Coral Gables will celebrate ‘Under the Cherry Blossom Sky’  for an evening of Japanese culture!

Friday, October 13th at the Loews Coral Gables Hotel

CORAL GABLES, FL (April 26, 2023) – 日付を保! Save the date for the city’s most anticipated gala when the Coral Gables Community Foundation presents “Under the Cherry Blossom Sky: A Gala at the Imperial Palace” on Friday, October 13 at the Loews Coral Gables Hotel benefitting the Foundation’s grant making and scholarship programs.

A time-honored tradition for “The City Beautiful,” the annual black-tie fundraiser benefits the Coral Gables Community Foundation’s Community Giving and Scholarship Programs while honoring several luminaries of the Coral Gables community. Patrons are known to dress up lively in theme, often donning costumes in lieu of tuxedos and gowns. Colorful silk kimonos are expected to be in demand this year.

Under the Cherry Blossom Sky draws its inspiration from the rich culture and ancient traditions of Japan and comes on the heels of last year’s record-breaking Road to Rio gala, a Carnivale-style soiree that celebrated all things Brazil and honored seven pillars of the Coral Gables community.

“An enchanting evening is planned for our patrons full of surprise and delight, with special performances from martial arts experts, to Japanese drummers, to dancers in traditional kimono and even karaoke all in support of a cause that is near and dear to Coral Gables citizens” said Sissy DeMaria-Koehne, Gala Co-Chairwoman, who has overseen the annual black-tie event for the last nine years and this year teams up with Coral Gables Community Foundation Board Member Dr. Sadia Raja Alfonso to co-chair the Foundation’s flagship event.”

“It’s a tremendous point of pride to unveil the 32^nd edition of our gala and the very first one at the spectacular new Loews Hotel ballroom,” said Mary Snow, President and CEO of the Coral Gables Community Foundation.

Patrons will enjoy an evening of unparalleled elegance as they embark on a journey to the Land of the Rising Sun, and they will savor delicacies deserving of an emperor or empress. Prepared by the award-winning chefs at the Loews Coral Gables Hotel, the evening’s dishes will draw inspiration from iconic delicacies like sushi, teriyaki, tempura, udon and shabu-shabu.

A lively silent auction featuring travel packages, local restaurant certificates, spa weekends, sports memorabilia and other items will be available for bidding.

Under the Cherry Blossom Sky begins at 7:00 p.m. at the Loews Coral Gables Hotel.  Attire is black-tie with a Japanese flair.  Kimonos are encouraged, but not required. For more information on how to attend or sponsor the event — or for additional details about the Coral Gables Community Foundation – please contact Katherine Caskey, 305.446.9670, katherine@gablesfoundation.org, or visit www.gablesgala.org.

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About The Coral Gables Community Foundation

A nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, the Coral Gables Community Foundation drives philanthropic solutions to improve the quality of life and promote a thriving, collaborative, and generous community. The Foundation inspires impactful philanthropy through charitable funds and programs using local knowledge, expertise and trusted relationships.

MEDIA CONTACT: Robertson Adams, Marketing & Program Manager, 305-446-9670 and robertson@gablesfoundation.org

SPONSORSHIPS CONTACT: Katherine Caskey, Director of Philanthropy, 305-446-9670 and Katherine@gablesfoundation.org