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Twelfth Annual Miami Gala: La Fiesta Española
Raises More than $1.5 Million for Best Buddies International
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Model dressed in Spanish-themed attire
Commissioner Sally Heyman with program
participants Brett Banford and Eric Matthes
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Nearly 800 people attended the Twelfth Annual Miami Gala: La Fiesta Española on Watson Island to benefit Best Buddies International. More than $1.5 million was raised for the vibrant organization founded in 1989 by Anthony Kennedy Shriver to enhance the lives of people with intellectual disabilities by providing opportunities for one-to-one friendships and integrated employment.
The event, which was presented by UBS, featured a formal gourmet dinner; an amazing auction, and a special performance by Earth, Wind & Fire. His Excellency Jorge Dezcallar de Mazarredo, Ambassador of Spain to the United States of America, and Rafael Nadal, the number one-ranked tennis player in the world, served as Honorary Chairs of the Gala.
The Gala never fails to bring together Miami’s most notable residents and celebrities from around the globe for a night of entertainment and fundraising. This year’s celebrity attendees included: actor Verne Troyer; actresses Vivica A. Fox, Meagan Good, and Maureen McCormick; Miami Heat Point Guard Mario Chalmers; Miss USA Crystle Stewart; Miss Universe Dayana Mendoza; and Olympic gold medalist Carl Lewis.
“This was an amazing night,” said Anthony K. Shriver. “For us to raise over $1.5 million in the worst economy in my lifetime shows that people connect to our Buddies like nothing else – we are blessed beyond words.”
Best Buddies is now active in each of the 50 United States and operates accredited international programs in 42 countries. Its six formal programs – Best Buddies Middles Schools, High Schools, Colleges, Citizens, e-Buddies and Jobs – positively impact more than 400,000 individuals with and without intellectual disabilities, as well as their respective network of family, friends and employers, as well as their respective network of family, friends and employers. To find out more about Best Buddies International, call or email Heather Schatz at 305-374-2233, Ext. 207 (heatherschatz@bestbuddies.org) or visit the website at www.bestbuddies.org.
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Actress Meagan Good |
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Adrienne Arsht and Anthony Shriver |
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Miss USA Crystle Stewart,
Anthony K. Shriver and
Miss Universe Dayana Mendoza |
Anthony K. Shriver, guest and Kirk Landon |
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Faith Henry, Erica Krasnow, actress
Maureen McCormick and Bob Krasnow, Jr. |
Maureen McCormick and Best Buddies
participants and volunteers |
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Mary Freitas, Brad Blank and Mark Freitas |
Alina and Anthony Shriver |
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Vivica A. Fox |
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Al Cardenas and Anthony Shriver |
Miss USA Crystle Stewart and
Miss Universe Dayana Mendoza |
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Spanish program participants Roberto Palomares and
Adrian Lejarraga with Miss USA Crystle Stewart and
Miss Universe Dayana Mendoza |
Miss Universe Dayana Mendoza with Best Buddies participant |
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Anthony Shriver with Dottie and Bill Fauerbach |
Thomas Kramer and Romero Britto |
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Anthony Shriver, Verne Troyer and George Zoley |
Spanish-inspired decor |
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Actress Maureen McCormick |
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Tables ready for nearly 800 guests |
Anja Kaehny (right) and guest |
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Romero Britto, Vivica A. Fox and Carl Lewis |
Adrienne Arsht and guests |
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Romero Britto with Derek and Drew Riker |
Earth, Wind & Fire with Tomasha Rose and Mario Chalmers |
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Spanish models |
Rocio Beckshi and Father Alberto Cutié |
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Flamenco guitarist Paco Aguilera |
Jeff Berkowitz, guest and Romero Britto |
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Earth, Wind & Fire member Maurice O’Conner |
Event chairs Alain Perez, George Zoley, Anja Kaehny, Stephen Sullivan, Neil Goodman,
Mark Freitas, Anthony K. Shriver, Romero Britto, Richard Booth and Adrienne Arsht |
Main event tent with tables and dance floor |
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