On January 12, Clo and Charles S. Cohen, owners of DCOTA (Design Center of the Americas), hosted a private grand opening gala to celebrate the launch of the first ever DCOTA DesignHouse.  A crowd of 400 social and design luminaries from Miami to Palm Beach gathered to view the cutting edge designs and to toast the 2010 Stars of Design:  Sam Robin, Max Strang, Carlos Betancourt, Nicholas Varney, Jeff Blakely, Robin Hill, Laura Paresky Gould and Vladimir Kagan, who were honored on the same evening.  Among those in attendance for this fabulous event: Charles S. Cohen, Erika and Vladimir Kagan, Robin Hill, Brad Ford, Brian Patrick Flynn, Sophie Donnellson, Julia Noran, Norma Quintero, Tina Carlo, James W. Murphy, Nicole Lozano, Diane and Aristotle Aris, Gary Hutton, James Wall, D. Ashlee Harrison, Jilian Sanz, Irvin Lippman, Diane Sepler, Jeff Blakely, Phoebe Howard, Bonnie Barnett and Robert Kagan, Jeff and Gina Sabean, Katie Vecellio, Iran Issa Khan, Marnie Goldberg, Michael Kirkland and Sandy Krakoff.

This gala benefited three outstanding museums, representing each of the three counties of South Florida, The Norton Museum of Art, Palm Beach; the Fort Lauderdale Museum of Art, Broward; and the Vizcaya Museum, Miami/Dade. The entire run of the DesignHouse will also benefit these outstanding cultural institutions.  DesignHouse will be open daily, Monday through Friday, from 10:00 a.m. through 4:00 p.m., through June 11, and select Saturdays throughout the run (Saturday, February 6- Saturday March 6, and April 10).

Jennifer Behar, Tara solomon and Belkys Nerey

Georges Duboeuf, the winery well-known for its artistic labels, a new one of which is debuted every year with much fanfare, celebrated the official release of the 2009 Beaujolais Nouveau at Au Pied Du Cochon on November 19^th in conjunction with the launch of a food drive to benefit Feeding South Florida (formerly Daily Bread Food Bank). Duboeuf winemaker, Stéphane Queralt arrived with the first case of Beaujolais Nouveau in a vintage Volkswagen “Love Bus” accompanied by a busload of hippies and chefs on motorcycles. Biker chefs included: Sean Bernal, Oceanaire Seafood Room; Sean Brasel and Mickey Deshane, Meat Market; Stéphane Hainaut, Barton G the Restaurant; Carla and Luis Lopez Soyka; Bruno Macazaga, Villagrande Club at Porto Vita; Kieran Masek, ONE Group-STK; Gerdy Rodriguez, MIA at Biscayne. The Hippie-Chic arrival was celebrated with a lavish lunch and, of course, lots of wine.

Ride Eva, Ride…

Everyone’s favorite (not-so-desperate) “Housewife,” Eva Longoria Parker, alongside BFFs, J.R. and Loren Ridinger, joined forces with 20 other celebs, to chair the first Rally for Kids with Cancer Scavenger Cup in Miami to benefit the Jackson Memorial Foundation, International Kids Fund (IKF) and Holtz Children’s Hospital. Kind of like an Amazing Race on steroids, the Rally events began on Friday night, at the “Qualifiers” Celebrity Draft Party, at the Ridingers’ North Bay Road manse, where each driver drafted his/her Celebrity Navigator. J.R. Ridinger, whose Market America team raised the highest amount, over $125, 000, drafted Longoria Parker. After brunch on Saturday, Loren Ridinger waved the checkered flag to signal the start of the race, which would include a total of 7 pit stops throughout Miami. Each team was required to find and solve a clue in order to determine the location of the subsequent stop. The race was extremely competitive. Team Market America even set up a control center with computers where Loren helped find answers for trivia questions while J. R. and Longoria Parker figured out the pit stop locations. When asked about their favorite pit stops, J.R. and Longoria Parker conveyed to Miami Socialholic that their favorite was the comedy stop at Blue Martini, where they had to perform a timed, impromptu comedy act together. They said they were completely put on the spot but loved it, especially since they were the only team to receive a ten from each of the three judges. A close runner up involved a jet-ski race out on the ocean where they had to find a hidden flag on the buoy that held the clue to the next location. They won this stop also, beating the other teams by finding the flag in just 2 minutes and 66 seconds! The consensus among all team members was that the most touching pit stop was at Jackson Memorial’s Holtz Children’s Hospital, during which the contestants interacted with the children, who created paintings of each team.

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Necessity is the mother of invention, and creativity for that matter. In an age where charitable dollars are hard to come by, organizations are getting more and more creative when it comes to urging people to part with their contributions. Over the past couple of weeks lucky guests have been treated to a cruise to nowhere, brushes with celebrity and mystery dinners. This weekend packs in more excitement with a celebrity scavenger hunt, right in our own backyard.

