The Second Taste/Talk of the Town Fundraiser to benefit The Parks Foundation and Million Trees Miami Initiative held recently offered party goers tapas and cocktails from the finest restaurants in SoMi while live tunes from local soulful bands hit a sublime soundtrack to the rooftop event hosted by Zoo Miami’s Ron Magill. Area boutiques presented the pick of the season during a runway fashion show and retail outlets introduced guests to merchandise with complimentary gift samples and informational brochures.
“The idea was to give back to the community with a fundraising event that benefits the city and also boosts area businesses during these tough economic times while everyone enjoys a fun evening of good food and drink among friends,” said Celtix Services and Supplies representative and benefit organizer George Alvarez.
Alvarez, along with Director of Business Development for the Parks Foundation of Miami-Dade, Allison Diego, and Cristina Casado of the Office of Community Image for Miami-Dade County teamed up again to offer a new twist on their inaugural big hit, the Taste of the Town rooftop party in July.
“Talk of the Town is a different concept from the first rooftop party. We got more community involvement this time and part of our plan to help bring more of an economic boost to area merchants included discount incentives given to guests so they will come back and visit the sponsoring retailers,” said Alvarez.
“It was a fantastic night all around. George knows how to throw a party. He is a top chef in his own right and managed to put together the perfect recipe for a SoMi night out by offering the best food and drink in the area and an introduction to original classic merchandise from our finest local retailers. Bravo George, Allison and Cristina,” said Community Newspapers’ South Miami marketing maven Amy Donner.
The Million Trees Miami campaign began in 2006 with a goal of achieving a 30 percent tree canopy in Miami-Dade by 2020. The Parks Foundation supports Miami-Dade Parks and Recreation to build a “world class park system for residents and visitors alike.” Together, the alliance hopes to use the proceeds from the event to plant more trees in South Miami and improve public parks for all.
To find out more about the Million Trees Miami project, visit: milliontrees.miamidade.gov.
For more information on The Parks Foundation, visit: parksfoundationofmiamidade.com.
