The first BrazilFoundation Gala Miami took place on March 27th at the W South Beach Hotel & Residences and was a huge success. With tickets sold-out one month previous to the event, it also raised more money than expected, to the reward of the whole Host Committee responsible for organizing the event along with the Foundation.
Chair of the event Helio Castroneves welcomed our 300 guests along with the Co-Chairs Daniela Fonseca and Maria Carolina Tavares de Melo, and the Honorary Chair Ambassador Helio Vitor Ramos Filho.
The Public Relations and Fashion Consultant Lorenzo Martone and the Brazilian supermodel Isabeli Fontana, welcomed the guests at the ballroom. As a tradition, BrazilFoundation honored Norberto Odebrecht for his work ahead of the Odebrecht Foundation. The CEO of Odebrecht in the United States Gilberto Neves received the award on his behalf. The artist Romero Britto received a special Brazilian Community Award for his talent and work in public service.
Following dinner, some items were auctioned off or awarded to various Gala attendees. Among the items were a helmet belonging to Helio Castroneves, which was painted by Romero Britto exclusively for this event; VIP credentials for an Indy Racing tournament and a road test accompanied by a professional driver; a signed Helio Castroneves’s very own victory pilot jumpsuit; and a weekend on a W Hotel and Residences’ penthouse. The event raised US$250.000,00 through ticket and table sales, donations, and the auction.
Just like the last Gala in New York, Brazilian singer Preta Gil ended the evening with her contagious spirit playing Brazilian classics. She also song “Garota de Ipanema” with the 12 y.o American girl and daughter of Brazilians Gabriela Figueiredo, thrilling all the guests.
DJs and sons of Caca de Souza, PR for the designer Valentino, Sean and Anthony Souza, who are confirmed for the After Parties on Madonna’s 2012 world tour, heated up the dancing after Preta Gil’s performance.
The BrazilFoundation’s CEO Patricia Lobaccaro was very happy with the results of this unforgettable night and mentioned that this is a new stage to the Foundation. She celebrates the fact that these resources will benefit even more organizations that are working to generate opportunities and promote sustainable development in Brazil.
The first BrazilFoundation Gala Miami happened thanks to the support of an engaged committee of volunteers willing to help, and all the benefactors, patrons and sponsors. The I BrazilFoundation Gala MIAMI counts on the support of the Gala Presenting Sponsor W South Beach Hotel & Residences, the sponsors Artefacto; Cresca Brasil; Credit Agricole Private Banking; the partners TAM, Brazilian American Chamber of Commerce of Florida, Cachaça Leblon, and media partners Globo, Vogue and AcheiUSA Brazilian Newspaper.
Photo Gallery (Photographers: Joe Schildhorn e Neil Rasmus/BFAnyc.com)
