Special Olympics Florida Hosts Kick-Off Event At La Centrale In Brickell City Centre

Photo Credit: World Red Eye

Miami’s most philanthropic individuals gathered at the stunning Brickell City Centre‘s posh Italian food hall, La Centrale, to celebrate the upcoming Special Olympics Florida Athlete Awards. The charitable gala will take place on Saturday, September 22nd at the downtown Miami JW Marriott Marquis, with Title Sponsor Mass Mutual Miami, presented by Plaza Construction. In honor of the approaching event, the group took to the Italian mecca for some pre-celebrations, donation opportunities, a meet & greet with some of the program’s accomplished athletes as well as the team involved including Chairpersons (and Haute 100-listers) Louis and Angela Birdman.

Photo Credit: Gabriel Bancora

Guests enjoyed lite bites from La Centrale including homemade Italian pizza and flatbreads, seafood and decadent libations including the spot’s signature Negroni from the on-site Negroni fountain. A live band played hits all night long to celebrate the evening, and event leaders David Mallis, Karla Pascua, Linsey Smith and Angela Birdman all took the stage to thank the generous supporters of the organization and get people ready for the upcoming gala.

Photo Credit: World Red Eye

Photo Credit: World Red Eye

“The 2017 Special Olympics Athlete Awards far surpassed my expectations. With the overwhelming support of our donors, sponsors, and the community, we were able to exceed last year’s numbers and raised enough to ensure all 34 Miami Dade athletes who qualified will be able to travel to Nationals in Seattle to compete. I am eternally grateful for everyone’s support,” Angela Birdman shared with the group.

Photo Credit: World Red Eye

Photo Credit: World Red Eye

The 2018 Athlete Awards recognizes the Special Olympics Florida’s most incredible athletes, coaches, volunteers and community partners in Miami-Dade County, while at the same time raising funds and awareness for a county program that serves over 6,500 children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Last year, the gala raised over $300K in funds. This year, they’re ambitious that they’ll surpass that number.

Photo Credit: World Red Eye

Media partners of the event include Haute Living and The Miami Herald. Special Olympics Florida also thanks key supporters like Platinum Sponsors David L. Singer Foundation and event sponsors such as FedEx, Sotheby’s Realty, PNC Bank, Littler Mendelson, Kaufman Rossin, Holland & Knight, Riviera Schools, Dadeland Animal Hospital, TD Bank, Carnival Cruise Lines, Bacardi, Eagle Brands, Tu-Be Wine & Spirits, and more. The exciting silent auction will feature items such as vacation packages, jewelry, art collections, golf packages, sports collector’s items, spa packages, Miami’s fine dining and more. During the live auction, attendees will be challenged to raise money to support Special Olympics Florida Athletes.

Photo Credit: World Red Eye

Tables for the Athlete Awards range from $5,000 – $15,000. For more information, contact Karla Pascua, at karlapascua@sofl.org or 305.431.2073. For more information on Special Olympics Florida, visit www.specialolympicsflorida.org/miami-dade/fundraise/awards/ or follow on Facebook under Special Olympics Florida – Miami-Dade County, Instagram: @specialo_miami