Voices For Children Foundation And Harry Winston Raise $740K At Annual Gala

Photo Credit: World Red Eye

The Voices For Children Foundation once again teamed up with generous partner Harry Winston to put on their annual “Moments of Brilliance, Be a Voice” winter gala at the Mandarin Oriental Miami for its 22nd year.

Photo Credit: World Red Eye

This year’s gala did not disappoint as 400 of the city’s prestigious members of philanthropy and business came together to support the cause, which is the largest benefactor of the Guardian ad Litem Program in Florida. With an impressive $740K raised in profits, the money will facilitate advocacy for children in foster care in Miami-Dade County.

Photo Credit: World Red Eye

The beautiful evening began with a cocktail reception where diamonds and jewels from Harry Winston dazzled in the light on display, captivating the attention of attendees as they admired the stunning pieces and mixed and mingled throughout the area. Following the cocktail, guests danced to spinning tunes by DJ Kucha and bid on a live auction for a variety of once-in-a-lifetime experiences that included: a retreat in Aspen, a wine immersion in Chile, a Miami experience with the Miami Heat and the Fontainebleau, a JetSmarter experience and so much more.

The evening progressed with a gourmet, four-course meal and heartfelt speeches by victims affected by the organization’s efforts and community leaders.

Photo Credit: World Red Eye

Haute 100 member and avid philanthropist Yolanda Berkowitz and her husband Jeff are longtime supporters of the grand affair. “Through the power of philanthropy, Jeff and I have connected with this community in meaningful and fulfilling ways. Voices for Children and the Guardian ad Litem Program have given us the opportunity to improve outcomes for kids in foster care and the Be a Voice Gala is a wonderful way to highlight the tremendous impact of both organizations and their supporters,” she said.

Photo Credit: World Red Eye

The 2018 Be A Voice Gala was made possible via Presenting Sponsor Harry Winston, Inc.; Golden Fan Sponsors Jeff and Yolanda Berkowitz; Stearns Weaver Miller Weissler Alhadeff & Sitterson with Jay and Susan Shapiro Dynasty Guardian Sponsors Ruby Bacardi; John Moriarty & Associates of Florida; Kaufman Rossin, PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP Tai Pan Guardian Sponsors Appelrouth, Farah & Co; Berkowitz Pollack Brant Advisors and Accountants; Bilzin Sumberg; Blue Dog Capital Partners; FirstService Residential; Florida Power & Light Company; Roberto and Nicole Gadala-Maria; Greenberg Traurig, P.A.; KPMG, LLP; Miami HEAT Charitable Fund; Paul and Bertha Pino; Plaza Construction; Swire Properties; Total Bank; Mandarin Guardian Sponsors Akerman, LLP; AT&T; Citi Private Bank; Dr. Steven Poliakoff; Mandarin Oriental, Miami; Karelia Fernandez P.A.; Angel and Lynette Ferrer; Friends of WLRN, Inc.; State Senator Rene Garcia; Todd and Suzanne Legon; Miami Design District; Rose Realty & Associates, Inc. Media Sponsors include Brickell Magazine and Selecta Magazine with public relations support from TARA, Ink.