Children's charity Amigos for Kids held its annual domino night fund-raiser, sponsored by ING for the sixth year, at Jungle Island on Saturday. After a dip in the total number of sponsors last year, Saturday’s event rebounded with more than 120 corporate and individual sponsors—20 more than in 2009, and many donating at a higher level than in previous years.
“Some of the corporate sponsors have been able to up their sponsorship level this year, while we’ve seen a decline in the number of individual sponsors,” said Amigos executive director Rosa Plascencia, who added that nearly 80 percent of sponsors attained the corporate level this year by donating $2,000 or more. “I think it’s a direct reflection of the South Florida economy.”
In previous years, many small businesses and individuals have sponsored domino tables priced at $1,000 each; a number of those sponsors upgraded their level of support to the corporate tier. While fewer individual donors sponsored tables this year, the event still attracted nearly 1,800 attendees.
The evening began with a food-centered fete in the zoo’s courtyard, where 27 local restaurants and caterers—seven more than last year—set up food stations around the perimeter. The Valerie Tyson Band, costumed performers from Hot Jam Entertainment, and four-legged zoo residents entertained guests throughout the 90-minute reception before the party moved upstairs to the Treetop Ballroom.
Nearly 120 domino tables filled the ballroom, each adorned with a flag recognizing its sponsor. The entertainment continued throughout the domino tournament with performances from DJ Peter Diaz Jr., the Salsa Kings, and band Kukaramakara until the party wrapped up around 2 a.m.
Top sponsors included Bacardi USA, Carnival, Burger King, Comcast, and charter school Academico.
