Verne Troyer

Miami, FL – November 16, 2012 – The 16th Annual Zenith Watches Best Buddies Miami Gala featured a festive Russian theme this year in celebration of Best Buddies’ expansion into Russia. The event which took place at Marlins Park, included a cocktail hour, gourmet dinner, a live concert, and a silent auction to raise funds.

The gala benefitted Best Buddies International, a nonprofit dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

VIP attendees included Founder and Chairman of Best Buddies International, Anthony Shriver, actors Verne Troyer, James Caan, and Erik Valdez, actress Vivica A. Fox, Best Buddies Ambassador and “Glee” star Lauren Potter, Real Housewives of Miami’s Lea Black, artist Romero Britto, and Olympic medalist Carl Lewis.

Verne Troyer & Erik Valdez

James Caan, Anthony Shriver, Romero Britto, & Don Soffer

Amber Coffman, James Caan, Anthony Shriver, Romero Britto, & Don Soffer

Anthony Shriver, Romero Britto, & Juliette North

Anthony Shriver, Juliette North, & James Caan

Billy The Marlin

Carl Lewis, Anthony Shriver, Jared Tuchinsky, & Bernie Yuman

Carl Lewis

Anthony Shriver & Bernie Yuman

Carl Lewis & Lauren Potter

Tomi Rose & Vivica A. Fox

Lea & Roy Black

Michelle Aguirre & Brianne Bailey

Saskia Neillsen & Karina Gubanova

Stephanie Sayfie Aagaard & Morten Aagaard

Maya Ezratti & Jillian Jacobson

Chrispy Alexander, Michael Gongora, James Kirk, & Sandy Kacura

Chrispy Alexander & Verne Troyer