The United Way's seventh annual Mayor's Ball, held at the Fontainebleau Hilton in Miami Beach offered guests a night of real elegance. More than 500 people, including many of Miami's well-known political figures, gathered to raise funds for the United Way and celebrate a special tribute to Mayor Alex Penelas and his wife Lilliam, who helped create the fund-raising event seven years ago.
The evening's festivities began in the West ballroom, which was decorated with more areca palms then one could count. Catered by the Fontainebleau, two pasta serving tables stood at each end of the room, while two round buffet tables adorned with an ice sculpture and topped with red flowers showcased an array of finger foods. Guests moved among the multiple bars and listened intently to the violinist who roamed the room. He set the tone for the night, but it was the UniPro Group who brought him in, as well as produced the event and provided décor, sound, lighting and entertainment.
An hour after the event began, invitees were encouraged to move to the East room where they could mingle with the mayor and his wife. Guests had an opportunity to have a picture taken with the honored couple, courtesy of Bob Soto Photography. Attendees continued to nibble on sushi and salmon unitl 8:20 PM, when the lights began to dim and everyone moved to the Gala ballroom, where dinner was served and the mayor was honored with an end-of-session video tribute produced by Atwater Creative. The Penelases were also presented with a piece of art as a token of appreciation. United Way's event coordinator, Ivette Zayas-Bazan, said they are celebrating on land this year. "Usually we have these events on a new ship, but there was no new, interesting ship this year," she explained.
The mayor said that he hopes that this tradition will continue for many years to come—for himself and future mayors.
—Ceci Valdes-Shaw
The evening's festivities began in the West ballroom, which was decorated with more areca palms then one could count. Catered by the Fontainebleau, two pasta serving tables stood at each end of the room, while two round buffet tables adorned with an ice sculpture and topped with red flowers showcased an array of finger foods. Guests moved among the multiple bars and listened intently to the violinist who roamed the room. He set the tone for the night, but it was the UniPro Group who brought him in, as well as produced the event and provided décor, sound, lighting and entertainment.
An hour after the event began, invitees were encouraged to move to the East room where they could mingle with the mayor and his wife. Guests had an opportunity to have a picture taken with the honored couple, courtesy of Bob Soto Photography. Attendees continued to nibble on sushi and salmon unitl 8:20 PM, when the lights began to dim and everyone moved to the Gala ballroom, where dinner was served and the mayor was honored with an end-of-session video tribute produced by Atwater Creative. The Penelases were also presented with a piece of art as a token of appreciation. United Way's event coordinator, Ivette Zayas-Bazan, said they are celebrating on land this year. "Usually we have these events on a new ship, but there was no new, interesting ship this year," she explained.
The mayor said that he hopes that this tradition will continue for many years to come—for himself and future mayors.
—Ceci Valdes-Shaw
Understated elegance was the theme of the decor at the United Way's Mayor's Ball.
An ice sculpture doubling as a vase enhanced the buffet table at the Mayor's Ball.
Guests were treated to salmon, sushi and other finger foods before heading into the main room for dinner.
Food doubled as entertainment as guests were able to watch a Fontainebleau chef prepare part of dinner.
