{"id":126766,"date":"2026-01-21T19:21:29","date_gmt":"2026-01-21T19:21:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/126766\/"},"modified":"2026-01-21T19:21:29","modified_gmt":"2026-01-21T19:21:29","slug":"2026-voices-for-children-gala-raises-record-1-4-million","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/126766\/","title":{"rendered":"2026 Voices For Children Gala raises record $1.4 million"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a>Pictured at VFC 2026 Gala are VFC Foundation Board of Directors<\/p>\n

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\u2019s $100 million renovation.<\/p>\n

The black-tie gala, themed \u201cBloom Where You Are Planted,\u201d 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\u2019s child advocacy, essential needs, and enrichment programs for children and youth in foster care throughout Miami-Dade County.<\/p>\n

The event was led by 2026 Gala Co-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.<\/p>\n

\"\"Pictured attending VFC Gala are Henry and Nilda Torres with Jennifer and Vince Castro<\/p>\n

\u201cThis extraordinary night reflects the deep commitment our community has to children in foster care,\u201d said Kadie Black, President and CEO of Voices For Children Foundation. \u201cRaising $1.4 million is a milestone for our organization and a powerful investment in the futures of the children and families we serve.\u201d<\/p>\n

Guests enjoyed an evening featuring live music, a live auction, a silent auction, dinner, and dancing, all in support of the Foundation\u2019s 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\u2019s theme through the thoughtful and inspired design of Gilded Group Decor.<\/p>\n

\"\"Pictured at VFC 2026 Gala are Erin Michelle Newberg, Dr. Oscar Sanchez and Alejandra Sanchez<\/p>\n

The gala also honored two distinguished champions of the Foundation\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

The success of the Be A Voice Gala was made possible through the continued support of the Foundation\u2019s 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 & Karim Alibhai.<\/p>\n

While the gala marked a milestone moment, the Foundation\u2019s 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"\"Pictured are Suzanne and Brad Meltzer at VFC 2026 Gala<\/p>\n

About Our Sponsors<\/p>\n

Voices For Children Foundation extends special thanks to its sponsors, including Astor Companies, the Presenting Sponsor, and Roberto Cavalli, the Luxury Sponsor, for their generous partnership; additional sponsors include Shipley Foundation, Inc., Lowell and Betty Dunn Family Foundation, Stearns Weaver Miller, Hal and Madalyn Rosenbluth, Ellen and Ronald Block Family Foundation, Michael and Ellen Block, Miami Reinsurance Golf Foundation, Amazon,\u00a0 Senator Rene Garcia, Magnum Opus, Kaufman Rossin, Commissioner Vicki L. Lopez, Merrill, The Jorge M. P\u00e9rez Family Foundation, Alliant, Commissioner Danielle Cohen Higgins, Greenberg Traurig, Hotaling, Vince and Jennifer Castro, Jeffrey and Yolanda Berkowitz, Angel and Lynette Ferrer, Juan and Susana Cordoba, Brodsky Fotiu-Wojtowicz, Kandell, Kandell & Petrie, AT&T, KPMG, Driven Brands, Lennar, Amerant Bank, Chairman Anthony Rodriguez, Commissioner Roberto J. Gonzalez, Lloyd\u2019s, Northern Trust, Bilzin Sumberg, John an Suzel Broe, Stuart Fort, Elise Betancourt and Raul Rodriguez, Mario and Jessica Cristobal, Kira Grossman, Esq., Brad and Suzanne Meltzer, Yolanda and German Valencia, Gabriela B. Ibarra and Ron Goncalves, Michael and Diane Rosenberg Family Foundation, Commissioner Juan Carlos Bermudez, Commissioner Micky Steinberg, Commissioner Natalie Milian Orbis, David Barbeito, CPA, Abigail Price Williams, Esq., Gilded Group D\u00e9cor, Banesco, Citrus Family Care Network, Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, TD Bank, Salubris Health, Auria Health, LLC dba yvb, FPL, Blanca, Read Law PLLC, Stabilify, Bertha and Paul Pino, The Monochromatic Experience, UNA Vodka, Golden Goat, Brickell Magazine and Isaac Farms.<\/p>\n

About Voices For Children Foundation<\/p>\n

Voices For Children Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of abused, abandoned, and neglected children through advocacy, essential needs, and positive experiences that promote stability, well-being, and long-term success.<\/p>\n


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