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Imagine there’s a Heaven, it’s easy if you try

The Annual InterContinental Miami Make-A-Wish Ball brings a little taste of Heaven to those who need it most. At Saturday’s ball, where “Imagine” was the theme, the beautiful, 16 year old Marina Diez, gave a poignant speech, detailing the thrill of having her wish to go to Wimbledon fulfilled and explained what having a wish granted means to a sick child.

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It’s no secret that we’re all a little boob-obsessed. What’s not to love about ‘em? How else would you explain the success of silicone, Girls Gone Wild, Maxim and Mardi Gras? And don’t even try to tell us that Dolly Parton is best known for her singing voice. But for millions of women, (and those who love them), boobs have become a source of trouble. Therefore, it’s fitting that October is dedicated to finding a cure for breast cancer and the 411 has compiled a list of events and organizations working towards this great cause. Here are some ways you can get involved this month.

Get Your Run On!

This Saturday, October 17, the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure® at Bayfront Park (301 North Biscayne Boulevard) takes place in Downtown Miami, anc includes a 5K Run/Walk and 1 Mile Fun Walk, Tot Run and Celebration.  The fun starts at 7:30 a.m. (registration at 6 a.m.) with an inspirational Survivor Procession and Ceremony. Whether you run, walk or stroll, (there’s even an option to sleep) you can make a difference.

Cost for the race is as follows:  5K Run/Walk ($27 by October 9; $30 by October 16; $35 on Race Day) One Mile Fun Walk ($27 by October 9; $30 by October 16; $35 on Race Day); Tot Run for ages 2-7 ($10 through Race Day); Sleep-In for the Cure ($27 through Race Day).

For more information, or to register for the race online, go to: http://www.komenmiaftl.org/ or call FootWorks at 305-666 -RACE (7223) for all Race related questions.

This year, a special local Race for the Cure® team has been formed named “Miles for Meredith & Brooke” in support of local girls, Meredith Israel, who will make an appearance with baby daughter, Niomi, and Brooke Pallot, who will also participate with daughter, Sora, in tow.  Team members are strongly encouraged to purchase a custom designed “Miles for Meredith & Booke” t-shirt to wear during the race.  This special team has gotten a slew of sponsors together and is even hosting a post-run party with food and cocktails after the race.

Contact race team co-captains: Jackie Mailhe, jackielisseth@gmail.com or Yami Alvarado, yami.alvarado@southbeachgroup.com to join the team, buy the special shirts and/or make donations.

Saks Key to the Cure

Saks Fifth Avenue Dadeland (7687 North Kendall Drive) will host the 2009 Key to the Cure charity-shopping weekend from October 15-18. A percentage of the weekend’s sales will benefit the new Baptist Health Breast Center. Saks Fifth Avenue Bal Harbour (9700 Collins Avenue) will participate in Key to the Cure by hosting an event alongside Sylvester’s Young Philanthropists in the cosmetics department on Saturday, October 17, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. The $40 entry free will get you the limited edition Key to the Cure t-shirt and make-up by Dolce & Gabbana.  The party will feature entertainment, refreshments by Segafredo Bal Harbour, and goody bags with special gifts.  For more information contact Jeanne Kushner at jkushner@med.miami.edu or 305-243-9088

Saks will also offer a limited-edition Key to the Cure t-shirt designed by Michael Kors – for the entire month of October for $40 in Saks stores, Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH stores and on saks.com. Over 80% of the proceeds from each shirt sold will be donated to local charity partners. Supermodel Heidi Klum is the 2009 Ambassador for Saks Fifth Avenue’s Key to the Cure. In support of this program, Ms. Klum will appear in a national public service announcement (PSA) wearing the Michael Kors limited-edition t-shirt.

Pink Drinks

Two places where imbing is a good choice this month are the Gansevoort South and the Fontainebleau, where proceeds for specialty drinks go towards the cause. Plunge at the Gansevoort is serving the Pink Elephant – a fruity, pear vodka infused like cocktail, created by mixologist, Jay Law. For every drink sold, $1 of goes toward Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in honor of our very own, Meredith Israel and Brooke Pallot. At the Fontainebleau, try the Pinkie Promise, a berry-pink, sweet concoction, with $1 of proceeds going towards finding a cure.

Bleau Goes Pink

Also at the Fontainebleau this month, all of the restaurants: Blade Sushi, Gotham Steak, Hakkasan and Scarpetta are offering the Bleau Goes Pink promotion: which includes a three course menu for only $39.00-talk about a value meal (less than 2 drinks at any club) and free valet parking. The best part is that $1.50 of each check goes toward Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Certain restrictions apply. For more details, go to: fontainebleau.com/pink.

Pink Cocktail Hour and Pink Auction

On October 24^th there will be a Main Street March through the streets of Miami Lakes, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. (registration starts at 8:00) to show support for breast cancer awareness. Later that evening, The Spa at Shula’s will host the Pink Cocktail Hour and the Pink Auction from 7:00 to 9:00 pm. Participants can indulge in a variety of spa amenities, a signature Pink Cocktail and an assortment of hors d’oeuvres throughout the night. There will also be an auction, the proceeds of which will benefit the American Breast Cancer Foundation. For more information, contact: Barbara@prpeople.biz 786.303.8731.

