First Year Anniversary Party for Connect Florida
Tuesday, October 7 from 6 to 8 p.m.

Celebrate with Connect Florida at its One Year Anniversary Event for young professionals between the ages of 21-35. Themed "Got Volunteerism?" proceeds from the door donations and raffle will be donated to the participating nonprofits: Overtown Youth Center, Miami Lighthouse for the Blind, Foster Care Review, Amigos for Kids, Sant La, Informed Families and Hands on Miami. The event is free for Connect Florida members and $20 for non members. Admission fee includes open bar and hors d’oeuvres. The evening is sponsored by Bacardi, The Capital Grille, and raffle donations are donated by Romero Britto, the Biltmore Hotel and Calder Race Course. RSVP please.

The Capital Grille
444 Brickell Avenue, Downtown Miami

Fashion Show 2008
Thursday, October 9 at 7 p.m.

For the second year Lian Fanjul de Azqueta, along with Alfy and Raysa Fanjul, will host the Tiffany & Co. Future Pacesetters Fashion Show to benefit the Mission International Rescue (MIR) Charities. Serving as models for the evening are the next generation of philanthropists, athletes, business professionals and community leaders of South Florida. See tomorrow's rising stars strut the catwalk adorned in Tiffany & Co. jewels and ultra-chic designs provided by Village of Merrick Park boutiques. Tickets for the evening are $150, which includes cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, live entertainment, a luxurious silent auction and many surprises - with 100% of the proceeds going to benefit MIR Charities.

Grove Isle Hotel & Spa
4 Grove Isle Drive, Coconut Grove
561-366-5093 (Judy Reynolds)

14th Annual "Be A Voice" Awards Luncheon
Friday, October 10 at 11:30 a.m.

MVP's (Most Valuable Protectors) will be celebrated at the annual "Be A Voice" Luncheon hosted by Voices for Children. Awards will be given to individuals, corporations and organizations that have made a significant contribution in the area of child abuse and neglect in Miami-Dade County. This event is presented by Stearns Weaver Miller Weissler Alhadeff & Sitterson, P.A. and is chaired by Abigail Price-Williams, Esq. Registration is at 11:30, and lunch at noon. Tickets are $125, and proceeds benefit Voices for Children and its unique collaboration with the 11th Judicial Circuit Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) Program, representing every abused child in Miami-Dade County.

Jungle Island
1111 Parrot Jungle Trail, Watson Island, Miami
305-324-5678 (Jason Clover)

12th Annual Swinging "Fore" Charity Golf Tournament
Friday, October 10 at 12:30 p.m.

Catholic Hospice and event sponsor Coastal Masonry invite all golf enthusiasts to participate in the annual Swinging Fore Charity Golf Tournament to benefit the patients and families served by Catholic Hospice. The registration fee ($175 per golfer or $650 per foursome) includes lunch, on-course beverages, greens and cart fees, goody bag, cocktail reception, awards ceremony and silent auction immediately following the tournament. This event is a major fundraiser for Catholic Hospice, a not-for-profit healthcare organization providing end-of-life care to terminally ill patients of all faiths and their families throughout Miami-Dade, Broward and Monroe counties.

Miami Springs Golf and Country Club
650 Curtiss Parkway, Miami Springs
305-351-7065 (Randy Quintero)

Hollywood's Hottest Happy Hour
Friday, October 10 from 6 to 9 p.m.

Tropical food and fun flows every Friday night at Hollywood's hottest happy hour, Tiki Sunsets at Lava Tiki Bar & Grille. Retreat to a lush waterfront oasis and enjoy live entertainment by Rose Max, featuring Brazilian samba jazz, poolside from 6 to 9 p.m. as you kick off the weekend. Unwind to the relaxing rhythms of live and tropical music and take in the spectacular South Florida sunset and incredible views of the Intracoastal Waterway! The Lava Tiki Bar & Grille at Crowne Plaza Hollywood Beach is the new, chic destination for dining and drinks.

LAVA Tiki Bar & Grille at the Crowne Plaza
4000 S. Ocean Drive, Hollywood Beach
954-568-7916

Rock the Fashion '08
Friday, October 10 at 9 p.m.

