Over 800 guests gathered at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach on Saturday, May 7, 2016 as the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce honored five distinguished leaders of the community at its 94th Annual Dinner Gala and Silent Auction. The event was co-hosted by Chamber Chairman and
SVP of Gibraltar Private Bank & Trust Michael S. Goldberg and WPLG Local 10 News reporter Erica Rakow. Guests danced during the cocktail hour and after the program was done to the sounds of the live band called EXTASY.
“This year’s event was truly a one of a kind experience that showcased the incredible life of Frank Sinatra who often performed to packed houses at the Fontainebleau,” said Chamber Chairman & SVP of Gibraltar Private Bank & Trust Michael S. Goldberg.
“It was amazing to host the event with Erica Rakow, whose father is a Miami Beach hero, who I was honored to have known. Finally, I’d like to recognize the contributions of the gala subcommittee led by Robin Jacobs and Sherry Kaplan Roberts for their support and commitment in putting together this grand event.”
This year’s celebrated honorees were:
- Stuart Blumberg, Former President and CEO, Greater Miami & The Beaches Hotel Association, received the City National Bank Miami Beach Senior High Alumni Outstanding Achievement Award
- David Edelstein, President of TriStar Capital, received the Excellence in Tourism Award
- Pierluigi Gazzolo and Viacom International Media Networks received the Corporate Citizen of the Year Award
- Jonathan Plutzik, Owner, The Betsy South Beach, received the Jan Pfeiffer Distinguished Service Award
- Stanley Whitman, Chairman Emeritus of Whitman Family Development LLC, received the Leonard A. “Doc” Baker Lifetime Achievement Award
“We are very proud that the Chamber took the time to recognize our community work at The Betsy,” said Plutzik. “It’s not just a validation of our programming but also a celebration of what makes Miami Beach great. We set out years ago, when my family bought The Betsy, to create something we call “PACE” (philanthropy, arts, culture, and education); our brand is one that combines a luxury hotel experience with a deep commitment to nurturing the community.”
In addition to celebrating another successful year as an organization, the event was a fundraiser for the Chamber’s 501(c)3 Education Foundation, which sup-ports educational initiatives in the Miami Beach community. The gala, themed The Best is Yet To Come, was organized by a subcommittee Co-Chaired by Robin Ja-cobs and Sherry Kaplan Roberts. “I’m honored and thrilled to have received this special recognition,” said Edelstein. “I’m as enthusiastic and committed as ever to the continued success of the Miami Beach community and the growth of our tourist industry.”
