Special Olympics Florida Celebrates Annual Athlete Awards

Photo Credit: World Red Eye

Special Olympics Florida celebrated its 6th Annual Athlete Awards at JW Marriott Marquis Miami on Sept. 22, presented by Plaza Construction. The celebration included a few familiar faces. Haute Living was a proud media sponsor for the special occasion alongside The Miami Herald. Telly Award winner Peter Miller of NBC Sports and Emmy winning journalist Maity Interiano of Univision co-hosted the extravagant event, with title sponsor Mass Mutual Miami. The chairpersons for the fundraiser were Louis Birdman, co-developer of Zaha Hadid’s prestigious One Thousand Museum property, and Birdman’s wife and philanthropist, Angela.

Photo Credit: World Red Eye

Maity Interiano and Peter Miller hosting Special Olympics Florida Annual Athlete Awards

Photo Credit: Wold Red Eye

The 2018 Athlete Awards provided a platform for Special Olympics Florida to sincerely acknowledge the numerous dedicated athletes, coaches, volunteers and community partners in Miami-Dade County. The event also raised awareness and funds for the county’s program which serves over 6,500 adults and children with intellectual disabilities.

Photo Credit: World Red Eye

Suzanne & Brad Meltzer4 copy — Suzanne & Brad Meltzer

Photo Credit: World Red Eye

Louis and Anglea Birdman — Louis and Angela Birdman speaking to guests

Photo Credit: Wold Red Eye The cocktail reception featured a silent auction that included a seven-day cruise for two, a FlexWheels membership, a Special Olympics Athlete’s original painting and many other splurge-worthy items.

Special Olympics Florida Auction Items — Paintings and other items auctioned to raise funds for Special Olympics Florida

Photo Credit: Gabriel Bancora

Photo Credit: World Red Eye

This year’s awards gala included five hundred of Miami’s most influential social and corporate leaders for a night filled with fun celebrations and live entertainment courtesy of University of Miami’s Frost School of Music and a special performance by Yoli Mayor. Guests enjoyed a three-course gourmet dinner and premium cocktails and wines provided by high-end suppliers like Bacardi, Tu-be Global Spirits and Don Bernardino Wines.

Susan Eddings, Magnus Liljedahl, & Angela Birdman3 copy — Susan Eddings, Magnus Liljedahl, & Angela Birdman

Photo Credit: World Red Eye

Platinum Sponsors: David L. Singer Foundation; Event sponsors included Fedex, Sotheby’s Realty, PNC Bank, Littler Mendelson, Kaufman Rossin, Holland & Knight, Riviera Schools, Dadeland Animal Hospital, Famis, Inc., Rumberger, Kirk & Caldwell, Gulliver Schools, Carnival Cruise Lines, Bacardi, Eagle Brands, Tu-Be Wine & Spirits, and more.