Voices For Children Board of Directors members are pictured at gala.
Voices For Children Foundation raised a record-breaking $1.4 million at its annual Be A Voice Gala, welcoming nearly 500 guests on Saturday, Jan. 10, at The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, marking the first major event held following the hotel’s $100 million renovation.
The black-tie gala, themed “Bloom Where You Are Planted,” celebrated resilience, growth, and the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive, no matter where they begin. Proceeds from the evening will support Voices For Children Foundation’s child advocacy, essential needs, and enrichment programs for children and youth in foster care throughout Miami-Dade County.
The event was led by 2026 gala go-chairs Henry and Nilda Torres, and Vince and Jennifer Castro, and Gala Committee members David and Naive Barbeito, Michael Block, Alice Bravo, Angel and Lynette Ferrer, Richard and Rana Florida, Jay and Christine Fritz, Gabriela B. Ibarra and Ron Goncalves, Dagmar Llaudy and Milton Ares, Taylor and Adrian Pena, Bertha and Paul Pino, Magali and Rick Sanders, Feyza and Richard Shipley, and Yolanda and German Valencia, whose leadership and the generosity of the community made the evening a resounding success.
“This extraordinary night reflects the deep commitment our community has to children in foster care,” said Kadie Black, president and CEO of Voices For Children Foundation.
“Raising $1.4 million is a milestone for our organization and a powerful investment in the futures of the children and families we serve.”
Guests enjoyed an evening featuring live music, a live auction, a silent auction, dinner, and dancing, all in support of the f oundation’s mission. The evening featured a family testimonial that underscored how Voices For Children Foundation supports and advocates for youth and families experiencing foster care. The event space was transformed into a living expression of the evening’s theme through the thoughtful and inspired design of Gilded Group Decor.
The gala also honored two distinguished champions of the Foundation’s mission.
Commissioner Vicki L. Lopez received the Be A Voice Award in recognition of her unwavering advocacy for children and families, including her leadership in securing critical funding to support youth in foster care. Jay Shapiro, longtime board member, was presented with the Legacy Award, celebrating nearly three decades of dedication, guidance, and generosity that have helped shape Voices For Children Foundation into the organization it is today.
The success of the Be A Voice Gala was made possible through the continued support of the foundation’s Be A Voice annual members, event sponsors, the dedicated Gala Committee, and honorary gala chairs Shipley Foundation, Lowell & Betty Dunn Family Foundation, Astor Companies and Priya Karani and Karim Alibhai.
While the gala marked a milestone moment, the foundation’s work continues, and opportunities remain to invest in the futures of children and families served by Voices For Children Foundation. For more information, visit beavoice.org.
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