Voices For Children Celebrates 30 Years with Gala Presented by Harry Winston

Whenever someone says “It’s for the children” we always collectively melt a little. But some causes are a little more urgent than others, as the case for Voices For Children, a non-profit organization that raises funds to help ensure that abused, abandoned and neglected children have a court-appointed Gaurdian ad Litem. So Miami’s finest came out to the Mandarin Oriental on Saturday to support the cause at their 30th Anniversary “Be A Voice, Feel The Passion” gala. And their support was felt as they raised over $770,000 for the cause with the help of Honorary Co-chairs Christian Slater and Brittany Slater, and the evening’s emcee, WSVN’s Belkys Nerey

The biggest champion of this cause here in Miami is Yolanda Berkowitz, who, along with her husband, Jeff, received the organization’s 2015 Humanitarian Award for their advocacy and tireless support. “When I became a Guardian ad Litem in 1995, our lives became bigger and it enhanced our humanity through our involvement with the Guardian ad Litem Program and Voices,” said Yolanda Berkowitz after receiving the evening’s award.

Funds were raised via table sales and a fantastic silent auction that had cool items like tickets to Stella McCartney‘s Spring 2016 Presentation in New York, exclusive membership to The Edition Beach Club,  the opportunity to drive a Tesla Model S for a day, and more. Entertainment included a special performance by Charles “Lil’ Buck” Riley, a Los Angeles-based dancer from Memphis who specializes in a style of street dance called jookin’ and has toured with Madonna.

Harry Winston, the evening’s sponsor, gave guests the chance to preview the brand’s latest “high jewelry” collection titled Secrets by Harry Winston, which of course made even the well-heeled crowd a bit breathless.