By: Maryanne Salvat

Come Walk, Run and Celebrate: 12th Annual Lou Gehrig’s Disease 10K Run & 5K Run/Walk

On May 11, Pan American Finance invites all runners to join the 12th Annual Lou Gehrig’s Disease 10K Run & 5K Run/Walk  event for a great cause. Race proceeds are allocated to assist patients in the tri-county area living with ALS and runners will get a chance to experience vibrant and picturesque Coconut Grove as the sun is coming up. This race features both a 5K and a 10K that will take participants throughout Coconut Grove.  

Registration closing date is on Friday, May 10at 1:00 PST. For more information on the race, visit: http://www.alsrecovery.org/ .

Gatsby Fever Hits South Beach

Just like Gatsby himself, clean-cut and crisp Villa Azur is the perfect spot to celebrate the year’s biggest blockbuster, opening in theaters May 10, The Great Gatsby. Just as Gatsby’s Supper Parties in NYC were extravagant and adventurous so are Villa Azur’s Thursday night extravaganzas; the hot spot co-owned by actor Olivier Martinez and frequented by Great Gatsby star Leonardo DiCaprio, will be paying tribute to classic movie by throwing a 20’s themed movie release party on Thursday, May 9 at 9:00 p.m. The dinner party will feature live music and a DJ spinning favorites from present day to the prohibition era and Gatsby inspired entertainers.

Serendipity 3 will also be getting into the swing of the 20’s treating guests to a complimentary prohibition style cocktails before or after they check out the Great Gatsby flick at Regal Cinema just a few steps away from Lincoln Road.  Guests with a same day ticket stub will be treated to a complimentary “Backroom Burbon Mint Julip.” Younger fans can enjoy Leo’s Gatsby Shirley Temple.

Butterfly Migration Parade at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden loves butterflies, and the whole community is invited to celebrate their migration. On Saturday, May 18, Fairchild is hosting Miami’s first-ever Butterfly Migration Parade, a day full of butterfly-themed family fun. Participate in the whimsical parade down Old Cutler Road from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m., and then spend the day at Fairchild from 9:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. to join in fun activities including a butterfly costume contest, live music and butterfly viewings. Tasty treats are provided by the Glasshouse Café and food trucks. Make sure to visit the Wings of the Tropics exhibit to marvel at the thousands of vibrantly colored butterflies swooping overhead. Admission is free for parade participants, Fairchild members, and children 5 and under; $25 for adults, $18 for seniors 65 and up, and $12 for children 6-17. It’s not too late to partake in the parade. If you’d like to join the colorful caravan, contact Leslie Bowe at lbowe@fairchildgarden.org or 305.667.1651, ext. 3338.

By: Maryanne Salvat 

Now @ Village of Merrick Park 

Village of Merrick Park announces the debut of its new signature event, In the Now @ Village of Merrick Park. The center’s first annual two-day fashion and trend event on May 3 and May 4 is designed to introduce fashion connoisseurs to the latest collections at Village of Merrick Park, while raising funds for charity. The inaugural event will include a special appearance by Nigel Barker, celebrity fashion photographer, former America’s Next Top Model judge and currently the host of The Face on the Oxygen Network. Barker will be on hand to take photos with some top shoppers from the day at Village of Merrick Park, and discuss the latest beauty and fashion trends from around the world. In the Now @ Village of Merrick Park will also feature runway shows by Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom, as well as in-store experiences, trunk shows and more. Guests will meet style icons and have access to what’s usually reserved for fashion insiders during Fashion Week. During the weekend event, Barker will unveil his latest photo exhibition RAW: Presented by Rock Paper Photo, with 10 percent of all sales of the photos going to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, which is internationally recognized for its pioneering work in finding cures and saving children with pediatric cancer and other catastrophic diseases. The opening cocktail on Friday, May 3 will serve as the official kick-off to the St. Jude Miami gala, FedEx/St. Jude Angels and Stars. The dynamic host committee for In the Now @ Village of Merrick Park is hosted by St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital’s Executive Committee.

