Non-profit leaders get red carpet recognition
A red carpet reception with live golden statues, makeup artists and champagne greeted nearly 800 attendees at the 5th Annual South Florida Community Care Network Non-Profit Academy Awards.
The awards were presented by 2-1-1 Broward, which provides a 24-hour comprehensive helpline to provide people in crisis with access to community resources, and the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood. The awards honor the work of Broward County’s non-profit organizations and leaders and the impact they have on the community.
The audience was welcomed by Bob Birdsong, 2-1-1 Broward Board Chair & CEO of OK Generators; Sheila Smith, President & CEO of 2-1-1 Broward; and John Benz, President & CEO of South Florida Community Care Network and a 2-1-1 Broward Board Member. Guests were surprised with a special performance by America’s Got Talent’s Emil and Dariel, a rock cellist duo.
The event raised over $172,000 and a total of $23,000 will be awarded to winners of the year.
The real hot bodies of SoBe
Given the buff nature of South Beach, it’s a wonder somebody hasn’t launched a professional body building show before the upcoming Miami Muscle Beach.
The event is being organized by Geobanny Paula, who is Miami ‘s first Physique Pro under the auspices of the International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness, and friend Tony Lopez.
“There’s no other pro show like ours in Miami,” said Lopez. The last one was about seven years ago at the Jackie Gleason Theater.
The duo started out with zero capital and investment money, but Paula’s contacts helped give the event credibility and sponsors, Lopez said. The IFBB event on Saturday, April 19, at Loews Miami Beach Hotel, will have both men’s and women’s categories.
For more information, visit www.miamimusclebeachpro.com.
BBX gets new private equity principal
Nathan Dapeer, who has a background with Blue Sea Capital and Brockway Moran & Partners, has joined BBX Capital Partners as a principal.
Dapeer has more than seven years of private equity and investment banking involving middle market companies and nearly $1 billion in transactions. Dapeer began his career as an investment banker with Harris Williams & Co. in Richmond, Virginia, and as a founding member of the firm’s first international office in London.
“We are thrilled to have someone with Nathan’s industry experience join our team, and help build the BBX Capital Partners platform and portfolio of brands,” said Jarett Levan, President of BBX Capital.
A rockin” Great Smoke
The ninth annual Great Smoke rocked out with the band Foghat, known for their song “Slow Ride,” at a new location at the German American Club in Lake Worth.
Event organizer Abe Dababneh, owner of Smoke Inn, kicked off the event with a live broadcast of his weekly Saturday radio show, which also can be heard at KissMyAshRadio.com.
Several hundred cigar aficionados were lined up for the VIP opening at noon. With coupon books in hand, they went through 45 different stands with an array of premium cigars being handed out as part of the price of admission. The VIP area was serving up ice-cold Russian Standard vodka while tasting booths outside had a range of bourbons and whiskeys.
JA honors this year’s laureates
Junior Achievement of South Florida honored four laureates at its 35th annual Business Hall of Fame celebration, recognizing their significant community impact. This year’s laureates were David Clarke, PwC, Digital Services; Steve Hudson, Hudson Capital Group; Ginger Martin, American National Bank; and Frank Sacco, Memorial Healthcare System.
“This year’s event was a record-breaking success, and it was a thrill to induct these four amazing entrepreneurs and executives into the Business Hall of Fame,” said Andy Cagnetta, Event Co-chair and Junior Achievement Board Member. The event raised $135,000.
Junior Achievement also awarded Gale Butler with the first ever Melissa Aiello Character Award – named in honor of the late JA CEO and president.
BBX Capital was the Presenting Sponsor for the evening at JA World Huizenga Center at Broward College in Coconut Creek and SFBW was among the gold sponsors.
Governor celebrates HQ opening
Florida Governor Rick Scott and Lt. Governor Carlos Lopez-Cantera joined Rita and Rick Case to celebrate the new national headquarters of Rick Case Automotive Group.
The headquarters in Sunrise is the epicenter for a $1 billion plus operation that has 16 dealerships in South Florida, Atlanta and Cleveland.
The Rick Case Automotive Group celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2012 and was honored in 2013 as Automotive News” only National All-Star Dealer for the Privately Held Dealer category out of 17,000 dealers in the country. ?
VeritageMiami: Four venerable, veritable days of libations, dining
The 20th annual VeritageMiami, presented by City National Bank, will attract more than 3,500 wine and food lovers to four days of world-class culinary indulgence to benefit United Way of Miami-Dade County.
The event will be at some of the coolest places in the county:
April 15
Craft Beer Tasting at Wynwood Walls
VIP 6 p.m., General Admission
7 p.m.
April 16
Fine Wine Tasting at Village of Merrick Park
VIP 6 p.m., General Admission 7 p.m.
April 17
Interactive Dinner at InterContinental Miami
Headlined by Eileen Andrade of Finka Table & Tap, Adrianne Calvo of Chef Adrianne’s Vineyard Restaurant and Wine Bar, Paula DaSilva of 3030 Ocean at the Harbor Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, Cindy Hutson of Ortanique on the Mile and Dena Marino of MC Kitchen.
6:30 p.m.
April 18
Auction and Wine Dinner at Marlins Park (on the diamond) with award-winning wines, spirited bidding and a home run of an after-party.
6:30 p.m.
To purchase tickets visit www.veritagemiami.com.
