Miami celebrated the Heat win alongside Lebron James and 2000 of his closest friends and fans partied at Mansion on Friday night. The Heat’s own DJ Irie spun the sound track as James was toasted with a life-sized basketball cake.  James’ fiancé,   Savannah Brinson joined in on the excitement.

Gabrielle Union celebrated her birthday at The Florida Room at the Delano this weekend with her beau Dwyane Wade and close friends Tracee Ellis Ross, Cedric the Entertainer, Chris Bosh and Adrienne Williams.  Al B. Sure performed for the birthday girl’s celebration alongside the platinum recording artists Silk. 

Hip Hop star Ciara also celebrated her birthday this Halloween weekend at LIV at the Fontainebleau with an “Alice in Wonderland” inspired celebration. 

On Monday, Nicki Minaj, Cash Money Record’s first lady, hosted an “All Pink Everything” party at Mansion complete with dancers donning pink Barbie wigs and Harajuku attire. Minaj partied well into the night, hanging out with Opium Group honcho Roman Jones.

Basketball wife, Evelyn Lozada joined upcoming Miami reality-show housewives, Marysol Patton and Cristy Rice at Mercadito on Tuesday for a benefit for the Trevor Project.

The Adrienne Arsht Center celebrated its 5^th Anniversary with a fabulous black and white gala in the Sanford and Dolores Ziff Ballet Opera House. The evening was divided into five “acts,” one for every year the gala has been open, starting with a posh cocktail and the unveiling of the grand donor wall, honoring the Center’s greatest supporters and visionaries (Acts I and II). A fabulous Barton G. dinner experience on the stage (Act III) was followed by a show-stopping performance by Miami’s own, four-time Tony Award nominee Raúl Esparza (Act IV) at the end of which the secret setting for Act V was revealed: an elaborate Latin dance club at the rear of the stage.

In keeping with the 5^th Anniversary Season theme, “Every great performance begins with you,” the gala celebrated the dedication of several “grand honorees” including: Adrienne Arsht, Lin Arison/Arison Arts Foundation, Alberto and Susana Ibargüen/Knight Foundation, Parker and Vann Thomson, Woody and Judy Weiser, and Sanford and Dolores Ziff. Other notable guests included gala chairs Mike and Margaret Eidson, Marvin Ross Friedman, Adrienne bon Haes, Adrienne Arsht Center President and CEO John Richard and co-chairs:  Ana and Rob Barlick, Trish and Dan Bell, Nancy Davis, Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey H. Loria, and Penny and Roe Stamps.

 PHOTO CREDIT: Manny Hernandez and Seth Browarnik

Funkshion, a.k.a. Fashion Week Miami held its 15th season of runway shows this past week, drawing the usual stellar crowd of designers, VIPs, politicians, and fashion forward, who convened at, around and between the Bass Museum, Setai Hotel and Set nightclub for 5 days of shopping, runway shows and parties fueled by Wodka Vodka.  Noteworthy shows included The Red Dress show, The Richie Rich PopLuxe, Sarahi House of Fashion and Krell Wear.  Organizers and designers have already begun preparations for the March 2011 season!

One of the many highlights of Funkshion is undoubtedly Vanidades’ ‘Magia de la Moda’ fashion event, now its fifth season.  The event, which took place at the Bass Museum, was emceed by Satcha Pretto, co-host of Univision’s Primer Impacto, and showcased the season’s chicest eveningwear and accessories with a surprise finale and appearance by Luca Luca’s Creative Director Raul Melgoza.

Pretto kicked off the runway show by saying, “It is an honor to be here this evening to present the fifth anniversary of ‘Magia de la Moda.  Most importantly, we are thrilled to bring everyone together again to celebrate established and emerging designers alike, with a collaborative evening of incredible vision and talent that will certainly not disappoint.”

Trina Turk kicked-off the 70 looks, followed by Elie Tahari Bal Harbour, Ina Soltani, Jacqueline Quinn and Laundry by Shelly Segal.  Elegant handbags by Laura Buccellati and Beautiful People along with footwear by Sergio Rossi Bal Harbour and bold jewelry by Daniella Kronfle and Diane Marie Designs which completed each look.  Showcasing the looks on the runway were television personalities including Telemundo’s Azucena Cierco, Jorge Bernal and Quique Usales; Univision’s Alejandra Espinoza; Mega TV’s Angie Perez; actresses Ivelyn Giro, Jessica Fox and Martiza Rodriquez; actor and singer Melvin Cabrera; and international model Ines Rivero, who cascaded down the runway in a Luca Luca gown for the finale.

Nat Moore and Dwight Stephenson

All-time NFL/Dolphin great, Nat Moore, (known for his “Helicopter Catch” while making a reception against the New York Jets in 1984) hosted the kick off for his Foundation’s fund raising season for the 2011 Canon Florida Golf Classic on Wednesday at the Miami International Links Golf and Country Club.  Joining Moore at the reception, was his wife, Pat, along with Dwight Stephenson, NFL Hall of Famer and Former Miami Dolphin Starting Center; Nat Moore Foundation Board Members: Jim Rosetta, Sergio Pereira and his daughter Lauren Pereira; Bob and Jenny Pechon, Wendell and Carolyn Beard, Joanie Connors and Derrick Milhous, Richard and Louise Gathright, Frank Jantzen, Lance Joseph, Maury Joseph,Jim Kiely and Susan Goldstein.