Don't miss Rock the Fashion '08 for a Red Carpet Spectacular Night of Dancing, Fashion and Music in South Beach. Promised to be the launch of an iconic happening - this simultaneous concert, fashion and night club extravaganza is a benefit for St. Thomas University School of Law. Be part of the spectacle! Mingle with local celebs, get your photo taken on the red carpet, browse the neat items in the silent auction, savor hors d'oeuvres and specialty cocktails, or just dance the night away to sounds from guest DJ's. The night's festivities will culminate with a dramatic "rock" music-themed fashion show and concert with popular contemporary rock music covers for the entertainment of our guests. Tickets are $20 with a student ID and $30 without. For VIP admission and table reservations, call John Leon at 786-478-5646.

Nikki Beach Club
One Ocean Drive, Miami Beach
786-478-5646

Orchid Lecture & Demonstration
Saturday, October 11 from 10 a.m. to noon

Miami Beach Botanical Garden is hosting Alex Lamazares and his free orchid demonstration and lecture. Learn tips and techniques for planting and caring for orchids. An array of new varieties and colors of orchids will also be available for sale.

Miami Beach Botanical Garden
2000 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach
305-673-7256, Ext. 203

High Heel Hike
Saturday, October 11 at 11 a.m.

Winterfest's official "glam" event is the Ft. Lauderdale High Heel Hike, the official 1K walk for all ages to “strut their stuff” while benefiting Breast Cancer action, advocacy and awareness for young women. Proceeds will benefit the Young Survival Coalition. The biggest fundraiser will be Crowned the 2008 High Heel Hike Queen so register your team today! Of course, half the fun is creating a sassy team name, team attire and, need we mention, fabulous shoes! Diva Mommy teams (baby carriages welcome), Diva Pet Lovers (the event is pooch friendly), Sorority Sister Divas and Corporate Queen Divas should not miss this opportunity to make diva-history and help Kiss Breast Cancer Goodbye! Tickets are $25, and registration forms are available at Publix locations and online.

Las Olas Boulevard
at S.E. 9th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale
813-671-9596

Sight & Sound Spooktacular!
Saturday, October 11 from noon to 4 p.m.

Get set for a terrifically terrifying tour of the new state-of-the-art showroom of Pure Audio Video and immerse your senses in this Sight & Sound Spooktacular, a thrill-filled, audio and visual experience. Enjoy a montage of suspense movies in the home theater, a concert in the dark featuring a medley of classical to heavy metal music in the advanced audio room, and interactive gaming in the media room. Kids over 12 are welcome. 'Trick-or-Treat' buffet & refreshments will be served.

Pure Audio Video
2800 W. State Rd. 84, Suite 107, Fort Lauderdale
954-581-4434

It's All About The Kids Event
Saturday, October 11 from 7 to midnight

Join the Friends of St. Jude for the first ever “It’s All About the Kids” Miami event to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the thousands of kids battling cancer and other catastrophic diseases. Enjoy cocktails, delicious food, silent auction, entertainment by Outerreach and DJ Jam One, visits with Jungle Island's furriest friends and fabulous door prizes. Beautiful Latin actress Genesis Rodriguez (pictured) will serve as emcee for the evening's festivities. Tickets are $125 for FOSJ members and $150 for non-members. Guests are encouraged to wear Tropical Miami Chic attire. Chairs are: Jeb Bush, Jr., Martin Plumlee, Aura D. Brooks, Judy Angulo, Javier Milian, Gian Alonso, Cristina Musibay, and Magda Rodriguez.

Jungle Island
1111 Parrot Jungle Trail, Watson Island
305-265-1371 (Paola Cassana)

2008 Mercy Hospital Foundation Gala
Saturday, October 11 at 7 p.m.

"Paradiso" is the theme of the Mercy Hospital Foundation Gala 2008 as the organization commemorates its 20 anniversary. Set in a sleek and sophisticated garden-like ambiance, Paradiso will showcase an evening of fabulous food, lavish prizes and entertainment by world-renown musical artist, Willy Chirino. Mr. Harve Mogul, CEO of the United-Way of Miami-Dade County is the honoree. The gala is hosted by the Board of Directors of Mercy Hospital and the Gala Chairs Mr. & Mrs. Antonio LO. Argiz and Dr. & Mrs. Luis Villa. The cocktail reception is hosted by Bacardi. Tickets for this beautiful black tie event are $300 p/p and benefit the Mercy Hospital Foundation.

