As lights glimmered and champagne flowed, the evening was a recording-breaking night, raising well in excess of $5 million, according to Norm Wedderburn, President and CEO of Make-A-Wish Southern Florida.
The highlight of the evening came in the form of a surprise performance by Grammy Award-winning singer Gwen Stefani, whose appearance was so tightly under wraps that not even the media was allowed inside. The lucky guests, however, were treated to an exclusive performance.
In addition to Stefani, disco legend Martha Wash performed anthems "Everybody Dance Now" and "It's Raining Men."
At one point during the evening, Make-A-Wish Southern Florida Chairman of the Board Eugene Frenkel invited attendees to join the exclusive "Million Dollar Circle." Four prominent Miami families, including the Frenkel family, answered the call, each pledging $1 million.
Cast members from The Real Housewives of Miami (RHOM) were spotted in the crowd. Guerdy Abraira, a breast cancer survivor and advocate, expressed admiration for Make-A-Wish's impact.
"Make-A-Wish is truly the mecca, gala, foundation that truly put the movement forward," she told New Times. "Not only granting wishes to the kids and people who are not able to fulfill them on their own, but it's bringing it full circle to pay it forward."
Julia Lemigova reflected on her family's recent growth and how it intensified her empathy for the cause.
"As a mother of four children — we recently grew our family. We adopted two little brothers who came from a very difficult situation," she shared. "I dedicate my life to animals and children because they're the most innocent ones."
Guerdy Abraira, Julia Lemigova, and Lisa Hochstein of Real Housewives of Miami
Photo by World Red Eye
Also on the red carpet were Gala Chair Shareef M. Malnik and his wife and Gala Co-Chair, actor Gabrielle Anwar, who reflected on their long-standing dedication to the Make-A-Wish mission.
Anwar emphasized the importance of the funds raised, telling New Times on the red carpet, "We are able to raise so much money for so many wishes. Every penny raised tonight goes directly to wishes."
As his wife gazed up at him, Malnik added, "In the last two years, we granted 1,200 wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses — children in our community. They're our kids, and they're your kids, and we have to take care of them."
Make-A-Wish Gala Chair Shareef M. Malnik and his wife and co-chair, actor Gabrielle Anwar, pose on the red carpet.
Photo by World Red Eye
"We have over 600 children right now in our pipeline waiting for their wishes," Wedderburn added. "So when we raise money, we can grant those wishes, whether it's to go meet their favorite athlete or to go to Disney World or to have a saxophone or to be a police officer. Whatever they want, that wish will then give them hope, strength, and joy and really change the trajectory that they are on."
Sampert, speaking on behalf of InterContinental Miami's commitment to hosting the event since its beginning 29 years ago, shared how much it means to him to see the tradition continue at InterContinental.
"This event was started 29 years ago at our hotel to give back, and that's everything it means to me — a chance to get involved with the community and also to do something good," he shared. "We know this changes lives."
The gala's theme, "Il Circo: La Madre Della Luce," brought the Italian circus to life, immersing guests in a surreal atmosphere where fantasy merged with reality in a mesmerizing display of lights and animation. The theme served as a whimsical contrast to the seriousness of the evening's mission.