The Foundation is dedicated to providing educational, cultural and recreational activities to South Florida’s disadvantaged youth, ages 5 to 18, and has raised and dispersed nearly $2 million to various youth and social service organizations, helping more than 40 students attain their higher education through scholarships and providing support services to hundreds of children and youth through academic, fitness and life-skills programs.  For more information on the Nat Moore Foundation and the 2011 Canon Florida Golf Classic to be held in March, call 305.770.0995 or e-mail info@natmoorefoundation.net.

Make-A-Wish- Let Your Imagination Run Wild

The most highly anticipated event of the social season, the Annual InterContinental Miami Make-A-Wish Ball takes place on Saturday, November 6, at the InterContinental Miami. Expect over-the-top décor at this Asian-inspired, Zen-themed ball, where past years have included a fantasy land reminiscent of the Beatles’ hit songs-complete with an “Octopus’ Garden,” enchanted forests with talking trees and tables; a model pouring champagne from a chandelier; an entrance through the 50 foot skirt of an opera singer and at least a few gorgeous people dangling from the ceiling.  And that’s just the beginning.  This ball’s got major star power.  This year’s live auction emcee, Paula Abdul, is up against a long line of previous bombshells including Sharon Stone, Kim Kardashian and Pamela Anderson. The party starts with a lavish cocktail, and by “lavish” we’re talking stone crabs featuring an auction of premier items before moving onto dinner, with background music by DJ Irie and live-auction bidding on items such as exotic wheels, (think Ferraris and Aston Martins); glittering jewels; and international travel to the some of the world’s premier destinations. After the auction, guests will be entertained by a live performance.  For the third year in a row, the InterContinental Miami Make-A-Wish Nightclub “Enter the Dragon” will celebrate and support the Ball’s endeavors as well as introduce the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Florida to the next generation of contributors. “The InterContinental Miami Make-A-Wish Nightclub has been instrumental in raising awareness of the Ball and its mission to an entirely new group — a generation we hope will one day be our new lifetime benefactors and ultimately continue the power of the wish,” said Gala Chairman Malnik. Reservations for the After Party can be made at 305-695-4410 or RSVP@CAPPONIGROUP.COM.

Individual tickets cost $500 each and tables range from $5,000-$20,000. Tables, wishes and other sponsorship opportunities can be purchased by calling 954.967.9474.

Celebrity Waiter Event at Morton’s

Morton’s The Steakhouse Miami Beach and Miami Dolphins players, Karlos Dansby, Vontae Davis and Ronnie Brown, along with additional celebrity friends, as they trade in their helmets and uniforms for plates and aprons and serve a lavish dinner to their guests on Monday, November 8^th beginning at 6:00 p.m.  Enjoy four courses of Morton’s signature cuisine and fine wines from a choice of favorites such as Tuna Tartare Canapes; Miniature Crab Cakes; Double Cut Filet Mignon accompanied with Mashed Potatoes and Steamed Fresh Jumbo Asparagus; and of course, irresistible desserts including New York Cheesecake, Double Chocolate Mousse and Fresh Seasonal Berries with Sabayon Sauce. The evening will include both a live and silent auction with proceeds benefiting the Pros for Africa Foundation. Tickets are available at $250 per guest. Complimentary valet parking will be provided. Morton’s The Steakhouse Miami Beach 4041 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33140. For more information or to purchase tickets,  contact Michelle Guerrin 786-454-4022 / Michelle_Guerrin@mortons.com.

JW Marriott Marquis’ Groundbreaking

The JW Marriott Marquis Miami, the latest and most luxurious hotel in Downtown Miami opens its doors with a private party on Thursday, November 4^th. New York Yankee, Alex Rodriguez (A-Rod) along with A-list celebrities, Brooke Shields, Angie Harmon and Anna Kournikova will celebrate the grand opening of the world’s first JW Marriott Marquis The evening’s festivities will kick-off with an exclusive cocktail reception in Daniel Boulud’s db Bistro Moderne with cocktails courtesy of Grey Goose vodka and will continue onto the hotel’s 19^th floor entertainment/lifestyle complex. Guests will be treated to a celebrity basketball exhibition refereed by Miami HEAT player hall-of-famer, Tim Hardaway and LEBO Live, a multimedia live painting performance by renowned local artist, David LeBatard, and music by DJ Irie.  Thursday’s party is private, but be sure to check out all of the hotel’s offerings over the weekend.

Meet the Pliners

On Saturday, November 6^th, renowned designers and leaders in the footwear and accessories industry, Donald J Pliner and wife Lisa Pliner will present their Fall Footwear Collection at a reception to benefit the Children’s Home Society of Florida. Continuing to impress men and women with their innovative designs, high style and unprecedented comfort, Donald and Lisa offer trends for a fashionable season and give back to the Florida community.  Shop the Donald J Pliner and Lisa for Donald J Pliner Fall Collection of men’s and women’s footwear at a special reception, with Hor D’oeuvres provided by Prime Italian. 10% of all proceeds will benefit the Children’s Home Society of Florida, a charity that empowers families to safely care and provide for children strengthening youth throughout the state.  The event will take place at Village of Merrick Park, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.  For more information contact Marisa Zelnick at marisa.zelnick@donaldpliner.com.