Hard Hats for Haiti Shines at "Haiti Art Expo 2011" during Art Basel Week

Hard Hats for Haiti and renowned Miami photographer Jordan Michael Zuniga, showcased a collection of limited edition photographs at Haiti Art Expo 2011 at the Moore Building on Saturday, December 3rd during Art Basel week. Zuniga’s ‘Haiti: Hope in Progress’ is part of his support to the Hard Hats for Haiti campaign, the catalyst for the Pan American Development Foundation’s plan to rebuild homes, revitalize neighborhoods, and create jobs.

Haiti Art Expo 2011 is a pledge from South Florida’s cultural community and Haiti advocates who are making a positive impact in the lives of the Haitian people. On its second year, co-hosts Michael Caponni, Jeff Feldman and Rachel Moscoso Denis presented an exhibition which demonstrated the visionary power of Haitian visual art that has continued to command international attention. Jordan’s “Haiti: Hope in Progress” limited edition photography series were the highlight of the evening, reflecting PADF’s work in Haiti through vibrant and soulful images.

“Thanks to Haiti Art Expo 2011 and Mr. Zuniga we had the invaluable opportunity to spread the word about our work in Haiti, with a direct impact in the lives of hundreds of thousands of Haitians” said Paul Fisher, Director of Corporate Partnerships for PADF.

 

Jordan Michael Zuniga discussing his photography with a guest

At this event, more than 500 art lovers, collectors, Haiti government officials, local personalities, and other guests showed their support to PADF’s Hard Hats for Haiti while enjoying Jordan’s photography and the colorful world class exhibit of Haitian art presented by art collector and curator Michele Frisch. Special guests included Mr. Ralph Latortue, Honorary Consul General of Haiti; Anedie Azael, Miss Haiti 2011; and Dee Adames, Bravo TV’s “Shear Genius” winner and celebrity stylist.
 

Jeff Feldman, HAE 2011 co-producer; Anedie Azael, Miss Haiti 2011; Michele Frisch, art curator; Rachel Moscoso-Denis, HAE 2011 co-producer; Paul Fisher, PADF's Director of Corporate Partnerships



Sales from the exhibit as well as Zuniga’s photographs, will directly benefit the Hard Hats for Haiti campaign, which has already received a commitment of over $50M from institutions such as the World Bank, the American Red Cross, the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund, and Caterpillar.

For more information about Hard Hats for Haiti please visit

www.hardhats4haiti.org

 

To see the photo gallery by SocialMiami.com Click Here 

Art and Intrigue at MOCA’S Mystery Dates & Sofia Joelsson's Dinner

On Saturday, November 12, 2011, patrons of the Museum of Contemporary Art’s MYSTERY DATES enjoyed an evening of art and intrigue as they attended glamorous dinner parties in the private homes of some of Miami’s most inspired hosts. The mystery is that guests learned only that evening which dinner they would attend on the night of the big event.

The excitement began with a festive cocktail party at MOCA (770 NE 125th Street in North Miami) where guests discovered their next stop for the evening. Mystery Dates hosts were a mix of creative business professionals and entrepreneurs, all of whom share a passion for contemporary art and a love of entertaining.

Settings included a contemporary glass house in Coconut Grove, an elegant ocean side villa on Golden Beach, an industrial loft in Wynwood, a MiMO house in Morningside, a stunning home on Pinetree Drive and a breathtaking South Beach penthouse recently designed by our client Sofia Joelsson, principal of Sojo Design. Sofia hosted a wonderful dinner at the 8,000 sqf ocean front rooftop terrace for over 20 guests who were serenated by a violin player while enjoying a delightful menu. After the dinner everyone moved down to the main living room where Sofia and other guests entertained the crowd playing the magnificent white grand piano, before heading to the after party at The Setai.


Dinner hostess Sofia Joelsson entertains her guests
Click on the image to visit SocialMiami.com
photo gallery for Mystery Dates

The event was presented by Ornare with major sponsorship from Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, The Fischer Group. Sponsors are AUDI, The Brickellian/ Stella Holmes and Ocean Drive Magazine with additional support from GREY GOOSE Vodka, Southern Wine and Spirits, The Setai, The Well Lounge and Social Miami.com.

Mystery Dates 2011 was co-chaired by MOCA Shakers Zubin Nagpal, Erin Newberg, Ivonne Ronderos, Carolyn Travis and Joshua Dunkelman, who led a dynamic committee comprised of Tara Solomon, Nick D'Annunzio, Suzy Buckley, Lana Bernstein, James Wark, Tiffany Rosen, Bernardo Ortiz, Bill Kearney, Carol Adrianza, Craig Dell, Karen Gilinski, Marcia Anderson, Maura Dominguez, Meredith Becker and Lexing Zhang. Proceeds from the event benefited MOCA’s exhibitions of experimental and emerging artists.

