Benefits Miami/South Florida 2019

The 22nd annual Best Buddies Miami Gala—this year dubbed Le Cirque de la Nuit, a fete inspired by Paris—took over Mana Wynwood. Nearly 700 people helped raise $2.8 million for Best Buddies International. The night featured a performance by Flo Rida, while notable guests included Rocco Amaradio, Jason Lewis, Patrick Schwarzenegger, Olivia Culpo, Chris Froome, and Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters. Next: November 2019

More than 800 people packed the 24th annual Intercontinental Miami Make-A-Wish Ball in November 2018, raising nearly $2.3 million for Make-A-Wish Southern Florida. The “Summer of Love”-theme soiree did not disappoint, with performances by Chicago and The Voice's Alisan Porter. Gabrielle Anwar served as the celebrity emcee for the eighth time. Next: November 2019

With the help of rock legend Jon Bon Jovi, the ForEverglades Palm Beach Benefit this February raised $3 million. Held at the Breakers, the event also featured an appearance by Everglades Foundation board member Jimmy Buffett, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, golf legend and foundation board member Jack Nicklaus, and former astronaut Mark Kelly. Next: January 2020

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Famed composer John Williams (known for scores for films like Star Wars, Indiana Jones, and Jurassic Park) conducted the New World Symphony during its gala on March 2. His appearance also marked the first time the gala performance was broadcast on the property’s Wallcast, allowing passersby in Soundscape Park to watch for free. Next: March 2020

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Jackson Health Foundation hosted its 2019 Golden Angels Gala at the JW Marriott Marquis and raised $2 million at the sold-out affair (2018’s $3 million total included a single $1 million check presented by Caroline Weiss). Nearly 600 guests enjoyed music by Loren Allred, featured in both The Greatest Showman and NBC’s The Voice. Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits was the evening’s grand corporate underwriter. Next: January 2020

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Pérez Art Museum Miami’s Art of the Party honored the artist Christo, whose "Surrounded Islands" installation from 1983 famously wrapped several islands in pink fabric. Valentino returned as the presenting sponsor, while chef Norman Van Aken and Constellation Culinary Group crafted the evening’s meal. The event raised more than $1 million. Next: March 2020

Harry Winston presented 2019’s YoungArts Backyard Ball. The ball announced the inaugural Jorge M. Pérez Award, a $25,000 grant for emerging artists and honored choreographer Camille Brown (Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert) and designers Simon and Nikolai Haas of the Haas Brothers. The gala raised $1.5 million. Next: January 2020

More than $1 million was raised at the 12th annual Diamond Ball, which benefits the children and families of Nicklaus Children’s Hospital. Some 500 guests enjoyed the “Beyond Tomorrow”-theme affair at the JW Marriott Marquis Miami. Sponsors included Delta, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, and City National Bank. Next: Fall 2019

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens’ 62nd annual Vizcaya Ball hosted an “East Meets West: The Silk Road to Vizcaya” soiree in November. Presenting Sponsor Chopard’s boutique displayed covetable pieces while models featured fashion sponsor Naeem Kahn’s designs. Thierry Isambert Culinary and Event Design catered the evening’s dinner while guests were entertained with traditional Chinese dances. The night ended with a fireworks display. All proceeds benefit the property’s preservation; museum officials declined to release the ball’s fund-raising total. Next: November 2020

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Raising more than $6.5 million, Baptist Health South Florida’s Grand Gala brought together some 2,000 guests at the Miami Beach Convention Center, the healthcare organization's largest fund-raiser ever. The March 16 event featured headlining entertainment from cabaret icon Michael Feinstein, who performed a set of songs from the great American songbook. Next: Spring 2020

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In 2018, the gala embraced a 1950s theme and raised more than $1 million. The event honored María Elena Salinas, a television journalist, news anchor, and author, with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Notable guests included Carlos Ponce, Karla Monroig, Victor Manuelle, and Zuleyka Rivera. This year’s 17th annual edition, held at the InterContinental Miami, will feature a performance from Luis Enrique. Next: May 18, 2019

The Adrienne Arsht Center’s 13th annual gala will honor Arnold W. Donald, chief executive of the center’s arts education and community engagement programs. Chef Brad Kilgore, a James Beard Award finalist, will curate the evening’s dinner. The night will feature a performance by Grammy Award winner Juanes, and Tony Award winner Brian Stokes Mitchell. In 2018, the gala drew 400 guests to honor outgoing president and C.E.O. John Richard. The center declined to release the gala's fund-raising total. Next: April 6, 2019

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The Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science will mark its third annual Celebration of Science this spring in its new Museum park home. Proceeds directly benefit the museum’s programming. Past Visionary Award recipients include Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez. The 2018 ball raised more than $600,000. Next: May 4, 2019

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Presented by Chanel, the 2018 Bass Ball welcomed socialites for the black-tie soiree with a theme of Come as You Art: Fauvism, a nod to the French movement’s free-spirited artists. The Bass declined to release the fund-raising total. Next: December 2019

The annual music-theme ball benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Florida returns to the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino this summer with a “Studio 54: Disco Made Me Do It” theme. The 2018 edition raised $346,000, up $40,000 from the previous year. Next: June 1, 2019

Formerly the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation’s Love and Hope Ball, the event had a new concept this year as a casino-theme celebration. The Love and High Rollers Night took over the Nobu Hotel Eden Roc to raise money for the Diabetes Research Institute. The 2018 edition raised more than $425,000. Next: Spring 2020

The 15th annual Deliver the Dream Denim & Diamonds gala took place at the Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa in November. Attendance rose to 550 guests from about 300 guests the previous year, with the event raising $316,00 to benefit the organization’s efforts to provide retreats for families undergoing chronic illness or crisis. The evening featured a five-piece band by Forte Entertainment, catering by the hotel, and Light up the Night stilt walkers. This year the benefit moves to the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. Next: November 9, 2019

A showcase of barefoot luxury, Yacht Rendezvous will host its 32nd gathering in November on the exclusive Fisher Island. The superyacht event has locked in R&B superstar Jason Derulo to perform once again. The event benefits the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County. Next: November 7-9, 2019

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Norton Museum of Art’s annual gala had extra reason to celebrate this year thanks to the opening of the Museum’s Foster & Partners-designed expansion. The February affair saw nearly 800 guests and raised more than $2 million. Pritzker Prize-winning architect Lord Norman Foster delivered remarks and honored Norton’s executive director Hope Alswang for leadership during the expansion. Next: Winter 2020