For 80 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade has been a place where childhood memories are made, dreams take flight and generations of young people discover just how bright their futures can be. On Saturday, Oct. 10, Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade hosted The Wild About Kids Gala: Celebrating 80 Years, at the elegant Loews Coral Gables Hotel, raising more than $800,000 to empower area youth through academic, creative and athletic programs. The signature event honored the people, programs, and milestone moments that have shaped the organization’s remarkable legacy of empowering youth, strengthening families and building great futures.
For eight decades, Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade has been part of growing up in Miami-Dade, helping children and teens explore and develop new interests while building lasting friendships. More than 300 supporters, including South Florida’s top philanthropists, business leaders, and community champions, including Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, City of Miami Mayor Eileen Higgins and City of Miami District Four Commissioner Ralph “Rafael” Rosado, came together to celebrate that legacy. The spectacular black-tie celebration featured a cocktail reception, a gourmet three-course dinner, live entertainment and dancing.
Proceeds from the evening directly support programs across the nonprofit organization’s six Clubs, including after-school care, tutoring and homework assistance, STEM, educational enrichment, college and career readiness, financial literacy, character and leadership development, health and wellness, arts, sports and recreation and summer and winter camps. Together, these opportunities give children and teens a welcoming place to learn, explore their interests, develop new skills, and prepare for the future.
WSVN’s Lynn Martinez returned to the spotlight as the evening’s dynamic emcee and kept the crowd engaged with her renowned humor and energy. Guests enjoyed live entertainment by acclaimed Latin soul sensation Lucy Grau and a performance by Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade youth members, highlighting the talent, creativity and confidence nurtured by the Clubs’ programs across generations.
Guests heard impactful remarks from Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade President Alex Rodriguez-Roig, Board Chair Rodolfo “Rudy” Lleonart and Gala Chair and Executive Board Member Michelle Zubizarreta, as well as watched a special video showcasing meaningful moments featuring the remarkable youth of Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade.
Throughout the evening, supporters had the opportunity to make an impact by sponsoring a youth member or by participating in a curated silent auction featuring VIP experiences, exclusive travel, fine jewelry, and more.
Longtime supporter Zubizarreta chaired the event for the third and final year, alongside fellow Board Member Olga Guilarte, serving as Special Event Chair. The Host Committee included Emely Gazitua, Alina Guasch-Bezold, Carolina Isusquiza, Isabel Jettinghoff, Board Chair Rodolfo “Rudy” Lleonart, Lisa Mendelson, Liana De Mena, Yuni Navarro, Kristina Perez Cubas, Karen Rodriguez, Allison and Andy Stuart and Meredith Virnig.
“What an honor it was to celebrate our 80th anniversary,” said Rodriguez-Roig. “For eight decades, Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade has provided havens, caring mentors and life-changing opportunities for thousands of children who needed us most. The 18th Annual Wild About Kids Gala reminded us that this work has never been the effort of one organization alone. It has been carried forward by generations of staff, volunteers, families, board members and community partners who believed in the potential of every child in our community.”
“The evening would not have been possible without the support of our Gala Chair Michelle Zubizarreta, our gala committee members, our board members and the donors who are committed to creating great futures for our area youth. They gave their time, generosity and belief in our mission, and the room reflected that spirit. Their support does more than fund programs. It shapes futures, strengthens our community, and builds a legacy. As we looked back on 80 years of impact, we also looked ahead. The children walking through our doors today are the leaders, innovators and neighbors of tomorrow, and we are grateful to every person who stood with us to make sure they have a place to grow, learn and thrive,” he continued.
“It has been an incredible honor and privilege to chair the ‘Wild About Kids’ Gala for the past three years, culminating in this very special year as we celebrate the 80th anniversary of Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade,” said Zubizarreta. “To conclude, my tenure with a record-breaking evening, raising more than $800,000, is truly special. I am deeply grateful to our generous sponsors, supporters, and dedicated committee, as well as the Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade team whose commitment made this extraordinary achievement possible. Most importantly, I am proud of the lasting impact we are making in the lives of the children we serve.”
The success of this milestone celebration reflects the generosity of a community that has supported Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade for eight decades and continues to invest in brighter futures for local youth. Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade thanks its generous sponsors, including Carmen Rebozo Foundation;
Ansin Foundation; WSVN 7; THOMA BRAVO; Meredith & Kenneth Virnig II; Jorge Xiques & Michelle Zubizarreta; Bermont Gold / Raymond James; Lisa & Victor Mendelson Family; Ocean Bank; Allison & Andy Stuart; Academica; Anthony R. Abraham Foundation;Baptist Health; Bilzin Sumberg; CAMCON; Coca-Cola Beverages Florida; DRRT; First American Bank; Florida Power & Light (FPL);Gencom; TNB; Magic City Casino; Murgado Automotive Group; Abigail Pollak; Eris & Robert Thomas; USI Insurance Services;Walker Management Group; Amazon; The Bernhardt Family; Ana & Raul Marmol; Bob Parks; Planning & Economics Group; TASKO MEP Services, LLC; Bacardi; and Total Wine & More.