Eris Thomas & Dr. Robert Thomas, 2014 Wild About Kids, Gala Chairs

Andres Raul Lopez, Marile & Jorge L. Lopez (Recipients, 2014 Charles “Bebe” Rebozo Humanitarian Award) Annia Perez-Fuentes, Carlos Perez-Fuentes, Saramelia Lopez, Luis Jorge Lopez

Janelle Jay, Jon Jay (Recipient, 2014 Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade, Community Builder Award) & Nikki Jay, Justo & Maria Jay
Over 430 attendees enjoyed a “night of stars” at Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade’s Nov. 8 “Wild About Kids” gala at the JW Marriott Marquis in Miami. The eighth annual event raised over $310,000 to benefit Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade’s accredited and outcomes-driven after school and summer programs.
During the event, local philanthropists/husband and wife Jorge Luis Lopez, Esq. and Marile Lopez were honored with Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade’s Charles “Bebe” Rebozo Humanitarian Award for their vision, leadership and dedication given to the organization and its children. St. Louis Cardinals outfielder/former Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade member Jon Jay was honored with the Community Leadership Award as an alumnus who has demonstrated tremendous support, leadership and commitment to the enrichment, development and well-being of the children in the Miami-Dade community.
Acclaimed local artist Alexander Mijares, a Miami native with Cuban and Spanish roots, created/donated a beautiful piece for the gala. Internationally renowned fashion designer Angel Sanchez was among the VIP guests at the event. Miami Marlins infielder Adeiny Hechavarria gave a special and surprise donation on the spot.
The event included a cocktail reception, dinner, dancing, live entertainment, and raffle/auction. A fun-filled after party, also at the JW Marriott Marquis, followed. Guests had the opportunity to sponsor a child through donations.
Longtime supporters of Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade and local philanthropists, Dr. Robert H. Thomas and Eris Thomas (Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade Executive Board member) served as chairs of the event. Serving as gala honorary co-chairs were Dr. Michael S. Gordon and Lynda Gordon, and Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade former Board President and current Special Events Chair Olga Guilarte.
“Wild About Kids” gala committee members were Donna Abood, Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade Board of Directors Member Charlie Barton, Tom Bezold, Katie Cabanas, Gabriela Rachadell de Delgado, Jackie Gonzalez, Judy Kramer, Eddie Lacasa, Marile Lopez, Alfredo Mesa, Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade Executive Board Member Yuni Navarro, Melissa Pallett, Elizabeth & Ralph Patino, and Maggie Zulueta.
Event sponsors included Dr. Michael S. & Lynda Gordon, Carmen Rebozo Foundation, Juan Jose Delgado & Gabriela Rachadell de Delgado, Academica, Peter L. & Kerrin Bermont, Coca-Cola®, Coral Gables Executive Physicians, Ocean Bank, A-Rod Corp™, DLA Piper, Baptist Health South Florida, Wheels Up, Jorge Luis Lopez Law Firm, Robert & Judith Kramer, Barry & Rae Stein, Pinecrest Magazine, WSVN Channel 7, Modern Luxury Miami Magazine, FPL, Alpine Creative Group, Galaxy Productions, Offices of Ring Bender McKown & Castillo, LLP, Bacardi®, Winn-Dixie, Rodolfo “Rudy” Lleonart & Family, Northern Trust, Angels Entertainment, and Chic Parisien.
“This year’s ‘Wild About Kids’ gala was a wonderful success, in terms of funds raised, how much the guests enjoyed it, and the awareness that we created of what Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade does to change the lives of area youth,” said Eris Thomas. “We are very grateful to all who attended and participated.”
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2014 Wild About Kids, Gala Committee Top Row: Charles Barton. Gabriela Rachandell de Delgado, Stephanie Gaywood, Dr. Robert Thomas, Ralph Patino, Dr. Michael S. Gordon; Lower Row: Yuni Navarro, Judy Kramer, Eris Thomas, Olga Guilarte, Elizabeth Patino, Lynda Gordon, Marile & Jorge L. Lopez, Donna Abood, Tom Bezold |

Larry & Colleen Barfield, Connie & Fred Rebozo |
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Dr. Michael S. & Lynda Gordon (Honorary Co-Chairs), Janet & Ahmed Khamsi |

Eris Thomas, Angel Sanchez, Gabriela Rachandell de Delgado |
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Olga Guilarte (Special Event Chair), Alfredo Mesa |

Ana & Raul Marmorl |
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Adeiny Hechavarria, Diana Diaz, Peter L. Bermont, Eris Thomas, Ahbria Marshall, Chef Ralph Pagano, Dr. Robert Thomas |

Alex & Cristina Rodriguez-Roig, Kerrin & Peter L. Bermont |
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Alfonso & Miriam Macedo |

Alex (A-Rod) Rodriguez, Elizabeth Elias |
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Lourdes & Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Jimenez, Eris Thomas |

Millie Fresen, Commissioner Marc & Teresa Sarnoff, Olga Guilarte |
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Dr. Michael & Lynda Gordon, Cristina & Alex Rodriguez-Roig, |

Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade, HanK Kline Club Dancers |

Vivian & Richard Sepler, Susan Geiger, Judy & Robert Kramer |
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Alex Pollet, Claire Soulet |

Alex & Cristina Rodriguez-Roig, Senator Anitere Flores, Dustin Anderson |
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Alex & Cristina Rodriguez-Roig, Eris & Dr. Robert Thomas |

Pam & Erasmo Guilarte, Melissa Navarro |
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Tom Bezold, Alina Guashc, Alex (A-Rod) Rodriguez |

Dr. Robert & Eris Thomas, Luisa & Gorge Foyo |
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Dr. Robert & Eris Thomas, Chef Ralph Pagano, Diana Diaz |

8th Annual Wild About Kids Gala Dinner |

Diana Diaz, Adeiny Hechavarria, Ahbria Marshall, Chef Ralph Pagano |
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Reverend Eduardo Rodriguez |

Juan Jose Delgado, Gabriela Rachadell de Delgado |
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Judge Norma Lindsey, Dr. Robert & Eris Thomas, Olga Guilarte |
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