On July 11, Publix sponsored a benefit dinner for the 12th annual Zo's Summer Groove presented by Miccosukee Resort & Gaming at the InterContinental Hotel Miami. One of many components of a weeklong fund-raising event-headed by Alonzo Mourning of the Miami Heat-more than 1,000 guests attended the red-carpet dinner to help raise money for a worthwhile cause.
Mourning and teammate Dwyane Wade combined forces and charities-the Alonzo Mourning Charities and Wade's World Foundation-to help struggling youth in poor communities. Sponsors, supporters, and celebrities gathered to support the cause at the summer-themed dinner.During the reception, DJ Irie hit the turntables while guests bid on various items in the silent auction, including sports memorabilia and exotic vacation packages, and enjoyed a selection of delicacies provided by the hotel.
Caterwaiters served mini California burgers, Coney Island hot dogs, and vegetable empanadas. A gazpacho station featured the soup (served in shot glasses) and plantains, as well as a Key West ceviche with mint and mango presented in spoons and bone china. Other food stations included a sushi bar and a mashed potato bar, which also served shrimp Creole, chicken fajitas, and Italian sausage Bolognese in martini glasses. Additionally, bars decorated as tiki huts served specialty drinks sponsored by Southern Wine & Spirits.
Event planner Amy Deutch contacted local Miami artist Lebo to design and create an image for the event. Lebo's vision-blown-up cartoon images of Mourning and Wade in summer attire-was incorporated into the beach-themed space by Strike-a-Pose. Inside the grand hall, tables were draped with ocean-blue and lilac linens from Linens Design and topped with sand-castle centerpieces, dyed seashells, sun umbrellas, and beach balls. Soft fuscia lighting, courtesy of Armadillo Sound, created a warm ambience in the parlor. Musician AJ Wright of A Jazz Productions performed at the beginning of the dinner, which was followed by an award ceremony and live auction led by Mourning and Wade and a video about their charities. They each also spoke of their vision to create a better community for children in need.
The evening wrapped up with a special performance by Queen Latifah.
Mourning and teammate Dwyane Wade combined forces and charities-the Alonzo Mourning Charities and Wade's World Foundation-to help struggling youth in poor communities. Sponsors, supporters, and celebrities gathered to support the cause at the summer-themed dinner.During the reception, DJ Irie hit the turntables while guests bid on various items in the silent auction, including sports memorabilia and exotic vacation packages, and enjoyed a selection of delicacies provided by the hotel.
Caterwaiters served mini California burgers, Coney Island hot dogs, and vegetable empanadas. A gazpacho station featured the soup (served in shot glasses) and plantains, as well as a Key West ceviche with mint and mango presented in spoons and bone china. Other food stations included a sushi bar and a mashed potato bar, which also served shrimp Creole, chicken fajitas, and Italian sausage Bolognese in martini glasses. Additionally, bars decorated as tiki huts served specialty drinks sponsored by Southern Wine & Spirits.
Event planner Amy Deutch contacted local Miami artist Lebo to design and create an image for the event. Lebo's vision-blown-up cartoon images of Mourning and Wade in summer attire-was incorporated into the beach-themed space by Strike-a-Pose. Inside the grand hall, tables were draped with ocean-blue and lilac linens from Linens Design and topped with sand-castle centerpieces, dyed seashells, sun umbrellas, and beach balls. Soft fuscia lighting, courtesy of Armadillo Sound, created a warm ambience in the parlor. Musician AJ Wright of A Jazz Productions performed at the beginning of the dinner, which was followed by an award ceremony and live auction led by Mourning and Wade and a video about their charities. They each also spoke of their vision to create a better community for children in need.
The evening wrapped up with a special performance by Queen Latifah.
Lebo's cartoon image of Mourning and Wade was stationed to welcome guests into the main parlor.
Cristina Cook for BizBash
Lebo's cartoon image of Mourning and Wade was stationed to welcome guests into the main parlor.
Cristina Cook for BizBash
An assortment of gazpacho shots and ceviche on a mirrored tabletop were served during the cocktail reception.
Cristina Cook for BizBash
The grand hall was decorated with fun, summer-themed items including sun umbrellas, sand-castle centerpieces, bright linens, and beach balls.
Cristina Cook for BizBash
Queen Latifah gave a special performance at the end of the evening.
Cristina Cook for BizBash
Alonzo Mourning and Dwyane Wade spoke to guests about their charities.
Cristina Cook for BizBash
