Amigos For Kids, a South Florida nonprofit organization that helps abused and abandoned children, took center stage on Saturday, June 17 at the Coconut Grove Convention Center as it launched its public service campaign "There's No Excuse For Child Abuse" and celebrated its 15th anniversary with friends and celebrities.
Rosa Maria Plasencia, the organization's executive director, enlisted The Agency for the fourth time to plan this event, which brought Amigos' supporters together to play dominoes, enjoy tasty treats from numerous vendors, bid on one-of-a-kind items at the silent auction, and dance to the rhythms of Latin entertainment.
"Instead of the colorful look of last year's event at Parrot Jungle, we decided to go with a modern look with a Latin flair," said Vanessa Lopez of The Agency.
Approximately 3,000 amigos of the nonprofit organization came to play dominoes with local celebrities such as Univision 23's Alina Mayo Azze and Rodger Borges, model Ana Carolina Fonseca, Bruce Wayne from 97.3 The Coast, Glenna Milberg from WPLG 10, Mayor Manuel Diaz and U.S. Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen.
A large room (draped and hidden by a white curtain until the game began) was adorned with bright colorful lights, tall cloth palm trees, a stage, and tables and chairs engraved with sponsors' names, from FPL and the Miami Heat to the Miami Herald and Revlon. The tables were covered with simple beige linens from Panache: An Event Rental Company and topped with canvas palm centerpieces surrounded by various colorful beans from around the world: white, red, pinto, and more.
Before the game, palates were tempted by snacks and refreshments from Chispa, Islas Canarias Grill, the Biltmore Hotel's Cascade Restaurant, 1909 Café, Le Basque Catering & Productions, the Pasta Factory, Mena Catering, Paellas R Us, and Café Pilon including paella, pasta, pizza, braised lechon, and Schakolad Chocolate Factory's strawberries and cookies dipped in a chocolate fountain.
The entertainment also had a very distinct Latin flavor. The sounds of salsa singer Jerry Rivera, Mexican pop singer Jimena, and Carlos Olivas y Los Sobrinos del Juez kept guests on their feet throughout the night. Las Vegas-style dancers from Hot Jam also performed and posed for photographers and TV news cameramen.
—Veronica Mugnai-Hardy
Rosa Maria Plasencia, the organization's executive director, enlisted The Agency for the fourth time to plan this event, which brought Amigos' supporters together to play dominoes, enjoy tasty treats from numerous vendors, bid on one-of-a-kind items at the silent auction, and dance to the rhythms of Latin entertainment.
"Instead of the colorful look of last year's event at Parrot Jungle, we decided to go with a modern look with a Latin flair," said Vanessa Lopez of The Agency.
Approximately 3,000 amigos of the nonprofit organization came to play dominoes with local celebrities such as Univision 23's Alina Mayo Azze and Rodger Borges, model Ana Carolina Fonseca, Bruce Wayne from 97.3 The Coast, Glenna Milberg from WPLG 10, Mayor Manuel Diaz and U.S. Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen.
A large room (draped and hidden by a white curtain until the game began) was adorned with bright colorful lights, tall cloth palm trees, a stage, and tables and chairs engraved with sponsors' names, from FPL and the Miami Heat to the Miami Herald and Revlon. The tables were covered with simple beige linens from Panache: An Event Rental Company and topped with canvas palm centerpieces surrounded by various colorful beans from around the world: white, red, pinto, and more.
Before the game, palates were tempted by snacks and refreshments from Chispa, Islas Canarias Grill, the Biltmore Hotel's Cascade Restaurant, 1909 Café, Le Basque Catering & Productions, the Pasta Factory, Mena Catering, Paellas R Us, and Café Pilon including paella, pasta, pizza, braised lechon, and Schakolad Chocolate Factory's strawberries and cookies dipped in a chocolate fountain.
The entertainment also had a very distinct Latin flavor. The sounds of salsa singer Jerry Rivera, Mexican pop singer Jimena, and Carlos Olivas y Los Sobrinos del Juez kept guests on their feet throughout the night. Las Vegas-style dancers from Hot Jam also performed and posed for photographers and TV news cameramen.
—Veronica Mugnai-Hardy
The Coconut Grove Convention Center was transformed for a Latin-themed night of dominoes and music.
Rows of traditional domino tables were ready for game time.
Guests perused the long aisles filled with a variety of items during the silent auction.
A bongo player from Melecumbe Afro-Venezuelen Music entertained guests.
Dancers from Hot Jam posed for photographers before performing.