InterContinental Hotel Miami
100 Chopin Plaza, Downtown Miami
305-285-2711

Take Center Stage Anniversary Gala
Saturday, October 11 at 7 p.m.

The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts will celebrate the opening of season three with its "Take Center Stage" Gala. Themed "Coming Up Roses," the evening begins with twilight cocktails, followed by performances that unite the Center's resident companies and the Center's recently-named resident artist, Jencarlos Canela, for the first time on one stage, and than a gala dinner hosted by Gala Honorary Chair Adrienne Arsht and a team of 20 Conducting Committee Members, including Missy Carricarte, Marlén Pernetti and Inés Rivero.

The celebration continues into the night with the After-Party produced by Gorillas Lifestyle Marketing and hosted by more than 20 of South Florida's leading VIPs and nightlife impresarios. For the After-Party the Peacock Foundation Studio will be transformed into a nightclub featuring renowned DJs, cocktails and delectable desserts. Proceeds from the gala will benefit the education and outreach programs of the Center. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available. Separate after-party tickets are also available. Call or email for information.

Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts
Sanford and Dolores Ziff Ballet Opera House
1300 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami
786-468-2249

VIP Launch Party for Dyna-Pep
Saturday, October 11 at 11 p.m.

Joseph Gannascoli - you'll know him better as Vito from The Sopranos - will host the launch party for the new super-charged energy shot, Dyna-Pep. Join Vito, Gerry Kelly, Oliver Geddes and the crew at The Fifth for a complimentary buffet and music by DJ Lemoch and Miguel G.

The Fifth
1045 Fifth Street, Miami Beach
305-538-9898

Breakfast
Sunday, October 12 at 9 a.m.

Senator Gwen Margolis, Clerk of the Courts Harvey Ruvin and Judicial Candidate Stephen Millan are hosting breakfast for members and prospective members of the Aventura–Sunny Isles Beach Chamber of Commerce and the South Florida Community Association Coalition. Members are free; prospective members pay just $5. RSVP please!

Kefi Restaurant & Lounge
18851 N.E. 29th Avenue, Aventura
305-935-2131

14th Annual Coral Gables Oktoberfest
Through October 13

Thousands of revelers will head to Fritz & Franz Bierhaus to celebrate Oktoberfest in authentic Bavarian tradition. From October 2nd through the 13th, enjoy German beer, delicious food and great German music. There will be yodeling contests and good old-fashioned eating contests - schnitzel and bratwurst! What better venue to host Oktoberfest than a place that was voted "City's Best Beer 2008."

Fritz & Franz Bierhaus
60 Merrick Way, Coral Gables

2nd Annual Putt 4 Paws Golf Tournament
Monday, October 13 at 1 p.m.

Celebrate Columbus Day on the golf course helping to raise money for animal rescue. Paws 4 You Rescue is sponsoring its second annual golf tournament with more than 30 foursomes participating in the four-man scramble. Prizes will be awarded for lowest team score, second place, last place, closest to pin, and longest drive. The cost is $125 per golfer and $500 for foursomes and includes greens fees, golf cart, lunch, and on-course refreshments. Sponsorship opportunities are also available starting as low as $150 for a green or tee sponsor.

Calusa Golf Course
9400 S.W. 130th AVenue, Miami
786-242-7377

IKF Latin American Art Auction 2008
Tuesday, October 14 at 7 p.m.

Now known as The Collector's Auction for the caliber of the artworks available for bid, The International Kids Fund (IKF) Latin American Art Auction 2008 attracts serious art aficionados each year. For this year's auction, more than 100 prominent artists have donated works, and the selection of art is more exciting than ever. The event, chaired by Rosy Cancela, benefits the International Kids Fund, a program of Jackson Memorial Foundation that pays for critical treatment, surgery and care for children with life threatening conditions. Tickets are $75 per person in advance and $100 at the door.