2nd Annual Cinco de Mayo at Brickellfest 

Brickell-fest presents the 2nd Annual Cinco de Mayo festival sponsored by Dos Equis on May 5. The 2nd annual celebration entices locals to celebrate Cinco de Mayo the right way with 22,000 square feet of entertainment, margaritas, mariachis, mini-wrestlers, a mechanical bull, Mexican bites, music and much more!Doors open at noon families with children are welcome to attend the fiesta before 6pm, children under 10 years of age are granted free admission.For adults who want the “VIP Treatment” Brickell Fest welcomes them inside a tent with a private entrance, private bar, beer garden, priority seating, private restroom and much more. Admission tickets range from $28.00 to $56.00 including admission cost and a complimentary beer or margarita.

Claws for Kids 2013

Back by popular demand after a very successful inaugural “Claws for Kids” last May 2012, make sure that you mark your calendars and SAVE THE DATE for Sunday, May 5, for the second “Claws for Kids” at Joe’s Stone Crab in Miami Beach. 100% of all funds raised will benefit Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade’s new 11,000-sq.-ft. state-of-the-art South Beach location. The new Club will feature a teen center, state-of-the-art computer lab, teaching kitchen for children, homework rooms, games rooms and a creative arts room, and serve approximately 400 children from the local area.

Guests can look forward to delicious stone crabs and other signature Joe’s cuisine without the wait right before stone crab season ends, while enjoying the jazz sounds of Leo Casino. For Ticket and sponsorship opportunities, contact Astrid H. Ehrenstein, Director of Special Events & Development at 305.446.9910 ext. 30 or at aehrenstein@bgcmia.org. 

The Honey Shine 11th Annual Hats Off Luncheon 

Honey Shine, a mentoring program and not-for-profit organization that encourages girls and young women by enlightening their paths and empowering their futures, announced today the return of its 11th Annual Hats Off Luncheon at Jungle Island’s Treetop Ballroom at 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 7. Each year Tracy Wilson Mourning, founder of Honey Shine, along with current Lady Bug members and friends of the program, don their favorite hats and attend the luncheon, which serves as the premier fundraising event to continue enriching the lives of the young girls enrolled in the program, known as the “Honey Bugs.” This year’s luncheon features award-winning journalist Louis Aguirre, anchor of DECO Drive and WSVN TV FOX 7 and two of Honey Shine’s Honey Bugs, Yolanda Jiron, age 18, and Quanthavia Stalworth, age 17. Miss Stalworth and Miss Jiron will also share their personal stories of success and serve as Mistress’ of Ceremonies. More than 600 guests will enjoy the theme of this year’s luncheon, “Peace, Love, Honeyshine,” which boasts colorful, retro chic 60’s décor, a welcome reception, a silent auction featuring designer and vintage handbags, vacation stays, jewelry and more, a luncheon, and the always-anticipated “Honey Bug” Showcase – a catwalk fashion show sponsored by Aventura Mall that features select Honey Bugs, who have exemplified exceptional participation and improvement in grades. Participating models will be outfitted by Gap retail stores, who will showcase its casual Spring/Summer collection and Bloomingdale’s who will also donate items from its current spring collection. Guests are encouraged to dress casual chic and participate by wearing their favorite hats. Tickets to the luncheon cost $125 and memberships to Honey Shine begin at $250. RSVP rsvp@honeyshine.org or 305.854.2444.

Latin American crooner Luis Miguel was spotted dining at The Forge with a small group in the glass-enclosed Board Room. 

Singer, Carlos Vives was spotted at the JW Marriott Marquis for the Latin Billboard Conference. Prior to his big performance on the show, Carlos participated on the celebrity panel the same day his latest studio album, Corazon Profundo hit stores. Full of energy, he shared his excitement about his return to the music scene and spoke about his two new hit singles. He has no plans to slow down with his first tour in ten years starting up this June.

In town for the Loews Hotel’s ‘Girlfriends Getaway Weekend’, Millionaire Matchmaker Patti Stanger dined at Meat Market on Friday night with a couple of pals, including PR maven and Kim Kardashian bestie, Jonathan Cheban. Stanger and Cheban were also spotted at Serendipity 3, where Cheban is a regular, for dinner and a selection of desserts including the signature Frrrozen Hot Chocolate. 

Music industry executive, Clive Davis wrapped up his Sunday night after a long weekend in Miami at Serendipity 3.

