can help make that happen by contacting the Foundation at (888) 773-WISH or visiting:

Ladies’ Lunch

Posted by Maryanne Salvat On April - 7 - 2010

Ladies Lunch (4)As if we needed another reason to break free from the work day routine for an extended lunch, Ladies Lunch tempts us more each month, as the perfect way to get the girls together and disconnect from the hustle and bustle that goes along with a career oriented lifestyle. The social soirees are held every month at different locations, ladies are encouraged to bring any materials or causes they would like to discuss and share with the group. 

Ladies Lunch provides a forum for networking with a slew of local characters from all professions, including: museum curators, socialites, professional polo players, gorgeous bakers (Kosher and Greek), personal trainers, and stay at home moms that enjoy racing high speed motor boats. 

March’s luncheon took place on Thursday, March 18th at the group’s new location, Morton’s on Brickell. Some of the attendees included Committee Members Sage Hoffman & Irene D’auria; Speaker of the month Carol Hoffman-Guzman; Miami “people broker” Heather Davis and Naomi Wilzig, Owner/Curator of the World Erotic Art Museum.

So if you are looking to update your phone tree with a list of multitasking super women, this is the place to make your connections. The next lunch will be held on Thursday, April 22- location is TBA so be sure to check back.

 We highly encourage you to bring plenty of business cards.For more information, please contact events@m3events.net or 305-865-5733.

Marisa Tomei, Rex Lee, Serena Williams, spotted in the MIA

Posted by Maryanne Salvat On March - 25 - 2010
tn2_marisa_tomei_2

Marisa Tomei

A very low-key Marisa Tomei hung out at Cafeina in Wynwood sipping hot tea on Friday night.  The Academy Award winning My Cousin Vinny actress, who was dressed down in a gray hoodie, sat outside with her friend, refusing any photos.  Maybe it was because she wasn’t wearing any make-up, perhaps she had a stomach ache. Who knows?  She slipped in and out virtually unnoticed.

Denis Rodman, threw a party at Kitchen 305 in the Newport Beach Hotel on Friday. Reality star Brittanya Ocampo (Rock of Love, Charm School) and Elaine Lancaster joined in the fun, with tunes provided by Joshua Thomas, aka DJ Zeke (Isaiah Thomas’ son). Rodman spent the better part of the weekend hanging out  poolside at the Newport.

Entourage’s ‘Lloyd!,’ also known as Rex Lee, got Lasik surgery on Thursday (can the guy not even have surgery in private!? Good Grief!).  Our guess is that he’s working on his image, now that he will be playing an agent on the show.  Over the weekend, Lee had dinner at STK Miami Beach.  According to our source, “The pair was having so much fun dancing to 80s hits in their booths; Rex snapped pictures with fans who yelled ‘Lloyd!’ a la Ari Gold and at one point bounced from table to table mingling with other restaurant guests.”


Rex_Lee_at_STK_Miami

Rex Lee at STK Miami

On Thursday, Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade dined at Mr. Chow.   Roger Federer and Victoria Silvstadt were spotted there on Saturday.

After tearing up the dance floor at the Women of Tomorrow Gala, Victoria’s Secret model, Selita Ebanks and tennis star, Serena Williams partied at WALL at the W South beach until about 2 am.

On Saturday, Creed front man singer/songwriter Scott Stapp and his wife Jaclyn Stapp, winner of Mrs. Florida America, dined at Casa Tua with Allison & Chip Brady of Florida Dental Benefits, Inc. celebrating Jaclyn’s recent modeling cover of the March issue of Palm Beach Young Society Magazine.

Miami-based GREY GOOSE Vodka headed north to accept a “Besties Award” at The Academy Awards VIP viewing party held on Sunday, March 7, at The Manor in Wilton Manors. Prior to the show and during commercial breaks, Joan Rivers Impersonator, Joe Posa, greeted guests on the Blue Carpet and presented “Besties” awards to community members in the audience.

