Supporters cracked open opportunities for Miami-Dade area youth at Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade’s 15th annual “Claws for Kids” fundraising luncheon on Tuesday, May 5, at Joe’s Stone Crab in Miami Beach.
More than 350 of South Florida’s community leaders, philanthropists and influencers attended the annual event, making it the largest “Claws for Kids” in the organization’s history.
The signature event continued Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade’s year-long 80th anniversary celebration. For eight decades, Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade has been committed to improving the lives of Miami-Dade area youth through mentorship, care and educational programs designed to prepare them to become productive and caring citizens in the community.
“Claws for Kids” raised over $300,000 that will support Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade’s services and programs at its six clubs and sites combined, which provide educational after-school programs, tutoring and homework assistance, STEM, social skills, dance, arts and crafts, mentoring and summer and athletic programs for area youth who need them the most. These programs help children realize their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens.
Guests enjoyed Joe’s world-famous stone crabs and additional signature items without the wait while listening to the sounds of Brett Miller. Emmy award-winning journalist and WSVN Channel 7 anchor Belkys Nerey was the emcee.
Mother-daughter Lisa Mendelson and Lindsey Mendelson Pearson returned as co-chairs alongside Special Events chair Olga Guilarte. The “Claws for Kids” host committee included Jackie Gonzalez, Melissa Pallette-Vasquez, Lily Pardo and Rae Stein.
Supporters had the opportunity to participate in a curated raffle featuring VIP experiences, exclusive travel, fine wines and liquors, restaurant gift cards, fine jewelry, and more. Big ticket items included the choice of either a seven-day Carnival cruise or a private VIP Art Basel Tour 2026 and art consultation at a private residence by Nina Johnson Gallery; a Trump National Doral Golf Club round of golf for four on Red Tiger, Golden Palm or Silver Fox; a KAY Milestones Diamond Teardrop Necklace; two tickets to the Giants vs. Marlins game s with access to The PNC Club, and a Girl’s Day Out with lunch for 10 at Mariposa Café at Neiman Marcus at Merrick Park, among other luxury items.
Guests also participated in Sponsor-a-Child, where they pledged to donate to make a positive impact on the life of a child.
“Claws for Kids” is held in memory of Judy Kramer, a longtime Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade Board member, who was not only a part of the Claws team that created the event, but she also chaired it since its inception until her passing in February 2021.
ACADEMICA was honored with the 2026 “From the Heart Award” in recognition of its incredibly strong partnership and support of Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade. ACADEMICA’s efforts have profoundly influenced the lives of countless youth served by the Club.
ACADEMICA is a leading education service provider committed to supporting high-quality public charter schools and strengthening educational opportunities for students and families. Through its strong partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade, ACADEMICA has demonstrated a deep commitment to community impact and expanding access to resources that help young people succeed. Their continued generosity and collaboration reflect a shared mission to make a meaningful difference across our communities.
“We are proud to celebrate the 15th annual ‘Claws for Kids’ at Joe’s Stone Crab during our 80th anniversary, bringing our community together to create brighter futures for youth across Miami-Dade,” said Alex Rodriguez-Roig, president of Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade.
“This luncheon is an annual highlight for our supporters, and its success is made possible through the continued generosity of our longtime partner Joe’s Stone Crab, the leadership of Special Events chair Olga Guilarte, returning co-chairs Lisa Mendelson and Lindsey Mendelson Pearson, as well as the dedication of our board members and generous donors.”
For more information, call 305.446.9910 or visit www.bgcmia.org.
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