Kristi House, Empowering the Community to Empower the Children

Empowerment is a theme resonating with me on a personal level. That’s because it’s usually born out of adversity and life challenges — everyone has those. CIM Partner Frances Alban helped to make sure that empowerment was at the core of this year’s Breaking the Silence Luncheon – the annual fundraiser for local non-profit Kristi House, the Children’s Advocacy Center for Miami-Dade County dedicated to providing a healing environment for child victims of abuse and their families.

This year’s 13th Annual “Breaking the Silence Luncheon” was co-chaired by Gloria Suarez Fonts and Angelica Bertot Santibañez. And for this occasion, lawmakers, dignitaries, influencers, business executives and child advocates came together in a celebration of community service and philanthropy. From the powerful speeches and awe-inspiring performances to the informative, thematic décor, guests were emboldened to do their part in helping to champion child safety.

Emcee Luly B emceed a prized set of stories, each describing heroism, strength, and perseverance. Powerful conversation and laughs commingled as guests listened to the author, speaker and women empowerment coach add levity to the sometimes raw, complicated and ugly issue at hand: child abuse and commercial sexual exploitation of children. Jennifer Love — a former FBI Executive and Royal Caribbean Chief Security Officer — closed out the powerful program by exuding strength and captivating the entire ballroom, expressing her commitment to Kristi House.

It worked: this year’s Breaking the Silence brought in nearly $225,000. Funds raised from the luncheon will support Kristi House’s programming and educational initiatives, as well as outreach efforts within high-risk and high-need communities. From the entire CIM team, actually, from the entire Miami-Dade County Community: Thank you Kristi House for all the excellent work you do to make our communities better, and empowered!

Gloria Fonts Suarez, Angelica Bertot Santiban
Jennifer Pena Mayor Francis Suarez Gilbert Squires
Michelle Kramer, Bianca Gabay Frances Alban
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