Nearly three thousand guests were greeted by sultry native Polynesian music and fresh, mouth-watering coconuts at the Hawaii-themed annual Miami Heat Family Festival at the Surfcomber Hotel. This stylish fund-raiser, which benefits Safe Space, the Jackson Memorial Foundation and the Miami Heat Family Outreach Charitable Fund, featured brightly colored tropical decorations that highlighted the natural landscape of green palm trees and white sand, creating an ambiance of sheer festivity and fun. "It took three days of preparation for a three-hour event, but it all turned out great," said Ted Boyd of ME Productions, who was in charge of style and décor. In collaboration with Steve Stowe, who did the planning from the Miami Heat's side, they were able to put forth an event for all ages to enjoy.
Polynesian dancers from Drums of Polynesia Productions heated up the stage while Miami Heat Players mingled with the guests and signed autographs. A tiki-lined walkway guided guests toward the interactive entertainment sand area were children climbed rock walls and played inside gigantic bounce houses. Tiki huts housed national and local restaurants that served up everything from fast food by McDonald's and Pizza Hut to a fine sampling of gnocchi—filled with cheese and pear—served in gorgonzola cream sauce and topped with fresh chives created by Brian Molloy, executive chef of Nikki Beach. DJ Ire from Zay Zay Music Entertainment spun tunes which kept the mood alive and energetic. As the afternoon slipped by, Tropical Delight served strawberry daiquiris as the sun set over the Atlantic Ocean.
Polynesian dancers from Drums of Polynesia Productions heated up the stage while Miami Heat Players mingled with the guests and signed autographs. A tiki-lined walkway guided guests toward the interactive entertainment sand area were children climbed rock walls and played inside gigantic bounce houses. Tiki huts housed national and local restaurants that served up everything from fast food by McDonald's and Pizza Hut to a fine sampling of gnocchi—filled with cheese and pear—served in gorgonzola cream sauce and topped with fresh chives created by Brian Molloy, executive chef of Nikki Beach. DJ Ire from Zay Zay Music Entertainment spun tunes which kept the mood alive and energetic. As the afternoon slipped by, Tropical Delight served strawberry daiquiris as the sun set over the Atlantic Ocean.
—Lydia Lizano