Wishes Do Come True

Photography by WorldRedeye on November 1st, 2013 in Celebrity, Charities & Galas

Miami, FL – November 2, 2013 – Each fall in Miami, a gala for the greatest cause we can think of draws in the likes of local and A-list celebrities for one purpose and one purpose alone—the kids. This year, the Intercontinental Miami Make-A-Wish ball celebrates with yet another fete for the most-noble cause. Held at The InterContinental Miami Hotel on November 2, this year’s theme is loosely named “magic,” so expect the unexpected, as well as Adam Lambert performing. And while you’re dressed your best and sipping champagne, keep in mind that this isn’t just a party, it’s a party with a purpose.

“Make-A-Wish is an opportunity to give. Putting a smile on the face of children with life-threatening illness is all-satisfying,” explains Shareef Malnik, whose family has been involved with the charity for 19 years. “My parents, Nancy and Al Malnik, became lifetime benefactors of the InterContinental Miami Make-A-Wish Ball. Nine years ago, they, along with former President, CEO and Founder of Make-A-Wish Nancy Strong, asked me to become Chairman. I have been Chairman now for nine years and two years ago I joined the Board of Directors, as well.”

18th Annual Make-A-Wish Ball – 2012

Norm Wedderburn, Shareef Malnik, Al Malnik, & Robert Hill

As a member of the board, Malnik and his family go the extra mile to make Make-A-Wish stand out from other charity events. At the top of their priority list: Entertainment. “Although our first goal is to raise as much money for the children as possible, it is condition upon the guests enjoying their evening. If people are entertained, they will come back. In the long run, with that philosophy and strategy, we will grant more wishes,” he explains.

In the past nine years, the wish fund has increased from $300,000 to $1,700,000 net proceeds. All toward kids with a dream, too. “This is as a result of charitable contributions from a lot of great people that want to help children,” Malnik says.

Helping draw in those funds is the gala’s celebrity-laden guest list. This year, attendees can expect to see Lambert, as well as Gabrielle Anwar as the celebrity auctioneer. Flo Rida, Miami Housewives and Miami Heat players will also say cheers in the name of charity.

Wayne Newton

Christian Slater & Brittany Lopez

Melanie Amaro & Traver Rains

In past years, stars like Anwar, Melanie Amaro, Paula Abdul, Sharon Stone, Kim Kardashian, Pamela Anderson, Venus and Serena Williams and so many more have supported the event. Some of these celebs made last year’s event the most memorable by far for Malnik. “Last year’s ball stands out for several reasons: Gabrielle [Anwar] knocked the ball out of the park with the auction. We raised more money than ever before. And I was forced into a pair of ballet tights in order to offer comedic relief for the audience.”

Malnik is willing to go that extra mile to make sure the event is a success. “Each year my goal is to beat last year, in terms of money raised and entertainment level to guests,” Malnik says.

He applies this same philosophy to the after party. Now in its sixth year, the event will feature DJs and a fashion show by Heatherette designer Traver Rains. While tickets to the ball may be sold out, passes to the InterContinental Miami Make-A-Wish Nightclub are still available for $100 and can be purchased at https://hotelballafterparty2013.eventbrite.com.