Miami, FL – March 11, 2017 – The Miami Children’s Museum thrilled more than 800 attendees at its Annual Be A Kid Again Gala “Le Grand Carnaval,” a world of unique performers, exotic cuisine and a night filled with fantasy at Soho Studios. Over $2 million was raised to support educational programming with the help of generous donors, sponsors, an extensive silent auction and a high end live auction. The event, emceed by journalist and former CBS4 Anchor Shannon Hori Cogan, also honored MCM Chairman of the Board, Jeff Berkowitz, for his many years of great leadership and service to the Museum. Guests felt like a kid again from the moment they entered “Le Grande Carnaval” at Soho Studios. The night kicked off with a not to be missed cocktail reception with an extensive silent auction filled with unique pieces. Then the curtains dropped opened revealing the large splendidly decorated main room with aerial artists and other performing acts from The Circus Arts Conservatory in Sarasota. Partygoers were also treated to a tempting array of treats provided by Chef David Schwadron Catering and Event Design and then danced the night away to the sounds of the Valerie Tyson Band. The highlight event of the evening was an energetic live auction, raising nearly $200,000, featuring spectacular items including: a $10,000 Shopping Spree courtesy of Neiman Marcus Bal Harbour, Audi Q5 24 month lease courtesy of The Collection, Personalized Portrait by Romero Britto and once in a lifetime luxury vacations.

Premier Sponsors for the event were Fairholme Foundation, Dr. Brigitt Rok Potamkin & Mr. Alan Potamkin. Presenting Sponsors included Yolanda & Jeff Berkowitz, Bilzin Sumberg, Comras Company, Heidi & Jose Dans, Greenberg Traurig, Susan & Richard Lampen/Opko Health Inc., Medina Family Foundation and Terra. The event was co-chaired by Christy & David Martin and Daniela Swaebe & Michael Comras. The silent auction was curated by auction chair, Melissa Netkin and Wine Auction Chair, Steven Haas. Among the nearly 800 attendees were: Yolanda & Jeff Berkowitz, Susan & Richard Lampen, Romero Britto, Christy & David Martin, Daniela Swaebe & Michael Comras, Patricia & Phillip Frost, Jessica & Jack Collins, Lisette & Manny Medina, Matthew & Eva Gorson, Tom Wood, Ana & Neisen Kasdin, Vanessa & Lee Krelstein, Melissa & Robert Netkin, Jennifer & Javier Cervera, Bruce & Tracey Berkowitz, Jessica & Gary Reshefky, William Talbert, Jennifer Valoppi & Christian de Berdouare, Michael & Nicole Simkins, Marianne & John Devine, Jenny & Kevin Faith, Miami Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez.

GALLERY SLIDER