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Voices For Children Foundation raised a record-breaking $1.4 million at its annual Be A Voice Gala, welcoming nearly 500 guests on Saturday, Jan. 10, at The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, marking the first major event held following the hotel’s $100 million renovation.
The black-tie gala, themed “Bloom Where You Are Planted,” celebrated resilience, growth, and the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive, no matter where they begin. Proceeds from the evening will support Voices For Children Foundation’s child advocacy, essential needs, and enrichment programs for children and youth in foster care throughout Miami-Dade County.
The event was led by 2026 Gala Co-Chairs Henry and Nilda Torres, and Vince and Jennifer Castro, and Gala Committee members David and Naive Barbeito, Michael Block, Alice Bravo, Angel and Lynette Ferrer, Richard and Rana Florida, Jay and Christine Fritz, Gabriela B. Ibarra and Ron Goncalves, Dagmar Llaudy and Milton Ares, Taylor and Adrian Pena, Bertha and Paul Pino, Magali and Rick Sanders, Feyza and Richard Shipley, and Yolanda and German Valencia, whose leadership and the generosity of the community made the evening a resounding success.
“This extraordinary night reflects the deep commitment our community has to children in foster care,” said Kadie Black, President and CEO of Voices For Children Foundation. “Raising $1.4 million is a milestone for our organization and a powerful investment in the futures of the children and families we serve.”
Guests enjoyed an evening featuring live music, a live auction, a silent auction, dinner, and dancing, all in support of the Foundation’s mission. The evening featured a family testimonial that underscored how Voices For Children Foundation supports and advocates for youth and families experiencing foster care. The event space was transformed into a living expression of the evening’s theme through the thoughtful and inspired design of Gilded Group Decor.
The gala also honored two distinguished champions of the Foundation’s mission. Commissioner Vicki L. Lopez received the Be A Voice Award in recognition of her unwavering advocacy for children and families, including her leadership in securing critical funding to support youth in foster care. Jay Shapiro, longtime board member, was presented with the Legacy Award, celebrating nearly three decades of dedication, guidance, and generosity that have helped shape Voices For Children Foundation into the organization it is today.
The success of the Be A Voice Gala was made possible through the continued support of the Foundation’s Be A Voice Annual Members, Event Sponsors, the dedicated Gala Committee, and Honorary Gala Chairs Shipley Foundation, Lowell & Betty Dunn Family Foundation, Astor Companies and Priya Karani & Karim Alibhai.
While the gala marked a milestone moment, the Foundation’s work continues, and opportunities remain to invest in the futures of children and families served by Voices For Children Foundation. For more information, visit beavoice.org.
About Our Sponsors
Voices For Children Foundation extends special thanks to its sponsors, including Astor Companies, the Presenting Sponsor, and Roberto Cavalli, the Luxury Sponsor, for their generous partnership; additional sponsors include Shipley Foundation, Inc., Lowell and Betty Dunn Family Foundation, Stearns Weaver Miller, Hal and Madalyn Rosenbluth, Ellen and Ronald Block Family Foundation, Michael and Ellen Block, Miami Reinsurance Golf Foundation, Amazon, Senator Rene Garcia, Magnum Opus, Kaufman Rossin, Commissioner Vicki L. Lopez, Merrill, The Jorge M. Pérez Family Foundation, Alliant, Commissioner Danielle Cohen Higgins, Greenberg Traurig, Hotaling, Vince and Jennifer Castro, Jeffrey and Yolanda Berkowitz, Angel and Lynette Ferrer, Juan and Susana Cordoba, Brodsky Fotiu-Wojtowicz, Kandell, Kandell & Petrie, AT&T, KPMG, Driven Brands, Lennar, Amerant Bank, Chairman Anthony Rodriguez, Commissioner Roberto J. Gonzalez, Lloyd’s, Northern Trust, Bilzin Sumberg, John an Suzel Broe, Stuart Fort, Elise Betancourt and Raul Rodriguez, Mario and Jessica Cristobal, Kira Grossman, Esq., Brad and Suzanne Meltzer, Yolanda and German Valencia, Gabriela B. Ibarra and Ron Goncalves, Michael and Diane Rosenberg Family Foundation, Commissioner Juan Carlos Bermudez, Commissioner Micky Steinberg, Commissioner Natalie Milian Orbis, David Barbeito, CPA, Abigail Price Williams, Esq., Gilded Group Décor, Banesco, Citrus Family Care Network, Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, TD Bank, Salubris Health, Auria Health, LLC dba yvb, FPL, Blanca, Read Law PLLC, Stabilify, Bertha and Paul Pino, The Monochromatic Experience, UNA Vodka, Golden Goat, Brickell Magazine and Isaac Farms.
About Voices For Children Foundation
Voices For Children Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of abused, abandoned, and neglected children through advocacy, essential needs, and positive experiences that promote stability, well-being, and long-term success.
