Miami Spirit of Hope Cocktail Reception at the Home of Moj & Robert Danial

Photography by Ryan Troy on December 9th, 2019 in Lifestyle

Miami, FL – December 9, 2019 – Over 100 guests joined us at the home of Moj and Robert Danial for our first Miami Spirit of Hope Cocktail Reception. We enjoyed gourmet bites, cocktails, and most importantly an inspiring program—all to benefit Shalva’s individuals with disabilities and their families.

Lauren Masuzzo, Director of Florida, gave introductory remarks and thanks to honored guests and event Chairs. She was followed by Kalman Samuels who shared about the importance of continuing to dream, even in the face of adversity. He briefly shared about his son, Yossi’s, journey from being blind, deaf and acutely hyperactive to riding elephants in Thailand, becoming a sommelier and most importantly, regaining the gift of communication and subsequently, his independence. Samuels went on to share about the organization’s transformation, “From an apartment with a program of 6 kids and an after school program—to one of the largest most advanced centers in the world catering to 2,000 children and young adults a week! Shalva has grown only with the help of our dear friends like you who enable us to keep dreaming.”

Guests were thrilled and honored to be joined by Greater Miami Jewish Federation President and CEO Jacob Solomon and Israel Deputy Consul General of Florida, Kasa Bainesay- Harbor who shared a few words about her life’s mission to advocate for Israel and her admiration of Shalva’s important work. Bal Harbor’s Honroable Mayor, Gabriel Groisman, sang a beautiful performance of Hallelujah with the Shalva band that made national news in Israel shortly after. Shalva’s Chairman, Avi Samuels, introduced the Shalva’s Band and gave backstory regarding their recent rise to international stardom. He also elaborated upon their mission to spread the message of inclusion and hope by focusing on abilities rather than disabilities. During the event, The Shalva Band made a special appearance and moved guests. Their enthusiasm and talent wowed everyone in attendance.

By the end of the evening, everyone was dancing! Moj Danial, our gracious host for the night, closed the evening by sharing her connection to Shalva and the significance of its work. Shalva would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our Hosts, Moj and Robert Danial and our Co- Chairs Orly and Shlomy Alexander, Helene and Abbey Berkowitz, Theresa and Former Florida State Rep. Jose Felix Diaz, Sylvia and Eddie Ferenczi, Mikki and Morris Futernick, Nicole and Jordan Kavana, Nadine and Sidney Pertnoy, and Gary Yarus who all worked to make this event a huge success!

To get involved or for more information about American Friends of Shalva in the Southeast Region please contact Lauren Masuzzo at lauren@shalva-usa.org.