On Saturday, Nov. 6, the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Southern Florida and InterContinental Miami will celebrate its 16th annual InterContinental Miami Make-A-Wish Ball with an Asian-inspired, zen theme. With host Paula Abdul as the emcee of the much-buzzed-about live auction, an energetic live performance by Tony Award-winning musical Jersey Boys, and the third anniversary of the Ball’s InterContinental Miami Make-A-Wish Nightclub, the evening will undoubtedly capture the “Art of the Wish.”
“This year’s Ball is destined to be the most memorable yet,” said Norman Wedderburn, President and CEO of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Florida. “We have a very special and impactful line-up of events planned this year that, when coupled with the impressive list of participants and supporters – most notably, Paula Abdul – will make for an unforgettable evening and the perfect celebration following a record-breaking year of wish granting.”
The ball’s “Three Amigos” – President/CEO of Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Florida, Norm Wedderburn; Ball Chairman Shareef Malnik, proprietor of The Forge Restaurant and Wine Bar; and InterContinental Miami’s General Manager Robert Hill – have together made the ball a reality. Hill stated, “It is an honor to again join forces with these two outstanding gentlemen for a cause that has become near and dear to my heart and all of us here at the InterContinental Miami. With their contagious energy, unwavering support of South Florida’s kind-hearted philanthropists and the plentitude of enticing auction items, I have no doubt we will exceed our expectations yet again this year.” Other notable contributors include Lifetime Benefactors Al and Nancy Malnik; Grand Benefactors Stanley and Gala Cohen; Founding Benefactors Howard and Barbara Glicken; and Wish Star Benefactor James L.Ferraro, as well as Wish Benefactors Harvey and Roberta Chaplin, Stuart A. Miller of Lennar Corporation and Robert Press of Trafalgar Capital Advisors.
Upon arrival, guests will immediately experience the excitement of this year’s ball as they transcend into an Asian realm reminiscent of their great cultures. Produced by Javier Velardeof Triton Productions, the hotel’s mezzanine will be transformed by Geishas, Samurai swordsmen, ribbon dancers, a gigantic Orange Blossom tree and other Asian visions that will be brought to life by the palpable energy of live Taiko drummers.
During the cocktail reception, guests will enjoy hors d’oeuvres and cocktail stations while having the opportunity to bid on more than 130 premier items donated by top hospitality, entertainment, fashion and luxury brands. Highlights include a guitar autographed by John Mayer; children’s Mercedes-Benz ride-on SUV; luxury goods by Betsey Johnson, Valentino, Burberry, Diane Von Furstenberg, Longchamp USA, Judith Ripka and more; and hospitality packages that range from local Miami stay-cations to destination packages such as a week-long luxury stay in the Grand Cayman Islands, and a number of worldwide travel experiences courtesy of the InterContinental Hotels and Resorts.
Following the reception, resident Ball and Miami Heat celebrity beat-master DJ Irie will lead guests into the main ballroom with lively music along with the aroma of Chef Feher’s decadent dinner. After the four-course meal, the Ball’s famous action-packed live auction will ensue and emceed by Paula Abdul, who recently announced her venture as creative partner, executive producer, and lead expert on a panel of judges for CBS’s new show “Live to Dance.” Up for bid will be a 2011 Ferraro 458 Italia donated by Ken Gorin of THE COLLECTION; a walk-on role for the film Tower Heist starring Ben Stiller, donated by director Brett Ratner; a $30,000 gift certificate for Rene Ruiz Couture provided by the designer himself; the ultimate Los Angeles Jet-Setting weekend getaway courtesy of Jason Binn and Niche Media; a luxurious Judith Ripka-inspired New York City experience complete with a $5,000 shopping piece from the designer’s collection; and an all-expenses-paid getaway to chic hotspot St. Barth’s, as well as a spectacular tour of the Orient with accommodations. After the auction, guests will be entertained with a live grand finale performance by Tony Award-winning music production Jersey Boys, a story-like show based on the lives of famed 1960s rock-‘n’-roll group, The Four Seasons.
For the third year in a row, the InterContinental Miami Make-A-Wish Nightclub “Enter the Dragon” will celebrate and support the Ball’s endeavors as well as introduce the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Florida to the next generation of contributors. “The InterContinental Miami Make-A-Wish Nightclub has been instrumental in raising awareness of the Ball and its mission to an entirely new group — a generation we hope will one day be our new lifetime benefactors and ultimately continue the power of the wish,” said Gala Chairman Malnik. You need to mention the fashion show by Nicole Miller – Michael Capponi, The Capponi Group and Antonio Misuraca – reservations for the After Party can be made at 305-695-4410 or RSVP@CAPPONIGROUP.COM
Tables for the InterContinental Miami Make-A-Wish Ball range from $5,000 to $20,000. Wish Sponsorships start at $5,000. Tables, wishes and other sponsorship opportunities can be purchased by calling 954.967.9474, extension 318, or by visiting www.makeawishball.com.
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