Longtime supporters of Boys and Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade (BGC) and local philanthropists, Dr. Robert Thomas and Eris Thomas (BGC Executive Board member) recently were named chairs of Boys and Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade’s black-tie eighth annual “Wild About Kids” Gala and After Party scheduled for Nov. 8.
With much enthusiasm, the Thomases are building a gala committee of Miami’s “who’s who” to plan the most successful “Wild About Kids” Gala to date. The Thomas’ goal is two-fold: to raise funds and awareness of Boys and Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade, and the important work it does every day with the children of Miami- Dade County.
Proceeds will benefit Boys and Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade’s many positive activities, including after school programs, homework assistance, computer training, social skills, dance, arts and crafts, professional mentoring, and summer and athletic programs, for area children who need them the most.
The event will take place at the JW Marriott Marquis, located at 255 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. It will begin with a cocktail reception at 6:30 p.m., followed by dinner, the program, dancing and live entertainment from 8 to midnight. A fun-filled after party including entertainment, deejay music, dancing, an open bar and small bites, also at the JW Marriott Marquis, will take place from midnight to 3 a.m.
South Florida’s top community leaders, philanthropists and socialites will be among the over 450 anticipated guests
who will enjoy a themed evening full of surprises, luxurious and unique raffle and auction items, and much more. Guests also will have a special opportunity at the event to sponsor a child through donations.
Sponsorship and underwriting opportunities are available and range from $1,000 to $50,000. Individual tickets are $500; tables (10 seats) are available for $5,000.
Current “Wild About Kids” Gala committee members in addition to the Thomases are BGC former board president and current special events chair Olga Guilarte, BGC Board of Directors member Charlie Barton, Alfredo Mesa, Donna Abood, Eddie Lacasa, Gabriela Delgado, Ingrid Vasillu, Jackie Gonzalez, Judy Kramer, Katie Cabanas, gala honorary cochair Lynda Gordon, Marile Lopez, Tom Bezold, Vanessa Bertran and BGC Executive Board member Yuni Navarro.
Dr. Thomas serves as medical director of Coral Gables Executive Physicians in Coral Gables; Eris Thomas is CEO of the practice. Since 2010, the Thomases have hosted an annual fundraiser/cocktail reception solely benefiting Boys and Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade at the offices of Coral Gables Executive Physicians. To date, the events have raised over $75,000.
Eris Thomas recently served as chair of Baptist Health Foundation’s May 3 “Sauté and Sip” Interactive Dinner, benefiting Baptist Health Breast Center CareCoach and Genetic Testing Programs.
“Robert and I are thrilled to be hosting the acclaimed ‘Wild About Kids’ Gala this year,” Eris Thomas said. “We look forward to creating an exciting event that will not only be the ‘talk of the town,’ but will also increase awareness of all Boys and Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade does to change the lives of area youth. We hope to raise the most funds of any ‘Wild About Kids’ gala to date.”
For more information about “Wild About Kids” sponsorship and underwriting opportunities, in-kind gift donations, and tickets, contact Kati Foley, director of special events and development, at 305-446-9910, ext. 30, or by email at kfoley@-bgcmia.org. For more information about the Boys and Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade, visit www.bgcmia.org.
