Women of Tomorrow Gala Raises $800,000 for At-Risk Girls

The Women of Tomorrow Mentor & Scholarship Program honored national community leaders at its 15th Annual Black Tie Gala at the beautiful Mandarin Oriental Hotel on Saturday, March 12, 2016. With over 400 guests in attendance, the gala hosted a crowd of leading philanthropists, celebrities and politicians.Founders Jennifer Valoppi and Don Browne, along with Gala & Philanthropic Chair Marisa Toccin Lucas celebrated the organization’s 19th year of mentoring at-risk high school girls, raising over $800,000 for the program.

The evening included Humanitarian Honorees Trish & Dan Bell; Legacy Builder Honorees Laurie & Tom Cunnington; Excellence Honoree Baptist Health South Florida; and Mentor of the Year Nancy Frehling.

The evening began with a lavish cocktail reception as well as an anticipated silent auction of more than 100 items from top entertainment, fashion, hospitality and luxury brands such as Roger Vivier, Vhernier, Prada, Loews Miami Beach, Prime 112 and Mandarin Oriental Hotel.

The live auction took place during dinner and included a $5,000 Shopping Spree at Neiman Marcus, Bal Harbour, a 3 Year Lease on a 2016 Porsche Macan S. courtesy of THE COLLECTION, 2 tickets for the 2016 American Music Awards, a KAUFMANFRANCO gown from their Fall/Winter 2016 Collection courtesy of KAUFMANFRANCO, and more.

Following the cocktail reception, guests took their seats in the ballroom and were treated to a performance by South Florida’s own Soul Survivors. It involved the girls coming out onto the dance floor, each holding a candle to symbolize the hope and light that Women of Tomorrow provides in their lives.

Founder and President, Jennifer Valoppi says: “I believe one of the most effective ways to break the cycles of violence, poverty and abuse, is to uplift the young women who will raise the next generation. It all stops here. Women of Tomorrow is one of the most unique and powerful organizations of its kind anywhere. Our amazing mentors are the reason for our tremendous success in getting at-risk young girls to overcome their obstacles and live up to their full potential.”

Through the generosity of its Supporters and Partners, the program has awarded over $4.8 million in scholarships to more than 1,700 Mentees.