Last-minute plumbing glitches at well-known rental mansion Villa Ferrari on Palm Island left Jessica Suarez, field marketing manager for Dewar's 12, and the planning team at event firm the Agency scrambling for a venue at which to hold Dewar's celebrity poker tournament, a fund-raiser for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami. With a little assistance from SOL Sotheby's International Realty, exclusive realtor of a number of Miami's prestigious properties, a mansion in the exclusive Gables Estates was secured, and the event went on as scheduled.
Limos lined the blocks surrounding the mansion. Guests entered the home via a wide staircase flooded with white light and flanked by the requisite Dewar's 12 gobo logo, making for a great photo opportunity for celebrities like Alex Rodriguez, who was the evening's host, Jay-Z, and Lenny Kravitz. The grand foyer was lined with cases of spectacular diamond jewelry from Graff as part of the "Dewar's on the Rocks" promotion—yes, the diamonds represented the rocks—and a side room featured a chocolate fountain complete with goodies including strawberries, cherries, brioche, and pretzels for dipping. Both were a welcome diversion for guests who didn't play poker.
The main room was full of hip-hop music and cigar smoke. Testosterone and bravado were in the air, as attendees played poker, sipped Scotch on the rocks, and watched the Texas Hold 'Em action on flat-panel monitors throughout the mansion. Entertainers dressed as Vegas showgirls worked the crowd as the competition turned from friendly to fierce, ultimately raising more than $100,000.
—Stephen Bridges
Limos lined the blocks surrounding the mansion. Guests entered the home via a wide staircase flooded with white light and flanked by the requisite Dewar's 12 gobo logo, making for a great photo opportunity for celebrities like Alex Rodriguez, who was the evening's host, Jay-Z, and Lenny Kravitz. The grand foyer was lined with cases of spectacular diamond jewelry from Graff as part of the "Dewar's on the Rocks" promotion—yes, the diamonds represented the rocks—and a side room featured a chocolate fountain complete with goodies including strawberries, cherries, brioche, and pretzels for dipping. Both were a welcome diversion for guests who didn't play poker.
The main room was full of hip-hop music and cigar smoke. Testosterone and bravado were in the air, as attendees played poker, sipped Scotch on the rocks, and watched the Texas Hold 'Em action on flat-panel monitors throughout the mansion. Entertainers dressed as Vegas showgirls worked the crowd as the competition turned from friendly to fierce, ultimately raising more than $100,000.
—Stephen Bridges
The Dewar's 12 logo was projected into the pool at the Dewar's 12 celebrity poker tournament.
The main room was filled with plasma TVs, colorful lighting, and lots of poker.
Entertainers dressed as Vegas showgirls welcomed guests to the Gables Estates mansion.
Those not partaking in poker indulged in the chocolate fountain.
