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Friends of The Underline raised more than $1 million at the second annual Sneaker Ball on Saturday, Jan. 24, at Land Rover Coral Gables. The signature fundraiser brought together more than 425 guests for an evening celebrating community, movement, and the future of Miami’s transformative 10-mile linear park.
Guests gathered on The Underline for a sunset cocktail reception before moving inside the Land Rover Coral Gables dealership for dinner and dancing. The evening was supported by 40 sponsors committed to advancing The Underline’s mission and programs and also featured an intentionally curated silent auction with 60 one-of-a-kind items, including unique travel experiences.
One of the event’s key highlights included strong support for The Underline’s Park Stewards program, an innovative workforce training initiative developed in partnership with Chapman Partnership and The Lennar Foundation that creates employment opportunities for previously unhoused adults, creating a pathway to financial stability, sustainable housing and dignity. The Sneaker Ball raised more than $100,000 for the program alone, reinforcing The Underline’s role in workforce development and supporting Miami’s economy.
“The Underline is more than a park, it’s a platform for access, opportunity, and connection,” said Eulois Cleckley, CEO of Friends of The Underline. “The generosity we saw at Sneaker Ball reflects how deeply this community believes in public spaces that serve everyone, and in programs that create real, lasting impact.”
“When I first imagined transforming the underutilized space beneath the Metrorail, I couldn’t have predicted the scale and scope of impact The Underline would have on our community,” said Meg Daly, chair and founder of Friends of The Underline. “Sneaker Ball is about bringing people together to celebrate a shared vision for Miami. Raising more than $1 million in a single evening shows what’s possible when philanthropy, community, and purpose align.”
Proceeds from Sneaker Ball directly support The Underline’s free year-round programming, daily operations, and long-term maintenance, ensuring the park remains a safe, accessible, and vibrant public space for residents and visitors alike.
The 2027 Sneaker Ball date, event details, and sponsorship opportunities will be announced soon.
The Underline is a 10-mile linear park, urban trail, and living art destination transforming the land beneath Miami-Dade County’s Metrorail into a safe, accessible public space that connects communities, promotes mobility, and enhances quality of life through free programming and thoughtful design.
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