Galas Galore

Posted by Mary Jo Almeida-Shore On March - 25 - 2010
Niki_Adamkova_&_George_Wallner_&_Ximena_Gonzalez

Nikki Adamkova, George Wallner, and Ximena Gonzalez

The first annual Hearts and Stars Gala took place Saturday evening at Casa Malinka, the waterfront estate of Russian super-model, Malinka Max and George Wallner to benefit The Little Lighthouse Foundation and Ronald McDonald Charities of South Florida. This “un-gala” seemed like a “pretty people convention” with over 600 well-heeled, great looking guests in attendance.  Instead of assigned seating, drawn out speeches, or banquet food (not that there’s anything wrong with that!) the Hearts and Stars gala featured an informal gathering, wherein guests roamed the expansive property, danced, mingled, bid on terrific auction items, enjoyed gourmet food from food stations provided by Devito South Beach, the Chop House, The  Ivy and GREY GOOSE cocktails a-go-go and were treated to a fashion show and two incredible musical performances, one by up-and-coming superstar, charismatic, NIRnir (who we tout as a young, Israeli Justin Timberlake, except even more gorgeous) and another  live performance by the legendary Pras Michel, founder and former member of the multi Grammy award winning group, The FugeesNIR showed off his terrific vocals, which are rivaled only by his dance moves, performing his debut single “Here I Come” along with dancers from the Strip.  Can we say “HOT?!”  After a brilliantly colorful fashion show by designer Rosita Hurtado, Pras Michel and his new band AXIXS wowed the crowd with a concert which included their new single “Hipstar”, along with other classics mixed in with the requisite Gaga, and the multi-platinum selling single “Ghetto Superstar,” (mashed-up with Dolly Parton’s “Islands in the Stream”- who knew both songs have the same melody?) which was even better than the original, complete with a fireworks display in the background.  Read the rest of this entry »

Feast with the Beasts

Posted by Maryanne Salvat On March - 11 - 2010
zoo3.jpeg

Jorge and Irene Korge

More than 1,200 party animals, the human kind, united at the Zoological Society of Florida’s Annual Fundraiser, Feast with the Beasts at Miami’s Metro Zoo, where diners feasted on great food from over 40 top restaurants, (Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Gotham Steak, Kitchen 305, Town Kitchen and Bar) and open bars serving premium liquors keeping guests warm during the cool evening.  Belly dancers, fire dancers, and wild animal encounters delighted partygoers at every turn throughout the night.  The Miami Heat Dancers kicked off Ron Magill’s Spectacular Dance Party that got everyone in the mood to burn off some calories and dance the night away.

 Special dignitaries at the wild fundraiser included Commissioners Jose “Pepe” Diaz, Sally Heyman, Katy Sorenson and County Manager George Burgess.  Broadcast news anchors: Dan Le Batard, Lissette Gonzalez, and Bob Mayer.

 For more information on future events visit www.miamimetrozoo.com.

Roy and Lea Black host Celebrity Studded Gala

Posted by Mary Jo Almeida-Shore On March - 11 - 2010
Lea Black (L) and husband Roy Black attends the 15th Annual Blacks' Charity Gala at Fontainebleau Miami Beach on February 27, 2010 in Miami Beach, Florida.

Lea and Roy Black

The Blacks’ Annual Gala hosted by power-couple Lea and Roy Black took place right smack in the middle of the South Beach Wine and Food Festival, on Saturday, February 27 at the Fontainebleau.  Known for hosting one of the coolest events every year, with the most eclectic guest list and entertainment roster, the Blacks hosted over 700 guests during this year’s 15th anniversary gala. One hundred percent of the ticket sales and auction proceeds benefited The Consequences Charity, Educate Tomorrow, I have a Dream and Project Medishare for Haitian relief efforts founded by internationally renowned physician, Dr. Barth Green.  Uber Diva, Elaine Lancaster, served as Celebrity Hostess, a role she has valued dearly for eight years in a row.  After the reception and silent auction, guests enjoyed a 4-course meal and special musical performances, the first of which was a soulful saxophone rendition of Bob Seger’s “Turn the Page” by Alto Reed, quite fitting for a benefit for the Consequences  Charity, which is primarily devoted to helping troubled youths do just that. 

Latin Pop sensation, Paulina  Rubio took the mic next, followed by Grammy Award-winning Artist Natalie Cole, who got guests to their feet to slow dance (when was the last time you did That?), especially when she sang crowd pleaser, “Unforgettable.” Platinum Recording Artist Rick Ross performed next.  We did say “eclectic” did we not? Read the rest of this entry »

Sponsors