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Hunky Volunteers Show Off Auction Items—With Big Results

Volunteers dubbed the 'Shoe Guys' showed off silent auction lots and items for sale in the fashion marketplace at the Miami Children's Hospital Foundation's Wine, Women & Shoes benefit.
Volunteers dubbed the "Shoe Guys" showed off silent auction lots and items for sale in the fashion marketplace at the Miami Children's Hospital Foundation's Wine, Women & Shoes benefit.
Photo: Yamila Lomba

Looking to boost event-day proceeds, Miami Children's Hospital Foundation went beyond the basic silent auction by enlisting a group of hunky male volunteers to showcase auction items at its Wine, Women & Shoes benefit February 7.

The event, which drew 450 women to the Coral Gables Country Club, ended up selling $50,000 in goods that day from the auction and a fashion marketplace, resulting in a fund-raising total of $450,000. That amount made it the most successful Wine, Women, and Shoes event among the 150 hosted throughout the country and easily topped the $250,000 raised last year.

Several factors went into the record-breaking event, said Morgana Nieves, the foundation's director of communications and special events. The foundation signed a presenting sponsor, Elizabeth Spill, and increased the price for tables and individual tickets. The event still sold out nearly two months ahead of time, largely thanks to interest created at a kickoff event at a committee member's Miami Beach home.

Another factor, according to Nieves, were the "Shoe Guys." The team of 16 volunteers, which included doctors, business executives, and other community leaders, walked through the crowd with shoes, jewels, and other accessories on silver platters. The guys had their own sponsor, adding to the fund-raising total.

The foundation has a history of successful events. Jeremy Katzman, its manager of media relations and e-philanthropy, will share his insight into converting gala attendees into enthusiastic advocates at the Event Innovation Forum during BizBash IdeaFest South Florida April 10 at the Fort Lauderdale Convention Center.

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