Juanes, Karen Martinez, Juan Luis Guerra , St. Jude Patients Victor, Stephan and Carlos

By: Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

The stars came out en masse for the tenth annual FedEx/St.Jude Angels & Stars Gala on Saturday, May 19. Actress/supermodel Daisy Fuentes, and Latin power-couple, Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter Juanes and TV host/actress Karen Martinez, served as the celebrity chairs and were on-hand to mingle with guests at the JW Marriott Marquis in downtown Miami. More than 800 guests enjoyed a Grey Goose cocktail reception, seated dinner and live performances by gorgeous Spanish, Grammy Award-winner, David Bisbal and Vicente Garcia.

Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter Juan Luis Guerra got a standing ovation when he was presented with the Al-Rashid Hope Award for his tireless commitment to providing resources for needy children in Dominican Republic and Latina America, particularly in the areas of health, sports and education.

“I am honored to receive this award during such a special year like the 50th anniversary celebration of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital,” said Guerra. “While I am passionate about music, I care even more about providing children with the best care, so they can live happy, healthy lives.”

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Carolina & Alex Pirez

By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore 

Despite the unseasonable dip in temperatures this week (way down to 80°) there’s no doubt that summer is rapidly approaching.  It seems everywhere we turn locals are engaged in some sort of exercise regimen. So what better time to re-launch one of Miami’s favorite gyms, Body & Soul, the co-ed health and training facility located in Coral Gables? In honor of the re-launch, new owners, Carolina and Alex Pirez hosted a huge bash on the rooftop of the gym on the evening of Tuesday April 17, drawing notable guests including:  Pharrell Williams, N.E.R.D band mate Shae Haley, singer/songwriter Cris Cab, Jorge Posada of the NY Yankees, Santana Moss wide receiver for the Washington Redskins and Oscar Feldenkreis, President and COO of Perry Ellis International, who along with 500 guests enjoyed a live DJ set by Miami favorite, DJ Ross One. Keeping guests focused on their physiques, Voli light cocktails provided lo-cal drinks and, The Dome Restaurant and Caviar Bar, one of our favorite restaurants in Miracle Mile provided delicious yet healthy hors d’oeuvres.  Party guests were entertained by a fire dancer and a flash mob choreographed by one of Body & Soul’s most popular instructors, Jay Marcos.

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