The Alper JCC’s 18th annual Special Needs Fundraiser on Saturday, April 5, at 7 p.m. in the Robert Russell Theater will feature the sultry sounds of Grammy Award recording artist and Hialeah native Jon Secada and his band.
Secada is known for his flawless singing, songwriting and production skills. One of his first big breaks came from collaborating with Gloria Estefan in the late 1980s, which led to co-writing her number one hit single Coming Out of the Dark.
Since then, Secada has gone on to pen numerous popular songs for superstar recording artists such as Ricky Martin, Shakira, Mark Anthony and Jennifer Lopez. Secada established himself further with a handful of memorable hits in the early 90s like If You Go and Just Another Day. He then transitioned to Spanish-language music, Broadway and even a fouryear run hosting Latin American Idol. With a career spanning two decades, three Grammy Awards, 20 million albums sold and starring roles on Broadway, Secada established himself as one of the first bilingual artists to have international crossover success.
Everyone will enjoy Secada’s romantic musical interpretations and raise money for a wonderful cause at the same time. A silent auction, specialty cocktail reception and a tasty gourmet dessert reception immediately following the performance will round out the evening. This exceptional affair will join center members, friends, local business representatives and community leaders to raise awareness and funds for the Shirley and Chester Paul JCC Special Needs Program.
The evening’s festivities will begin with a silent auction and cocktail reception prior to the musical performance. The auction will feature such items as Busch Garden tickets, a basketball autographed by members of the Miami Heat, a foursome round of golf at the Biltmore Golf Course, a oneyear family membership to Zoo Miami, a night’s stay in a superior guest room at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Miami, a shark-tagging trip for two from the RJ Dunlap Marine Conservation Program, a Tory Burch 797 medium mixed-media satchel, admission for two to any event at the Improv Comedy Club & Dinner Theatre, a Sunday brunch for two at Perricone’s Marketplace & Café, dining certificates to Devon Seafood + Steak, Truluck’s Seafood, Steak and Crab House and more.
A gourmet dessert reception will cap off the fundraising affair with delectable treats from Nothing Bundt Cake, Cookies for Jani by Judy Aguirre, Chef David Schwadron Catering and Event Design, Laurie Malman Cheesecake Tarts, Lynn Katzen Baked Goods and many others. Event co-chairs Lisa Leventhal, whose younger sister was born with Down’s Syndrome and has been involved with the fundraiser for nine years and Judy Mezey, whose family helps motivate the program all year round, say that people should be supportive of their South Florida community, and especially families with special needs.
“It’s important that we all chip in and help others regardless of circumstance,” Leventhal says. “By supporting the Special Needs Fundraiser you’ll feel that you’ve made a contribution to something spectacular.”
The Shirley and Chester Paul Special Needs Program at the Alper JCC offers fun, stimulating, and dynamic programs for children, teens and adults with cognitive or physical disabilities. Activities include the Tikvah summer camp, minicamps and no-school holidays. All of this is made possible by your support. Tickets are $150, $100 and $65 per person. For tickets or sponsor information, call Susan Holtzman at 305-274-4772 or email <susan@eventuresmiami.com.