Amber Valletta & Rohan Marley

By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore 

“Everyone can do one thing to help the environment and to improve the planet,” said Yalmaz Siddiqui, Office Depot’s Director of Environmental Strategy, as he addressed a stylish, enviro-conscious crowd at the Forge Restaurant/Wine Bar during this year’s Eco-Lifestyle Gala on April 20.  In its third year, the gala, hosted by South Florida Green Drinks, aims to raise awareness and to benefit Global Green USA and Dream In Green’s efforts to “green” South Florida Schools.

The event offered an opportunity to expand the environmental audience throughout South Florida’s communities while also honoring those whose commitment to an eco-lifestyle has helped ignite change and innovation. The 2013 Eco-Lifestyle Award honorees included Supermodel , actress, and Eco-Activist, Amber Valletta, and Rohan Marley, Eco-Pioneer and founder of the organic coffee company, Marley Coffee.

The party began with a VIP reception at the stunning Terra Veritatis, the newly renovated home of William H. Dean who served as Honorary Event Chair along with Capponi Group Founder and renowned philanthropist, Michael Capponi. Guests enjoyed light fare and stimulating conversations while sipping sparkling wine and cocktails before moving on to the awards dinner in the East Room of the Forge. Forge owner Shareef Malnik and girlfriend, actress Gabrielle Anwar once again lent their support to SFGD’s Eco-Lifestyle Gala and to SFGD co-founders Marci Zaroff and Yalmaz Siddiqui. Read the rest here »

Nick D’Annunzio, Ivette Naranjo, & Tara Solomon

By: Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

 A Burlesque Anniversary for Cafeina 

To say that Cafeina’s VIP anniversary party was a blast would be an understatement.   In fact we can’t recall a time over the past three years when we haven’t had the time of our lives at the chic, original Wynwood lounge (which moonlights as a gallery, garden, restaurant and event space).  It’s hard to believe that it’s been three years since the grand opening blow-out, which featured a liger (You read that correctly).  This year’s celebration featured carnal pleasures versus carnivores, but was equally exciting. For the bash, owner and founder Ivette Naranjo, invited Burlesque- dancers who could have doubled for Dita Von Teese– to heat up an already saucy party with performances that captivated the crowd. DJ A train kept the music playing while servers served up complimentary artisanal cocktails designed by Bar Lab veteran, David Boxwill and Latin-infused bites by Chef Diego Pasqualicchio from Cafeina’s new menu.  The event also marked the official debut of The Mezzanine, a gorgeous second floor lounge transformed by interior designer Todd Corder.  The new space is reminiscent of a 1920’s speak-easy- complete with one-off antique furnishings and also boasts a newly constructed private bar.  The Mezzanine holds up to 50 guests, making it ideal for special events and group gatherings. Read the rest here »

Tracy Morgan courtesy of Twitter

Comedians, Tracy Morgan and Sarah Silverman stayed at The Raleigh this past weekend during South Beach Comedy Festival.

Alonzo and Tracy Mourning hosted a luncheon at Prime 112 to announce The Mourning Family Foundation’s official rebrand from Alonzo Mourning Charities on Tuesday, April 16. The luncheon served as the backdrop to unveil the new MFF logo, announce the launch of its website and recognize and thank its new leadership team, Board of Directors and select sponsors.   

Desmond Child, CEO and co founder of the Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame; Rudy Perez, co-founder of the Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame; actor Andy Garcia, and singers Natalie Cole and Paulina Rubio along with Draco Rosa and Ruben Blades attended Tuesday night’s Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame at the New World Symphony.  Mayoral candidate, Michael Gongora welcomed the star-studded crowd and presented keys to the city to inductees, which included Julio Iglesias and Jose Feliciano. 

American actress and model Amber Valetta attended the private EcoLifestyle Gala in the East Room of The Forge Restaurant | Wine Bar on Saturday evening. (Check back next week for full gala coverage.) 

In support of the 2013 ConAgra Foods Child Hunger Ends Here campaign, singer, Tori Kelly visited Glory Temple, Agency of Feeding South Florida- the third stop on her Fill a Heart Tour. Tori will be making stops at nine cities across the nation to lend her hand at local food banks, as part of ConAgra Foods ongoing partnership with Feeding America. She will complete each visit with a performance of her original song “Fill a Heart”, written specifically for the Child Hunger Ends Here campaign. “Fill a Heart” is available for sale on iTunes today and a portion of the proceeds will be donated through Tori’s partnership with ConAgra Foods’ Child Hunger Ends Here campaign.