SOBeFiT magazine unveiled the 12 semifinalists in its inaugural Fittest Person of the Year contest at a cocktail party Thursday night. Nearly 300 people attended the event at the Britto Central gallery on Lincoln Road in Miami Beach, where resident artist Romero Britto unveiled the painting and trophy he designed for the contest.
“When [our editor-in-chief Marta Montenegro] conceived the idea for the contest, she wanted a unique award to give to the winners that represented not only the contest but the foundation of the magazine,” said SOBeFiT marketing director Candy Tree. “Britto’s artwork captured that South Florida atmosphere, and he represents our values of living life to the fullest and everything the Fittest Person of the Year represents to [Marta].”
Tree hired 10 models from Caroline Gleason Management to serve as interactive art displays—and draw more attention to the event from Lincoln Road pedestrians—by exercising in the gallery’s window space. Waiters from Asian fusion restaurant World Resource Café passed healthy hors d’oeuvres like fresh sushi, spring rolls, and steamed dumplings. The fitness and health theme extended to the drinks as well with Real Housewives of New York cast member Bethenny Frankel serving her signature SkinnyGirl Margaritas.
The event began with a private cocktail reception for more than 200 V.I.P.s. Montenegro welcomed guests and introduced the contest’s 12 semifinalists, all of whom where featured in the July/August issue of the magazine before being narrowed down to six for the public to vote on the winners. Britto joined Montenegro for the unveiling of the custom painting and limited-edition sculpture he created for the contest, the latter of which will be awarded to the male and female winners for the first three years of the contest as only six have been produced.
Following the 90-minute reception, the event opened to the public and attraced 100 additional guests. DJ Lee Or from Scratch DJ Academy performed until it the party ended around 10:30 p.m.
SOBeFiT is already working on another event at Britto Central for the announcement of the contest winners in late October.
