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.](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2008/07/e11929zsg_standalone.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
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.](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2011/11/e11929zsg_1.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
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.](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2011/11/e11929zsg_2.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
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.](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2011/11/e11929zsg_3.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
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.](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2011/11/e11929zsg_4.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
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.](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2011/11/e11929zsg_5.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
Alonzo Mourning and Dwyane Wade spoke to guests about their charities.
Cristina Cook for BizBash