Supporters for Kristi House Children: The Sky’s the Limit Gala

Miami, FL – April 17, 2021 – Undeterred by the pandemic, two hundred guests sent a clear message of support at Kristi House’s reimagined Sky’s the Limit Gala on April 17 when they raised an amazing $580,000 for child sexual abuse and trafficking victims. The excitement was high with the announcement of a $100,000 Challenge Grant to Kristi House from Polly & Peter Appel.

Gala guests were treated to gourmet adventures in culinary world “travel” experiences all over town. Conceived and executed by event aficionados Lauren Harrison Brown, Maria Maloof, and Priscilla Marrero, this year Kristi House’s annual signature gala was reshaped into mini-events featuring cuisine from France, Italy, Spain, India and the Mediterranean.

Chefs, servers, bartenders and DJs were dispatched to small group gatherings in 20 locations throughout Miami. Guests were connected by remote technology and their collective commitment to healing the victims of sexual abuse and trafficking. They generously bid in the auction and gave from the heart to support Kristi House’s work and the shared vision to eradicate these crimes against children. All funds raised at Sky’s the Limit will go toward the emotional, physical and legal advocacy needs for children and their families overcoming the trauma of abuse.

Fine wines and spirits were generously provided by Republic National Distributing Company, with culinary talents provided by some of Miami’s most acclaimed chefs and restaurants. The Philanthropic Chairs of the evening were Juliana & Alex Krys. Major Sponsors of the Sky’s the Limit Gala were The Jills Zeder Group, Juliana Krys Jewelry, and Suzy & Sadek Wahba.

First Class Sponsors included Amanda G. Altman, Esq. & David Lynn, Lauren & Blake Brown, Fran & Howard Feinberg, Maria & Al Maloof, Priscilla & Daniel Marrero, Commissioner Joe A. Martinez, Mary “Mimi” Bradley Shafey, and Tina & Alex van der Ven, MD. Premium Class Sponsors included Baptist Health South Florida, Yvonne Chen & Mark Fitzpatrick / Glide Capital, Rachelle & AJ de Moya / The de Moya Group, Chairman Jose “Pepe” Diaz, Dr. Patty Miami, Commissioner René García, Grove Bank & Trust, Erica & Pedro P. Echarte, III, Esq, Herskowitz Shapiro, Barbara & Alex Havenick, Commissioner Sally A. Heyman, Commissioner Danielle Cohen Higgins, Commissioner Eileen Higgins, Vicky & Bert Hucks, Miami Beach Anesthesiology Associates, Ana & Cecil Milton / José Milton Foundation, Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, Regions, Lizzie & Drew Schaul, Brianna R. Varas, MD & Manny Varas. In-Kind Sponsors include AVmedia, Bacardi, CreativeOndemanD, Infinite Gift, NewStar Media, Republic National Distributing Company and 305 Hive with an After Party by Ussery Automotive Group.

Funds raised at the Gala ensure that child victims of abuse and sex trafficking continue to receive essential services to heal and restore their lives, 100% free of charge.