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Coral Gables Trust recently partnered with Informed Families to celebrate the 40th anniversary of one of South Florida’s most iconic philanthropic traditions — the Annual Dinner at Joe’s.
Held at the legendary Joe’s Stone Crab in Miami Beach, this milestone event once again brought together community leaders, advocates, and friends for a night of celebration and support— all in the name of helping kids grow up safe, healthy, and drug free.
This year’s dinner was presented by Coral Gables Trust, and chaired by Donald Kress, CEO and president of Coral Gables Trust, with Richard DeNapoli serving as co-chair. The event honored the incredible 43-year journey of Informed Families, founded by six volunteers in 1982. What began as a grassroots movement has grown into a nationally recognized organization that empowers families and communities across Florida with prevention tools and education.
The Annual Dinner at Joe’s has become a beloved tradition rooted in simplicity, connection, and purpose. Forty years ago, as Miami faced the height of the “Cocaine Cowboys” era and public safety concerns surged, the idea for a fundraiser that brought people together around a serious mission — without the formality of a gala — took shape. With support from Dorothy and Don Shula and the generosity of Jo Ann Bass, owner of Joe’s Stone Crab, the first dinner was born, setting the stage for what would become a 40-year partnership.
From its earliest days, the dinner attracted a powerhouse roster of civic and corporate leaders including Betty and Alvah Chapman of Knight Ridder, Susan and Frank Borman of Eastern Airlines, and executives from leading law firms, banks, and businesses across Miami. The event quickly sold out and developed a loyal following drawn to its unique blend of fellowship, philanthropy, and famous stone crabs.
“What began four decades ago has grown into a powerful tradition of giving, celebrating, and uniting for a vital cause,” said Peggy Sapp, president and CEO of Informed Families. “We are honored to mark the 40th dinner at Joe’s with an evening that reflects the strength and generosity of our community.”
Throughout its history, the dinner has welcomed many of South Florida’s most committed champions. Some, including Aaron and Dorothy Podhurst, Peter Bermont, and Marabel and Charles “Charlie” Morgan, have never missed a year. Others — like Mary and Joel Eaton — have passed down their commitment through generations, with Molly and Doug Eaton, Fred Taylor and Christina Martin, Peter Bermont and Bill Bermont, Tammy and Butch Davis with their son Drew Davis, Anita and Ron Shuffield with their daughter Melissa Shuffield, and
Patty Dee with her daughter Erin Byers proudly carrying the mission forward.
The evening also was supported by many longtime sponsors and philanthropic partners, including Richard Bermont and Adam Carlin, Grossman Roth Yaffa Cohen, Baptist Health South Florida, Fowler White Burnett, Hon. Sally A. Heyman, Logan Family, Goldsmith Family Foundation, Garner Foundation, Police Officer Assistance Trust, TUUCI (The Ultimate Umbrella Company Inc.), Florida Blue, Dr. Andrea Heuson Sharp and Dr. Gregory Sharp, and Dr. Linda Neider and Dr. Paul Sugrue. Special recognition was extended to Jo Ann Bass and Stephen Sawitz of Joe’s Stone Crab, whose unwavering partnership has made the longevity and legacy of this event possible.
“Partnering with Informed Families to celebrate this milestone was a true honor,” said Donald Kress, CEO and president of Coral Gables Trust. “At Coral Gables Trust, we believe in building lasting legacies — and the legacy that Peggy Sapp and her team have created is nothing short of inspiring. We’re proud to support their efforts to empower families and foster a healthier future for our communities.”
“This dinner is more than just an evening at Joe’s — it’s a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we come together for a common purpose,” added Richard DeNapoli, managing director and Chief Trust Officer at Coral Gables Trust. “We’re thrilled to stand with Informed Families as they celebrate 40 years of impact and continue their vital mission of helping kids grow up safe, healthy, and drug free.”
More than a festive social tradition, the Annual Dinner at Joe’s serves as a critical fundraiser for Informed Families’ prevention initiatives. Proceeds support statewide educational campaigns, evidence-based programs, and community engagement efforts — all designed to give families the tools they need to raise children free from substance use.
Guests donned Joe’s signature bibs and enjoyed the famed stone crabs alongside classic sides like hash browns, creamed spinach, and coleslaw. The evening featured heartfelt toasts to the organization’s legacy and the tireless efforts of its founder, board, volunteers, and supporters.
Informed Families is a Florida-based nonprofit dedicated to educating, involving, and empowering families and communities to raise safe, healthy, and drug-free children. Since 1982, the organization has led statewide prevention campaigns and remains grounded in the research that parents are still the No. 1 reason kids don’t use drugs. Its mission: Helping Kids Grow Up Safe, Healthy, and Drug Free.
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