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Miguel Ferniza, a Branches alum, is featured in a video that was shown during the gala.<\/p>\n Miguel Ferniza, a Branches alum, is featured in a video that was shown during the gala.<\/p>\n
Branches, a local nonprofit dedicated to partnering with families to build educational and financial assets, hosted its annual Black Tie & Blue Jeans Gala and Auction on Saturday, May 2, at the JW Marriott Marquis Miami.<\/p>\n
The sold-out event welcomed nearly 700 guests for an Enchanted Forest-themed evening that raised a record-breaking $1.08 million to support children, youth, adults and families across Miami-Dade County.<\/p>\n
As Branches\u2019 largest fundraiser of the year, the gala featured immersive d\u00e9cor, a close-up magician during the cocktail hour, an online auction, dinner and dancing. Funds raised will support Branches\u2019 programs, which impact more than 15,000 individuals annually, including 550 students who receive daily after-school enrichment, tutoring and college support, as well as thousands of adults who receive financial coaching, micro-business support, tax preparation services, Thanksgiving meals and more.<\/p>\n
A highlight of the evening was the story of Miguel Ferniza, one of the first students to attend Branches Florida City more than 30 years ago. Miguel\u2019s story is a powerful reminder that investing in one child and one family can create impact across generations. After graduating from high school, Miguel went on to build a successful career in the military, yet never lost touch with his Branches family.<\/p>\n
Last year, he made a transformational $45,000 gift to Branches, the organization he credits with helping shape his success. His gift helped provide a new shade system for the Branches Florida City playground and now serves as an inspiration to the entire Branches community.<\/p>\n
To watch Miguel\u2019s story, visit www.youtube.com\/watch?v=WyIi7nwWl_0<\/a>.<\/p>\n This year\u2019s gala was made possible thanks to philanthropic chairs Trish and Dan Bell and gala chairs Leah and Phillip Sylvester. Branches also presented the Trish and Dan Bell Community Empowerment Award to Dr. Jose L. Dotres, superintendent of Miami-Dade County Public Schools, in recognition of his dedicated support of students across the South Florida community.<\/p>\n For more information, visit www.branchesfl.org\/2026Gala<\/a> or contact Isabelle Pike by phone at 305-206-5689 or email at ipike@branchesfl.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n ABOUT US:<\/p>\n For more Miami community news, look no further than Miami Community Newspapers. This Miami online group of newspapers covers a variety of topics about the local community and beyond. Miami\u2019s Community Newspapers offers daily news, online resources, podcasts and other multimedia content to keep readers informed. With topics ranging from local news to community events, Miami\u2019s Community Newspapers is the ideal source for staying up to date with the latest news and happenings in the area.<\/p>\n This family-owned media company publishes more than a dozen neighborhood publications, magazines, special sections on their websites, newsletters, as well as distributing them in print throughout Miami Dade County from Aventura, Sunny Isles Beach, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Brickell, Coconut Grove, Pinecrest, South Miami, Kendall, Palmetto Bay, Cutler Bay and Homestead. Each online publication and print editions provide comprehensive coverage of local news, events, business updates, lifestyle features, and local initiatives within its respective community.<\/p>\n Additionally, the newspaper has exclusive Miami community podcasts, providing listeners with an in-depth look into Miami\u2019s culture. Whether you\u2019re looking for local Miami news, or podcasts, Miami\u2019s Community Newspapers has you covered. For more information, be sure to check out: https:\/\/communitynewspapers.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n If you have any questions, feel free to email Michael@communitynewspapers.com<\/a> or Grant@communitynewspapers.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n
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