Branches, the Miami-based nonprofit dedicated to helping families build educational and financial assets, community, and hope, hosted its highly anticipated 2026 Black Tie & Blue Jeans Gala and Auction on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at the JW Marriott Marquis Miami.
Guests stepped into an enchanted forest filled with whimsical décor, magical surprises, and unforgettable moments celebrating the power of community and generosity. The evening brought together supporters from across South Florida to invest in life-changing educational and financial wellness opportunities for children and families.
This year’s Gala was led by Philanthropic Chairs Trish and Dan Bell and Gala Chairs Leah and Phillip Sylvester. Trish and Dan Bell also generously provided a dollar-for-dollar matching grant during the evening’s appeal, doubling the impact of gifts made in support of Branches’ mission.
As Branches’ largest annual fundraiser, the Gala supports programs serving more than 15,000 individuals each year. These services include after-school enrichment, tutoring, college and career preparation for more than 550 students, financial coaching, free tax preparation, micro-business support, emergency assistance, and holiday meal deliveries for thousands of families across Miami-Dade County.
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the 2026 Trish & Dan Bell Community Empowerment Award to Dr. Jose L. Dotres, Superintendent of Miami-Dade County Public Schools, in recognition of his leadership and commitment to expanding opportunities for students and families throughout our community.
More than 650 guests attended the sold-out event, including philanthropists, business leaders, community partners, and longtime supporters. Together, they helped Branches achieve a historic milestone by raising $1.08 million, making this the most successful Gala in the organization’s history.
The evening also featured a moving story from Branches alumnus Miguel Ferniza, one of the first children served by Branches Florida City more than two decades ago. Today, Miguel is an Army veteran, technology leader, husband, father, and donor who recently made a transformational gift to support current Branches students. His full-circle journey served as a powerful reminder of the lasting impact of investing in children and families.
The night was a celebration of hope, opportunity, and transformation, demonstrating what is possible when a community comes together to create brighter futures for generations to come.
Top sponsors of Branches’ 2026 Black Tie & Blue Jeans Gala and Auction included:
Premier Sponsor
Trish & Dan Bell
Presenting Sponsor
Angeliki & George Marakas
Shining Star Sponsors
Arts Access Miami
Catalyst Pharmaceuticals
Himan Brown Charitable Trust
Diamond Sponsors
Kathy & Scott Howard
Leah & Phillip Sylvester
Wells Fargo
Platinum Sponsors
Kate Inman & Daniel Haines
Kathy & Bob Kowalski
Aetna Better Health of Florida
Banesco
JPMorgan Chase
Regions Bank
UnitedHealthcare
To learn more, please visit https://branchesfl.org/2026gala/