Cisneros Fontanals Art Foundation
1018 N. Miami Avenue, Downtown Miami
305-585-1137 (Nicole Hernandez)

White Cane Safety Day Walk-A-Thon
Wednesday, October 15 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

White Cane Day is a nationally recognized day celebrated by blind and visually impaired citizens and friends and supporters of Miami Lighthouse. A fun-filled day has been organized to commemorate the day and educate the public on blindness issues and the White Cane Law which protects blind and visually impaired pedestrians. The walk begins at 9:45 a.m., followed by speakers and entertainment. Danelle D'Aquanni, a visually impaired female athlete who is currently training to compete as an alpine ski racer in the 2010 Paralympics, will be the event's special guest speaker. Miami Lighthouse for the Blind is Florida’s largest and oldest agency serving the blind and visually impaired, dedicated to providing visual rehabilitation and promoting independence.

Miami Lighthouse for the Blind & Visually Impaired
601 S.W. 8th Avenue, Miami
305-856-2288 (Julia King, Ext. 249)

South Miami Hospital Golf Classic
Wednesday, October 15 at 12:30 p.m.

South Miami Hospital Foundation, Mercedes-Benz of Coral Gables and Mercedes-Benz of Cutler Bay have teamed up to attract serious golfers who would like to win a trip to the Kaanapali Golf Resort in Maui to compete in the 2009 Mercedes-Benz National Final. Golfers with registered handicaps can compete in the Mercedes-Benz Dealer Championship on the Blue Monster course, and the top two golfers will win the trip to Hawaii in January 2009. This Championship begins with a shotgun start at 12:30 p.m. Golfers playing in the Golf Classic will begin competing at 1 p.m. with a shotgun start on the premium White and Red Courses. Presented by Eastern Medical Courier, proceeds benefit South Miami Hospital's Child Development Center, which treats infants and children who have or are at risk for developmental delays or disabilities.

Doral Golf Resort & Spa
4400 N.W. 87th Avenue, Doral
786-596-8953

Fundraiser for Compassionate Pug Rescue
Wednesday, October 15 from 6 to 9 p.m.

Help Compassionate Pug Rescue of Miami raise much needed funds at this casual buffet dinner and auction. Your admission - $15 in advance and $20 at the door - includes dinner and your first cocktail. Included in the auction will be an exclusive opportunity for two to ride in the Goodyear Blimp and lots more great stuff.

America's Backyard
200 W. Broward Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale
305-205-8525 (Jean marc De Silva)

Gold Medal Wine Tour Dinner
Wednesday, October 15 at 6:30 p.m.

The Gold and Double Gold Medal winners from the 2007 American Fine Wine Competition will be "on tour" in South Florida. Experience the award-winning cuisine at Ortanique on the Mile and enjoy a Sparkling Wine reception, five Gold Medal wines paired with a five-course wine country-inspired dinner, a silent auction to benefit End Childhood Hunger and a few surprises. The cost of the benefit dinner is $175 or $150 if prepaid, and checks should be made payable to End Childhood Hunger.

Ortanique on the Mile
278 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables
561-504-8463 (Shari Gherman)

The Art of Fine Wine
Wednesday, October 15 at 7:30 p.m.

Enjoy an evening of very special boutique wines from Spain at the Bass Museum of Art, sponsored by Vinamericas, South Beach Fine Wine & Liquor and the Miami International Wine Fair. Wines from several popular appellations including Rioja, Ribera del Duero, Priorat, and Somontano will be introduced by Damon Myers from Vinamericas. A selection of authentic Spanish cheeses and meats will also be served, specifically paired to compliment the featured wines. Guests at this event will have an opportunity to purchase the featured wines at a discount with free delivery by South Beach Fine Wine & Liquor. Discounted tickets to the Miami International Wine Fair will also be available. A souvenir glass is included in the admission price of $30.

Bass Museum of Art
2121 Park Avenue, Miami Beach
305-673-7530, Ext. 9-1013