by Angela Betancourt
The Women of Tomorrow Mentor & Scholarship Program hosted its gala on March 8th2014 and it had a record breaking year; bringing in more than $900,000 for the organization. More than 500 of South Florida’s leading philanthropists, celebrities, and politicians were in attendance.
It was an unforgettable evening thanks to Gala Chair Marisa Toccin Lucas along with founders Jennifer Valoppi and Don Browne and Co-Vice President, the Honorable Katherine Fernandez Rundle, who set out to make this year’s gala extraordinary.
The evening began with a lavish cocktail reception featuring hor d’oeuvre stations created by the Mandarin Oriental’s Executive Chef which complimented an impressive silent auction. Luxurious items from Prada USA, Saint Laurent Bal Harbour, Saks Fifth Avenue, and the St. Regis were just among some of the top luxury brands and vendors.
Nationally acclaimed artist James Rosenquist, donated one of his most important pieces titled “A Hole in the Wallpaper: Be Beautiful” which sold for an undisclosed amount in the six figures.
Miami Heat’s Pat Riley was also in attendance and in a surprise move auctioned off a VIP Heat experience for a private dinner with him and his wife Chris, along with VIP seats to a game and signed memorabilia. Even the Championship Trophy was in attendance for guests to take pictures with.
The Collection also auctioned off a three year lease on a Maserati Chibli and awarded Honorary Chairs and expectant parents Wayne and Cynthia Boich their very own baby Ferrari walker.
Fashion also played a big role in the evening’s auction activities. A Kaufman Franco Spring 2014 Collection Gown was auctioned off along with two tickets to their Fashion show at Lincoln Center in New York City. Saks Fifth Avenue donated a one of a kind Donna Karan Dress with courtesy Donna Karan New York and Neiman Marcus gave a $5,000 gift certificate.
After the reception, guests were escorted into the ballroom, where they were treated to a decadent four-course dinner and a live performance by South Florida’s own Soul Survivors.
The organization’s Founder & President Jennifer Valoppi shared her thoughts and joy while reminding the guests of the important work that they are doing together and why it’s significant.
“As our program continues to expand around the country, our gala continues to draw supporters from all over. They are people who see problems and are willing to take action to solve them. What better way to stop the cycles of violence, poverty and abuse than to uplift the lives of the young women who will raise the next generation,” said Valoppi.
Honorees at the annual event included Honorary Chairmen Wayne & Cynthia Boich; Legacy Builder Honorees Bruce & Tracey Berkowitz, The Fairholme Foundation; Leadership Award Honoree Edie Lutnick; Champion Award Honoree Miami HEAT; Excellence Honorees Tara Solomon & Nick D’Annunzio, Tara Ink; and Mentor of the Year Robbin Newman.
The Leadership Aware Honoree was Edie Lutnick Founder & President of the Cantor Fitzgerald Relief Fund in New York, who is an avid supporter of Women of Tomorrow.
“Women of Tomorrow does something extraordinary, they recognize the wisdom of those women who have succeeded and they capitalize on what they have accomplished. The past and the future combine in one spectacular organization. The Cantor Fitzgerald Relief Fund is so proud to be able to support Women of Tomorrow,” said Lutnick. The Cantor Relief Fund was started in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attack, in which Cantor suffered a major loss.
Though the evening eventually came to an end, the nearly one million that was raised is going to have a lasting impact. Founded in 1997, the Women of Tomorrow is designed to inspire, motivate, and empower at-risk young women. The funds raised that evening will be a part of this movement that currently mentors more than 3,000 at-risk girls in more than 151 public high schools in approximately 62 cities in South Florida and Metropolitan Detroit with its network of over 450 Mentors. Women of Tomorrow has awarded over $3.4 million in college scholarships to nearly 1,300 mentees. For more information, call 305.371.3330 or visit www.womenoftomorrow.org.
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