After walking the red carpet, guests enjoyed international fare, sipped signature Bacardi beverages and bid, electronically via BidPal, on more than 300 silent auction items. Conga dancers from Mango’s Tropical Cafe escorted guests into the ballroom where they enjoyed a tribute to the four honorees. Guests also participated in an exciting live auction for items such as a one-year lease of a Jaguar XJ from Warren Henry; travel package to the MTV Movie Awards courtesy of Viacom, American Airlines business class tickets from American Airlines and an Ultimate Miami Beach Experience which included tickets to Art Basel, South Beach Food & Wine Festival and BleauLive concerts, sponsored by FIU and the Fontainebleau.
GALA HONOREES INCLUDED:
Dr. Mark B. Rosenberg – Lifetime Achievement Award. Dr. Rosenberg has served as the fifth president of FIU since August 2009. Apolitical scientist specializing in Latin America, Dr. Rosenberg is the first FIU faculty member to ascend to the university’s presidency.
David Wallack – Excellence in Tourism Award. David Wallack, founder of Mango’s Tropical Café, and has been instrumental in shaping the city’s hotel industry and the Ocean Drive landscape. Jimmy Morales – City National Bank Hi-Tides Outstanding Achievement Award. Miami Beach City Manager
Jimmy Morales has nearly 20 years of experience in government serving as a local attorney, administrator and public servant.
Adolfo Henriques – Distinguished Service Award. Chairman and CEO of Gibraltar Private Bank & Trust Adolfo Henriques is a leader with civic organizations which contribute in elevating those in need and runs one of the premiere private banking and wealth management companies
Guests continued the evening in true Miami Beach style at the Vanity Affair after party hosted by City National Bank where guests filmed Slow Motion Videos, created Flipbooks, indulged in movie theater treats and danced the night away to a live DJ. The Clevelander’s world famous cocktail girls handed out their signature cocktails with matching souvenir sunglasses and tumblers in a fashioned lounge that sent you straight to Ocean Drive.
