The Voices For Children Foundation (VFC) celebrated 40 years of service with a resounding success at its “Be A Voice” Gala on Saturday, January 18, at the Mandarin Oriental, Miami.
The black-tie event, themed ‘Fostering Hope,’ raised more than $1 million to support the 1,600 children in Miami-Dade’s foster care system.
The sold-out gala, VFC’s premier fundraising event, featured performances by “Modern Piano Man” Louis Middleton and America’s Got Talent semi-finalist Yoli Mayor. Guests sipped on Gérard Bertrand wines and signature cocktails by No. 3 Gin as the evening commenced with a silent auction during the cocktail reception. To kick off the night’s fundraising events, a Vespa Piaggio was also raffled, thanks to a generous donation from Warren Henry Automotive. This was followed by a delectable dinner and a dynamic live auction which raised over $100,000 and included a Hästens Maranga Bed from Hästens Miami and an Apa Aesthetic ‘Smile Makeover’ by Dr. Oscar Sanchez.
The evening showcased VFC’s transformative impact from a powerful testimonial from a youth, highlighting the organization’s impact. Miami-Dade County Mayor and VFC co-founder Daniella Levine Cava also delivered an inspiring speech underscoring VFC’s vital role in the community. The evening culminated in a high-energy dance party with Miami’s own DJ Zog.
“We are overwhelmed by the generosity of our community,” said Kadie Black, CEO of Voices For Children. “This incredible outpouring of support will allow us to continue providing vital resources and programs to the children who need us most.”
The funds raised will directly support advocacy efforts and provide essential needs and enriching experiences—from everyday necessities like braces and school supplies to transformative opportunities like college tours and mission trips—offering stability and a sense of normalcy during a challenging time.
“For 40 years, Voices For Children has been a beacon of hope for Miami’s most vulnerable children,” said Black. “We are deeply grateful to everyone who attended the gala and contributed to its remarkable success.”
About Our Sponsors
This year’s Gala Committee was chaired by Michael Block, Ronald Goncalves, and Gabriela Ibarra. Presented by Mandarin Oriental and Swire Properties with luxury sponsors Acqua di Parma and ba&sh Paris; additional sponsors include Shipley Foundation, Inc., Astor Companies, Stearns Weaver Miller, Hal and Madalyn Rosenbluth, Moriarty, Amerant Bank, Greenberg Traurig, Hotaling, Senator Rene Garcia, Gabriela B. Ibarra and Ron Goncalves, Merrill, The Jorge M. Pérez Family Foundation, Amazon, Kandell, Kandell & Petrie, Commissioner Danielle Cohen Higgins, Driven Brands, Galleria Farms, Lloyd’s, John and Suzel Brow, Stuart Fort, Michael and Ellen Block, Elise Betancourt and Raul Rodriguez, Michael and Diane Rosenberg Family Foundation, Vice Chairman Anthony Rodriguez, Commissioner Kevin Marino Cabrera, Commissioner Roberto J. Gonzalez, Turner Construction, Commissioner Juan Carlos Bermudez, Kira Grossman, Bilzin Sumberg, Sanford L. Ziff Family Foundation, Jeffrey and Yolanda Berkowitz, Northern Trust, Read Law PLLC, DPB, KPMG, FPL, WOW MKTG, TD Bank, Citrus Family Care Network, Kaufman Rossin, AT&T, Banesco, Bertha and Paul Pino, Vince Castro, Jose and Heide Dans, Gérard Bertrand, No. 3 Gin, Brickell Magazine, drvn, Crema, Argo McDonalds, and Quore.
About Voices For Children Foundation
Voices For Children Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of abused and neglected children through critical support for advocacy, essential needs and positive experiences. To continue to stay engaged and committed to VFC’s mission, individuals can find out more about how they can donate or contribute at beavoice.org.
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