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.

Clay Conley

Several VIPs and celebrated chefs participated in a great cause on Thursday at the InterContinental Miami for “Chefs with a Purpose: Haiti” benefiting International Firefighters Assistance (IFA). Hosted by Robert Hill, InterContinental Miami General Manager, and emcee Lissette Gonzalez, CBS 4 News Weather Anchor, along with Chef Chairs Alexander Feher of InterContinental Miami and Chef Jan Jorgenson of Two Chefs, the event drew more than 300 guests and raised $25,000 for IFA’s current and future efforts in Haiti. The culinary extravaganza offered bountiful tastings of delicious dishes by top chefs including Jonathan Eismann (Q American Barbeque, Pacific Time and Pizza Volante), Chef Clay Conley (Azul at Mandarin Oriental Miami), Chef Jeff O’Neil (Gibraltar at Grove Isle Hotel & Spa) as well as Chefs Jonathan Wright and Noah French (The Setai Miami Beach). Guests including Burn Notice actress Gabrielle Anwar; Miami Mayor Tomas Regalado; Forge proprietor Shareef Malnik; Chairman of the Performing Arts Center Trust Ricky Arriola; and Univision host Rodner Figueroa enjoyed music by DJ Joe Dert as they bid on silent auction items.

 Nick  D’Annunzio and Tara Solomon are tying the knot!

Help them to win their dream wedding by clicking on the  following link: www.ultimateweddingcontest.com/entries/38937

Or go to the contest on the CrateandBarrel.com website and search phrase by Tara Solomon

 To appeal to your softer side, here’s Tara’s account about how their love story: 

“We met at a club on South Beach, a chance encounter with mutual friends. He liked my legs, but complimented my Gucci stilettos. He knew the instant we met that we were destined to be together. Worried that he was too young, too smooth and perhaps too into my shoes, I took a bit longer. But his boyish swagger, megawatt smile and old soul eventually won me over. Twelve years later, the club has long since closed, but we are going strong. More in love than ever, we figured it was about time to make things official. “

Red Bull: Art of Can runs until Sunday, March 14, on Ocean Drive and 9th.  For more information go to www.redbullartofcan.com.