This past Saturday, March 20, 2010 the Hearts and Stars Gala took place at Casa Malinka, home of George Wallner, on Hibiscus Island benefiting the Little Lighthouse Foundation and Ronald McDonald House Charities of South Florida. It was truly a collaborative effort spearheaded by the South Beach Athletic Club, a group of 100 successful men in Miami dedicated to the local lifestyle and giving back to the community to those in need.
From the mob of scenesters lined up at the entrance of this waterfront estate, signs of the recession must be diminishing. South Beachers came out in full force to support another good cause for children. The courtyard area was filled to the brim with silent auction items including a red-hot convertible Tesla to test drive. A wide variety of local restaurants (Devito South Beach, Pasha’s, The Ivy at The Grove…) came to the table contributing delicious delights. My favorite unique sweets were the strawberries filled with cream. These were not just ordinary berries, but ones on steroids judging by their mega-size! Cute mini cupcakes, compliments of LA Sweets, topped with hearts were for the having. Grey Goose vodka flowed along with Charles Lafitte wine plus Land Shark Lager.
The production for the party was probably one of the best I have experienced in Miami. They had an impressive stage with live performances from multi-Grammy Award-winner and founding member of The Fugees, Pras Michel, plus up-and-coming artist, NiR and sexy sirens shaking their booty. A colorful fashion show with elegant couture gowns by Rosita Hurtado also paraded the stage.
The gala theme was prevalent throughout the party with floating hearts and stars in the pool and Jacuzzi as well as on display. There was also a lovely outdoor furnished VIP area overlooking Biscayne Bay for guests to participate in comfort during the live auction.
All in all, the stage was set, the partiers partied, and the charities received cash to contribute to their efforts for children in need. God bless and good night!
Hope Gainer, president of Hope International is a global imagemaker, marketer and branding expert with 30 years of lifestyle experience with a focus today on the luxury market. She produces unique, upscale events around the world. Gainer is a founding member of the Florida Luxury Council and a contributor to several luxury magazines including Elite Traveler and Haute Living. She also represents spectacular “trophy” real estate properties.
