InterContinental Miami Make-A-Wish Ball Kick-Off 2015

The InterContinental^® Miami hosted a kick-off party on Sept. 16, to celebrate the upcoming mythology-themed 21st Annual InterContinental^® Miami Make-A-Wish Ball on Nov. 7 with grammy award-winning entertainer, Marc Anthony as the headliner and actress/filmmaker Gabrielle Anwar as master of ceremonies for the fifth consecutive year.

The “Three Amigos” Shareef Malnik, Gala Chairman and owner of The Forge Restaurant/Wine Bar; Robert Hill, Gala Host and general manager of InterContinental Miami; and Norman Wedderburn, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish^® Southern Florida welcomed guest.

The party was filled with performances inspired by ancient Greece, with dancers and servers dressed like gladiators and in ethereal attire fit for a god or goddess in the mystically transformed the Chopin ballroom by Deco Productions. InterContinental Miami Chef Alexander Feher and Executive Sous Chef Jhonnatan Contreras delighted guests with extravagantly themed food stations including a traditional Greek dish called Saganaki.

The highlight of the night was when Make-A-Wish child Skyler Brustein shared his touching story and brought the entire room to tears. Skyler’s family, Cristy and Alan Brustein, loved the experience so much that they have asked the foundation to become ambassadors, so that they can continue to spread the positive message and give back to other families in need.

Cristy Brustein said in her closing remarks, “I hope all of you would be generous enough to help families like ours escape a pain-free moment in their lives. It’s people like you who can make a difference. Please, let’s all make a difference.”

After the ball, Neiman Marcus Bal Harbour will sponsor the InterContinental^® Miami Make-A-Wish Ball Starlight Nightclub, which will present an elaborate fashion show with globally renowned DJ and producer Chuckie. Tickets for the Nightclub are $100, but for those already attending the ball prior, there is no charge. There will be a complimentary open bar and formal evening attire is required.

To reserve tables and tickets for the InterContinental® Miami Make-A-Wish® Ball, or for sponsorships, please visit www.makeawishball.com.The Make-A-Wish Southern Florida chapter grants a wish every sixteen hours, every day of the year, at an average cost of $5,000. For more information, to make a donation, volunteer or refer a child, contact Make-A-Wish at (888) 773-WISH log on to www.sfla.wish.org.