For more information, about the MOCA visitwww.mocanomi.org

Hard Hats for Haiti - Launching Event



Honorary Consul General of Haiti -
Mr. Ralph Latortue

 Thursday, September 22nd at 7p.m - The Little Haiti Cultural Center
Among the pictures and paintings on display at The Little Haiti Cultural Center in Miami, more than 100 business leaders, community activists, neighbors and people who care turned out to support the “Rebuilding Haiti” program through a new campaign called Hard Hats for Haiti. Spearheaded by the Pan American Development Foundation (PADF), the campaign’s main goal is not only to raise awareness, but to raise funds to build safe homes and neighborhoods for hundreds of thousands Haitian earthquake victims, through a private and public partnership.

“We want to rebuild Haiti by implementing the 3R’s: Rebuilding communities, Revitalizing neighborhoods, and Restoring livelihoods (creating jobs) by making sure the people who need the most help, really get it,” said Paul Fisher, Director of Corporate Partnerships for PADF.

Fisher and Haiti’s Consul General, Ralph Latortue, kicked off the night’s event and campaign, then introduced the community and corporate sponsors who have pledged to donate money and time to the Haitian rebuilding effort. More than 180,000 homes were damaged and 1.5 million people were left homeless after the January 2010, 7.0 magnitude quake struck near Port-au-Prince.

“Unlike other movements to help Haiti, every dollar will go directly to the hardest hit areas, like Delmas 32, a neighborhood at the epicenter of the crisis,” added Latortue. Event attendees got to see how that would happen first hand as a slide show of the devastation and rebuilding process in Haiti played on a big screen at the front of the gallery. Guests watched and clapped as Daniel O’Neil, PADF’s Senior Director of Programs for Haiti and Dominican Republic spoke about the reconstruction process, and the group’s higher goal of creating 14,000 sustainable jobs across the country.

The list of sponsors of Hard Hats for Haiti is impressive. Among the community and corporate partners are: Miami Mayor Tomas Regalado and the City of Miami, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, Caterpillar, Diageo, RIM Blackberry and MTV. PADF also receives backing from institutions such as the United States Agency for International Aid, the World Bank, the American Red Cross and the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund.

The overall goal is to raise money, and no amount is insignificant. That’s why before the evening ended, guests were asked to text HARDHATS to 27722 to make a $5 donation. Organizers also asked people to tweet about the initiative through its Twitter at the hashtag #HH4Haiti or to follow the efforts on its Facebook page.

For more information please visit Hard Hats for Haiti's website:

WWW.HARDHATS4HAITI.ORG

The Louis XIII Experience at Trump Hollywood

It's been a while since we posted... bad bad Marcelo (is his fault)... but we are back to catch up. Next: another fabulous event part of our Luxury Lifestyle Event Series...

Luxury brands don’t let the slow summer months keep them from reaching out to their consumers, and private events are always the way to go.

On Wednesday, August 17, 2011 Louis XIII cognac (by Remy Martin) hosted an exclusive private tasting event at Trump Hollywood Residences in Hollywood Beach-FL, in partnership with Yacht Direct, Alex Turco and South Florida Opulence Magazine. An intimate affair for 80 VIP guests, including residents of luxury homes, as well as VIP clients of the participating brands.

Trump Hollywood is one of the most prestigious addresses in South Florida’s Gold Coast, rising 41 stories above the shoreline; it offers spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean, Intracoastal and the city. Guests gathered at its elegant “Club Room”, an intimate area with exquisite interior design, in a living room type of setting including a billiard table, game tables and a large bar, with direct access to the pool deck.

A fine selection of Hors d’oeuvres were prepared and served by Hollywood Prime steakhouse, while Piper Heidsieck champagne (Cuvee Brut) and Bearboat (Pinot Noir 2007, Russian River Valley) were poured non-stop at the bar.

Magnificent pieces from Alex Turco – Art Designer, were graciously displayed throughout the venue; and a scale model of the majestic 93’ Delfino Benetti, valued in $19 millions, was showcased by Yacht Direct.

The highlight of the evening was a private presentation and tasting of Louis XIII, a cognac manufactured using grapes from the Grande Champagne territory of Cognac, France; blended from 1200 eaux-de-vie, some more than a century in age, and aged in “tiercons”, oak barrels that are several hundred years old. The average price range is between $1,800 to $2,500 per bottle. Steele Cooper, brand ambassador for Louis XIII, guided guests through the history of this exclusive cognac/champagne while engaging them in a group tasting that ended in a toast to celebrate life and luxury.