Sweet Treats

Buttercream Cupcakes & Coffee (“Buttercream”) celebrates National Cupcake Day while paying homage to Breast Cancer Awareness Month this Sunday, October 18^th. Even the calorie conscious can make an exception as Buttercream’s will be giving away their all natural, trans-fat free cupcake minis.   Following the self indulgence, give back by picking up a to-go box of pink frosted chocolate and vanilla cupcakes ($2.75 each)-25 cents from each cupcake benefits the Susan G. Komen foundation. For more information, go to: www.buttercreamcupcakes.com.

Seems like Every Month is Hispanic Heritage Month

ESPN Deportes and the new Dolphins’ ownership celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month with a sophisticated gathering at Club 50 at Viceroy Miami on Sunday night. Dolphins Vice Chairman, Jorge Perez, hosted the party alongside Marc Anthony, Emilio Estefan, and ESPN Deportes General Manager, Lino Garcia. Guests included: singer/actress, Jennifer Lopez; Dolphins owner, Steve Ross; ESPN Deportes Monday Night commentators, Alvaro Martin and Raul Allegre, sideline reporter John Sutceliff; former Dolphins player, Nat Moore; former Mets player, Carlos Beltran; Dancing with the Stars’ Cristián De La Fuente; CSI Miami actress, Eva La Rue; and flautist Nestor Torres. The Latin celeb-infused event didn’t seem a whole lot different than any recent Dolphins game, being that most of the new minority-owners are, well, celebs and minorities. One of the evening’s highlights was a performance by Latin Grammy Award-winning Mexican pop-duo Jessie & Joy.

Coming Up:

Halloween is Wild

Start Halloweening early this year at Metro Zoo this Saturday, October 17 at the Monster Masquerade. For $65 per person, ($50 for ZSF members), which helps the Zoological Society of Florida in their mission of wildlife conservation and education, you get cocktails, food, costume contests and dancing.  The event is for adults, 21 and older, at Dr. Wilde’s Screamatorium and goes from 8 p.m. to midnight.   Tickets are available online at www.miamimetrozoo.com.

Signature Chefs

Start fasting folks, one of the premier events for those who love food and wine, (and let’s face it, who doesn’t?) takes over Jungle Island on Thursday, October 22.  The March of Dimes Signature Chefs & Wine Extravaganza will present stellar, local celebrity chefs, delicious food, a great variety of wines, and an array of fabulous auction items,with all proceeds benefiting the March of Dimes. Celebrity Honorary Chair Jackie Nespral of NBC 6 will emcee the event, which kicks off at 6:30 p.m. with an exclusive VIP Reception, followed by the eating extravaganza at 7:30.

Entertainment for VIP reception will include an instrumentalist from the New World Symphony.  In addition to countless culinary delights, guests will enjoy wines and champagnes from the world’s finest vineyards and distilleries, courtesy of Southern Wine and Spirits, as well as live and silent auctions.

Tickets for the event are $150 per person in advance, $175 per person at the door.  VIP tickets, which include the exclusive reception and extravaganza, cost $250 per person.  For more information, call (305) 477-1192 or visit www.marchofdimes.com/florida.

Celebrity Sightings:

Last Thursday, newly un-engaged, celebrity chef, Todd English, of Ft. Lauderdale’s Da Campo Osteria was seen dining with friends at Meat Market (insert cliché post break-up joke here). Watching “his Sox” play baseball, sipping on ice cold beer and noshing on Chef Sean Brasel’s Kobe beef sliders and the Caesar salad. Bernie Yuman was spotted at Meat Market on Saturday.

On Thursday night at LIV, Danny Wood, from NKOTB, (New Kids on the Block) and Indy Race Car sensation, Sarah Fisher, made an appearance at a celebration in honor of Susan G. Komen.

Her’s Race for the Cure party took place at Mandarin Oriental, on Friday, featuring Catt Sadler of E! News and E!’s Daily 10 and Indy Pro Series champion Alex “Pink” Lloyd who placed 8^th this past Saturday in Homestead.  A couple of days later, Sadler and beau, Brett Jacobsen, (CEO of Her pink energy drink) got engaged at the swank hotel.

At the Mondrian on Friday night, Muse and Better than Ezra were seen amidst a trendy crowd for the debut of photographer, Ben Watt’s, latest book, Lickshot. The book launch was held in conjunction with the release party for the Morgans Hotel Group CD No. 4, produced in collaboration with Musebox with cover art by Watts.

Saturday afternoon, popular Italian shoe designer, Giuseppe Zanotti, hosted an exclusive lunch and shoe signing at Saks Dadeland’s brand new shoe salon, 10022-SHOE. The handsome and friendly designer chatted with guests who bought out the store’s entire collection of Zanotti shoes! Not bad for one afternoon. Did someone say recession?

R & B singer, Mario, celebrated his album release on Sunday at LIV as female rap star, MC Lyte, celebrated her birthday. Mario serenaded Lyte with his rendition of “Happy Birthday.”

Naomi Campbell hung out with Marc Anthony and Jennifer Lopez at Club 50 on Monday before the Dolphins/Jets game.