The Monster Electronics 14th Annual Irie Weekend presented by South Florida Ford, recently wrapped up another successful year.
The action-packed four-day charity weekend ran from June 28th to July 1st with all the proceeds going to the IRIE Foundation, which works year-round to improve and create a positive impact on the lives of South Florida’s at-risk youth.
The weekend kicked off on Thursday, June 28 with the highly anticipated Give from the Heart #InspIRIE Dinner & Gala presented by Tito’s Handmade Vodka. The black-tie event, the first of many celebrity-packed activities that weekend, took place in the Glitter Ballroom at the Fontainebleau and featured an electrifying performance by dancehall superstar, Sean Paul.
The Grammy Award-winning singer wasn’t the only superstar in the room. As expected, numerous celebrities attended to support Miami’s beloved DJ Irie and his foundation. Stars included NFL player Josh Norman of the Washington Redskins, NBA player CJ McCollum of the Portland Trail Blazers, Ballroom Dancer Sharna Burgess from Dancing With the Stars, Television host and sportscaster Charissa Thompson of Fox Sports, Singer Chris Kirkpatrick from NSYNC, NBA player Derrick Favors of the Utah Jazz, and NBA player Andre Drummond of the Detroit Pistons.
Guests sipped and mingled during a cocktail hour and later enjoyed a multi-course meal, silent and live auctions. All the proceeds and donations from that evening will go towards the completion of the Irie Rhythms Academy, a state of the art music and technology center that will provide lessons to students in our community at no cost.
Friday, June 29th was all about the golf. The second day started with the IRIE Foundation #InspIRIE kids golf clinic at Topgolf in Miami Gardens. The morning featured golf lessons and keynote speakers that provided words of inspirations and encouragement to the #InspIRIE kids golf clinic participants.
Later that afternoon, adult golf players and those that appreciate the sport, gathered for the Triller 14th Annual Celebrity Golf Tournament. As guests tee’d off from their bays – South Florida Ford kept non-golfing entertained in their Blue Lounge with delectable treats, a DJ, and games. Celebrities golfers included NSYNC alumni Joey Fatone and Chris Kirkpatrick, retired NBA player Alonzo Mourning, retired NFL player Lawrence Taylor, Dancing with the Stars finalist Sharna Burgess and many others.
The incredibly fun day closed out with an evening concert featuring Ludacris and Jamie Foxx. DJ Irie joined later joined the pair on stage to sing along. Guests that did not want the night to end headed over to LIV Nightclub to see rapper Gucci Mane perform and Shaquille O’Neal aka DJ Diesel on the ones and twos.
On Saturday, June 30th, DJ Irie weekenders put on their best beach attire and headed to the Sprint RIE Weekend BBQ Beach Bash presented by Samsung. BBQ highlights included a delicious custom BBQ menu by celebrity Chef Guy Fieri, an activity area with games and prizes, and exciting performances by Justine Skye and Jason Derulo.
The last day of the weekend, Sunday, July 1st, ended with a Turn Down for Brunch event at the Fontainebleau. Guests, including Anthony Mackie, enjoyed fun takes on chicken and waffles, nachos, donuts and other traditional brunch menu items.
The businesses that helped make the four captivating days possible were the Title Sponsor Monster Electronics, Presenting Sponsor South Florida Ford, Fontainebleau Miami Beach, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Coca-Cola, Greenspoon Marder LLP, Triller, E11EVEN Music, E11EVEN, Sprint, Samsung, Checkers-Rallys, JetBlue, Mohegan Sun, Dr. Dabber, New Era, Five Four, Sea Best, iHeart Media, Macallan, Brugal Rum, 1800 Tequila, Champagne Taittinger, Way of Wade, The Edition Boutique, Bank United, Haute Living, Red Bull, Maker’s Mark, Wynn Nightlife, Brightline, Jungle Island, FIJI, JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery, Landmark Vineyards and Wizard Creations.
Throughout the weekend, DJ Irie never failed to thank all the sponsors, the celebrities, and attendees for supporting his vision and foundation.
He reminded everyone that in addition to having a good time, they were there to help at-risk youth lead productive lives through cultural experiences, educational initiatives mentorship programs, and scholarship opportunities. The Foundation follows the young people it serves from middle school, through high school, and beyond, ultimately aiming to inspire students to graduate, pursue higher education, and aspire towards developing into successful adults. Through many proactive initiatives, they are committed to helping kids get on the right track and strive for successful futures.
To learn more about the DJ Irie Foundation visit: http://www.iriefoundation.org/