Please take a minute to visit our clients' websites:
http://www.louis-xiii.com/
http://trumphollywood.com/

The Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce 89th Annual Gala

Our last newsletter was dedicated to the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce and one of its signature yearly events. Contributing writer and friend Charlotte Libov puts into words a wonderful evening of fundraising, networking and fun:

On June, Friday 4th 2011 revelers were whisked back in time as the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce presented its 89th Annual Dinner Gala and Silent Auction, to pay homage both to the city's fabled past, and also to Miami Beach business and community leaders of today.

The event, entitled "Live from Miami Beach," attracted a record attendance of 1,100 guests, who filled a Miami Beach Convention Center that was transformed into a glittering black-and-white 1950s extravaganza.

"I am so proud and honored to have had the most successful dinner gala in its 89th year with the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce membership; businesses and Miami Beach residents all coming together to celebrate our outstanding leaders from this community," said Jason Loeb, Chairman of the Board and CEO at Sudsies.

The creative use of the menu to turn back time from the "Lucy I'm Home" appetizers, to the "Away We Go" entree and the spectacular array of retro-desserts served in the Poodle Lounge, transformed by Social Catering Sales Director Bruce Townsend, was a tribute to Chef Jonathan Barnett and the Centerplate team.
The program was highlighted by the awards ceremony, in which the Chamber honored four of the most accomplished people in the community for their contributions:

Barth Green, M.D. was given the Distinguished Service Award for his outstanding work in Haiti as co-founder of Project Medishare; Green has worked tirelessly to help bringing medical care to the earthquake-ravaged country.
Jason Loeb, Chairman of the Board was awarded the new Hi-Tides Outstanding Achievement Award, which pays homage to Loeb's mantra: "hi tides raise all boats". The award was presented live on screen from Los Angeles by one of Hollywood's most prominent director/producers, Miami native and Loeb's childhood friend, Brett Ratner.
Bill Johnson, Director of the Port of Miami received the Excellence in Tourism Award in hands of William Talbert III, President and CEO of the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, who congratulated Johnson for helping to make the Port of Miami successful and "sexy".
And last, but certainly not least, came one of the evening's most awaited events, the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award to City of Miami Beach Mayor Matti Bower. In accepting the award, Bower said, "I have loved this community ever since I moved here with my husband. Miami Beach is different from any other city in the world."

CLICK HERE TO SEE MORE PHOTOS FROM THE EVENT

PHOTOS BY HENRY PEREZ PHOTOGRAPHY

INCard 2nd Anniversary Event

For those who never heard about it, the INCard is an innitiative of the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce to bring value to Miami Beach residents and visitors by making available a discounts/promotions card with offers from several local businesses.

On June, Wednesday 29th, 2011 this program will celebrate its 2nd year with "A Taste of the INCard", a community event to take place at Jungle Island from 6pm to 8pm, at the Treetop Ballroom.

Neighbors, families and friends will enjoy food, drinks, prizes, music and much more...at no cost!

For more details about the INCard 2nd Anniveresary Celebration please in the image below

About the Miami Beach INCard Program:
You can now see savings through a breakthrough business card and business stimulus program - the Miami Beach INcard. The Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce (MBCC) is leading this innovative program to stimulate business, benefit visitors, and reward residents of the exciting destination.

Miami Beach residents are eligible to register and receive a free black Miami Beach INcard. Visitors, tourists and non-residents of Miami Beach are eligible for a free platinum Miami Beach INcard. Both the black Miami Beach INcard and the platinum Miami Beach INcard have no expiration date.

As bearers of either a black or platinum Miami Beach INcard, Miami Beach residents and visitors can chose from a menu of special discount opportunities at local Miami Beach and South Florida businesses that can be viewed on http://www.miamibeachincard.com/; the same website can be used to sign up and order the cards.

The Miami Beach INcard was developed late 2009 as a result of Miami Beach Mayor Matti Herrera Bower's 2009 Blue Ribbon Task Force on Tourism. Mayor Bower said, “Recognizing the important role small businesses plays in our economy is one of the highlights of the task force. A program like this is just what we need to support each other and promote our community as a whole."

http://www.miamibeachchamber.com/

http://www.miamibeachincard.com/

http://www.jungleisland.com/

OUR FAVORITE EVENT CALENDARS

 The need to be informed of what's going on in town is critical for your social life and your business life; sometimes it is hard to figure out what/when/where with so much going on yet so little time. We list below our favorite sources of information when it comes to events and we hope you find them useful as well:

SOCIALMIAMI.COM - Our friends at SocialMiami.com keep a complete list of the most relevant social, cultural and charity events in town; including 2 weekly newsletters (Art About Town & Events of the Week) to make sure you get the information in your inbox on time.
 
GREATER MIAMI CONVENTIONS & VISITORS BUREAU - We find this calendar particularly useful as it generates lists of events based on different categories and you can browse per dates as well. If you have friends or clients coming to town and you know what type of events they enjoy, you can easily send them a customized list with all the information.
 
