Jubilee Gala a Huge Success @ SocialMiami

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Jubilee Gala a Huge Success

Gala was flawless despite last minute change of venue

Emilio Alonso-Mendoza, Bunny Bastian,
Archbishop John C. Favalora

Josie Bacallao, Alonzo Mourning

Juan Carlos & Ana Martinez Lopez, Carmencita & Juan Lopez

The Jubilee Gala, an event that benefitted Catholic Charities and Catholic Health Services, went off without a hitch. Given the fact that the Fontainebleau Hotel informed the group five days before the event was to be held that the hotel couldn’t get its CO (Certificate of Occupancy) and therefore could not hold the gala, it was—well—truly a miracle.

Luckily, the charity was able to move the gala to the Doral Resort and Spa, whose staff bent over backwards to accommodate the more than 700 guests who attended the Jubilee Gala. Guests gathered for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres during the reception, while viewing the many items in the silent auction. Moving into the main ballroom for dinner, they were dazzled by the stunning décor of the room.

It was a very special landmark event since it celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Archdiocese of Miami. In honor of this anniversary, Keith Koenig, owner of City Furniture was named the Jubilee Honoree a one-time award, given to him for his philanthropic and social advocacy efforts through the years. Keith is a man not only recognized as a strong leader and manager in business but as someone who is deeply committed to helping his community and his church. Bunny Bastian, chairman of the Jubilee Gala, was lauded for her devotion to the charity. People who know her well will tell you that Bunny is an example of someone who does God’s work here on earth; her generosity to the people in need is legendary.

Emilio Alonso-Mendoza, President of Catholic Community Foundation and the Archdiocese of MiamiDevelopment Corporation, greeted the guests and talked about the accomplishments of the Archdiocese and the many lives it has touched throughout its 50 year history. Catholic Charities and Catholic Health Services are organizations that support a variety of programs that help people of all ages, all religions, and all walks of life. He also thanked Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Florida, Inc., the presenting sponsor of the event.

When Archbishop John Clement Favalora addressed the group, he said that all this help was given to the more unfortunate in the community “not because they are Catholic—because we are are Catholic. It is what Catholics do.”

Following the program, guests enjoyed a delicious dinner and danced the night away to the music provided by the Galaxy Band. It was a perfect evening, proving that often change is for the better.