Haute Event: Orphaned Starfish Foundation Hosts First Annual Celebrity Gala at Epic Hotel

The Orphaned Starfish Foundation held its First Annual Celebrity Fundraising Gala on March 15 in order to celebrate the foundation’s 12^th anniversary.  The Gala was held at Kimpton’s Epic Hotel in downtown Miami and raised over $75,000.

The internationally-recognized organization provides computer vocational training for orphans and disadvantaged children throughout the developing world with the aim of helping them permanently overcome the cycle of poverty and, often, abuse that they are in.

“Scrubs” Judy Reyes served as the mistress of ceremonies, while live entertainment was provided by a 10-piece  band and Cuban-American singer/songwriter and actress, Cucu Diamantes.  More than 200 VIP guests came out to help the cause including Piaxico Burress (Super Bowl Champion, Pittsburgh Steelers), Janice Combs (Philanthropist and mother of Sean [P.Diddy] Combs), Robert Manrique (model/actor), Jerry Libbin (President and CEO of the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce), Natalia Zea (Reporter, CBS4), and Greg Buttle (NY Jets Legend).

Each guest left with a handmade necklace made by a child in the OSF program as a gift for his or her contributions.  The Gala was sponsored by Audi, E Tech, Charre Group and Johnson & Johnson among others.