MIAMI.COM - With a complete list of all types of events, you can also browse by category, dates and even by area within South Florida. How convenient is that if you don't want to go too far from home.
An added value on this site is that some of the listed venues for events have reviews, therefore you can have an idea of what people have to say about the place you are going.
 
See you at the next event and don't forget to Like Us on FB and Follow Us on Twitter

THE LOUIS XIII EXPERIENCE

At the peak of the high season in Miami Beach, luxury brands look for opportunities to reach out to their consumers and private events seem to be the perfect outlet to mingle with them.

On February, Wednesday 23 and Thursday 24, 2011 Louis XIII cognac (by Remy Martin) hosted a series of 2 private tasting events, in partnership with Nisi Yachts, Sojo Design and The Webster. Each event was an intimate affair for no more than 60 VIP guests, including residents of luxury condominiums and homes in South Beach, socialites and philanthropists.

Kathryn Walters (Remy Contreau USA),
Steele Cooper (Louis XIII Brand Ambassador)

Guests enjoyed exquisite hors d'oeuvres and champagne at both events, but the highlight of the evening was a private tasting of Louis XIII, a cognac manufactured using grapes from the Grande Champagne territory of Cognac, France. It is blended from 1200 eaux-de-vie, some more than a century in age, then it is aged in tiercons, oak barrels that are several hundred years old, in its own cellar. The average price range is between $1,800 to $2,500 per bottle.

Fashion Suite by The Webster

Steele Cooper, brand ambassador for Louis XIII, guided guests through the history of this exclusive cognac/champagne while engaging them in a group tasting that ended in a toast to celebrate life.

Fabulous set up by Sojo Design

The events were co-hosted by Sofia Joelsson, principal of Sojo Design, a boutique high end interior design firm. Sofia's penthouse terrace at Capri South Beach overlooks the Biscayne Bay, with a sophisticated design and event friendly layout; it was the perfect private setting to entertain guests while making them feel at home.

The NISI 2400

Nisi Yachts presented the international debut of Nisi 2400, the latest addition to their collection of luxury yachts, and The Webster showcased some of the latest high end fashion and jewelry designs.

 

CLICK HERE

to view the photo album from the event by
Alisa Rauner Photography



CREATIVE WAYS TO GENERATE TRAFFIC: Miami Design District Private Tours

The Miami Design District is growing as a local, national and international destination for interior design, art, fashion and dining, and their businesses are focused as a group to increase the traffic of potential clients. The Miami Design District Merchants Council (MDDMC) was created to implement marketing strategies to benefit the District as a business community and a sample of those efforts are the “Miami Design District Private Tours” for residents of luxury condominiums, co-hosted by Design District Magazine.


Star Services Events & Public Relations designed such tours for the MDDMC to cater to residents of targeted residential communities, where the profile of the average home owner is the same as the profile of the average client of any of the District’s businesses. After the success of 3 tours for residents of luxury condos in South Beach, the MDDMC decided to invite their neighbors from Brickell and Downtown, more precisely from Icon Brickell, Ten Museum Park, Four Seasons Residences and The Santa Maria condominiums.

On Saturday November 6 2010 a group of 27 residents arrived in a limo-bus courtesy of Wolrdwide Transportation, and started the tour through the showrooms, galleries and stores where they were graciously greeted (in many cases by the owners) and pampered with wines, refreshments and hors d’oeuvres. The almost 3 hour tour through over 13 businesses  ended up at Mai Tardi restaurant where guests had complimentary prosecos and tapas before getting on the limo-bus  to head back to their respective buildings with gift bags and all.

SUNSET SOIREE: Bringing together luxury brands and their consumers

On Thursday October 28, 2010 an exclusive cocktail party hosted by the Continental Concierge Group and Mondrian South Beach gathered residents from some of the most prestigious addresses in South Beach. This was the first of a series of monthly private events which take place every year between December and March.

“These events are a unique opportunity to mingle with a selected group of high net worth individuals who enjoy luxury lifestyles” says Dr. Julio Gallo, principal at the Miami Institute for Age Management and Rejuvenation, who participated as a gift bag sponsor along with Robovault, Tui Lifestyle, One Sotheby’s, Casa Mia, Cognac Louis XIII, Jetcard Plus and Adrienne Arsht Center.


Thanks to a good understanding of the luxury condominium residential communities and a strong network of luxury brands, Star Services Events and Public Relations combines  the right ingredients at these targeted events. Participating companies have direct visibility to potential consumers, while guests are pampered with gift bags, raffled gifts, complimentary cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and entertainment.

The Continental Concierge Group is a division of The Continental Group, one of the largest property management companies in the country; created to improve the level of service to their high end clients by networking, sharing experiences, training and putting together their signature events.

CLICK HERE

to view the photo gallery courtesy of
Alisa Rauner Photography