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Event Chairs Julie and Chris Barnett inspired guests with a message of hope. Ryan Case received the 2025 Children’s Champion Award, and Rachel Platten headlined the night of philanthropy and purpose.
SOS Children’s Villages Florida raised $1.6 million at its annual Emerald Ball on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, held at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood. The event brought together key supporters for a record-breaking night benefiting children and young adults in foster care. Presented by ABA Centers, the black-tie gala brought together hundreds of leaders and philanthropists for an evening of high-impact fundraising, community celebration, and support for foster youth.
The evening began with a cocktail reception, silent auction, and an aerial performance before guests entered the ballroom glowing in emerald and gold. Following a welcome from event chairs Julie and Chris Barnett, SOS CEO Jillian Smath opened the program, emphasizing the organization’s mission to provide healing, hope, and home for children in foster care.
During their remarks, the Barnetts thanked sponsors and attendees for their unwavering support, reminding guests that every child deserves the opportunity to feel loved and to dream big. “This night is not only about raising funds—it’s about changing lives,” said Julie Barnett. “Together, we are creating futures filled with possibility.”
The event, emceed by acclaimed actor and director Mykelti Williamson (“Forrest Gump”, “The Purge: Election Year,” “Justified,” “24”), featured dazzling performances, a heartfelt spoken word tribute, a record-breaking live auction, and the presentation of the 2025 Children’s Champion Award to Ryan Case, corporate director of facility renovation and expansion at Rick Case Automotive Group.
“Receiving the Children’s Champion Award is a tremendous honor,” Case said. “I’m proud to carry on my family’s legacy of giving back and supporting children who deserve every opportunity to succeed. SOS Children’s Villages Florida is changing lives, and I’m grateful to play a small part in that journey.”
Case was recognized for his professional excellence, community leadership, and lifelong commitment to uplifting children and families. During his 15-year career with Rick Case Automotive Group, Case has held leadership roles spanning service, parts, and fixed operations before rising to oversee facility expansion and renovation for the company’s 17 dealerships across South Florida, Atlanta, and Cleveland.
A graduate of Northwood University and the NADA Dealer Academy, Case has built his reputation on a simple but powerful philosophy: retention and growth. “Letting people feel like they’re making a difference, growing in their department, and knowing you care about them—that’s what drives success,” Case told Automotive News. Under his direction, the company achieved a 22.5 percent year-over-year increase in net profit for its parts and service departments, with 14 departments setting new performance records.
Named one of Automotive News’ “40 Under 40” honorees, Case is admired for his focus on operational excellence, customer satisfaction, and team development. His associates describe him as hands-on, forward-thinking, and deeply committed to both his people and his purpose.
Beyond his business success, Case continues to uphold and expand the philanthropic vision set forth by his parents, Rita and Rick Case, who built the automotive group on the foundation of service and community impact. He remains dedicated to advancing charitable partnerships that uplift children and families, including long-standing support for Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County, and SOS Children’s Villages Florida.
Guests were deeply moved by a spoken word performance by Gabriel Diaz, who told the real-life stories of three SOS teens—Octavius, Amy, and Azariah—each a testament to resilience and transformation.
The live auction, led by Neil Saffer, featured once-in-a-lifetime packages including a European Celebrity Cruise, a private jet getaway to Nassau, a Kentucky Derby weekend experience, and a behind-the-scenes television experience with Spectrum FX.
A highlight of the night, the “Gift from the Heart” paddle raise, themed “Help Open the Doors of Opportunity,” inspired donors to fund programs that provide tutoring, therapy, housing support, and career readiness opportunities for SOS youth.
The evening concluded with an electrifying performance by platinum-selling artist Rachel Platten, whose hits “Fight Song” and “Stand By You” had the audience singing and dancing in celebration.
“The success of this year’s Emerald Ball reflects the incredible compassion of our community,” said Jillian Smath, CEO of SOS Children’s Villages Florida. “Every dollar raised helps provide the stability, love, and opportunities that our children and young adults need to thrive. We are deeply grateful to our sponsors, donors, and guests for believing in the power of family and the promise of every child.”
The Emerald Ball was presented by ABA Centers, with support from Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, RNDC, and Anthony’s Clam House. Premier sponsors included Coral Springs Auto Mall, Marsh and McLennan, Rick Case Automotive Group, Nations Benefits, The Hometown Foundation, and The Wanda and Jim Moran Foundation.
SOS also recognized Event Chairs Julie and Chris Barnett, 2026 incoming chairs Brett Rose and Jeremiah Gutierrez, the SOS Board of Directors, and new sponsors Rita Case, The Hometown Foundation, UNCS Cares, Craig Zinn Automotive Group, Nations Benefits, Spot Zero Water, Spectrum FX, and Tropicas de Puerto Rico for their generous partnership and continued commitment to the mission.
For more information on SOS Children’s Villages Florida and The Emerald Ball visit www.sosflorida.org and www.hopeandhomegala.org.
About SOS Children’s Villages Florida: Founded in 1993, SOS Children’s Villages Florida provides a nurturing, healing home environment for children in foster care, with a unique emphasis on keeping biological siblings together. Located in Coconut Creek, the SOS Village features 13 single-family homes with full-time foster parents, serving up to 72 children at a time. The organization’s NEXT STEPS program extends support to more than 200 young adults in South Florida who have aged out of the foster care system, providing life coaching, housing assistance, career and education support, and more. For more information, please visit https://www.sosflorida.com.
SOS Children’s Villages Florida Contact:
Dawn Seay, Chief Development Officer
dseay@sosflorida.com
954.444.2610
