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‘Midnight in Manhattan’ Annual Gala Breaks
Coral Gables Community Foundation Records

New York City-Themed Gala Packed with Surprises, Delights for 400 Local Donors

Spotlight on Eight Honorees Feted for Bringing Beauty, Change to Coral Gables 

CORAL GABLES, FLA. (Oct. 30, 2024) –   “Midnight in Manhattan,” the New York City-inspired gala, set a new record for the Coral Gables Community Foundation. 

Held Friday, October 18th at the Loews Coral Gables Hotel, and co-chaired by Sissy Koehne, Sadia Raja Alfonso and Alysa Herman, donations and sponsorships for “Midnight in Manhattan” topped any previous gala revenues for the Coral Gables based philanthropic nonprofit led by President & CEO Mary Snow, that inspires impactful philanthropy through charitable Donor Advised Funds. 

Every guest was greeted as a VIP upon arrival – walking on a brilliant red carpet, with the blast of camera flashes from paparazzi, and an ‘Entertainment Tonight’-like interview zone. Patrons were greeted by glittering “Rockettes” dancers, which gave way to an elegant foyer with more than 400 close friends and neighbors enjoying jazz classics on a grand piano as they entered the ballroom set with red roses and moody candlelight.

While there were many surprise and delight moments throughout, including “Frank Sinatra” singing, the evening’s highlight was witnessing the pillars of the community being recognized on stage for their philanthropic achievements in the City Beautiful. 

The evening’s honorees included:

• Cesar L. Alvarez, Senior Chairman of Greenberg Traurig, was recognized with the Legacy Award.
• Erik Spoelstra, Head Coach for the Miami Heat, received the Sports & Wellness Award, presented by Baptist Health; 
• Peter & Kerrin Bermont, received the Philanthropy Award, presented by Adam & Chanin Carlin.
• Dean Colson accepted the Education Award, presented by Trish & Dan Bell.
• Virginia Miller was honored with the Gables Beautiful Award, presented by Ray Corral & Alina Meledina of Mosaicist. 
• Monty Trainer was awarded the Arts & Culture Award, presented by Rodney Barreto.
• Chirine Mneimneh was presented with the Community Award by the Anthony R. Abraham Foundation.
• Baptist Health received the Landmark Award, presented by MG Developer and Alirio Torrealba.

Following a lively auction in which bidders raced to snag experiences including a 15-day cruise on Silversea Cruises and a 35-guest Skybox from Amerant at a Miami Heat game, patrons dined on a three-course meal of New York Strip Steak, Plaza Salad, and petit fours from Bachour. The Danny Beck Band provided high-energy entertainment along with Broadway vocal performances by Lauren Horgan and Nate Promkul from Actors’ Playhouse and dancing by the glamorous “Rockettes.”

“For the last ten years, we’ve enjoyed a magic carpet ride to Tokyo, Athens, London, Madrid, Shanghai, Rio, and Venice and while all were enchanting, our New York City themed gala set a new threshold for fundraising and fun,” said Sissy Koehne, the creative mastermind behind the gala since 2015 and who teamed up with fellow board members Sadia Raja Alfonso and Alysa Herman to present an unprecedented evening of exhilarating performances and philanthropy. She continued, “The city of superlatives – the city that never sleeps – met the city beautiful for one unforgettable evening.” 

“From the electric atmosphere to the outpouring of generosity, ‘Midnight in Manhattan’ exceeded our wildest expectations. The energy in the room was unmatched, and we are beyond thrilled to have set a new fundraising record for the Coral Gables Community Foundation,” said Coral Gables Community Foundation President & CEO Mary Snow. “The support we received means more scholarships, more grants, and a brighter future for our community. It was truly a magical evening, and we couldn’t be prouder of what we achieved together.” 

This year’s events wouldn’t have reached Empire State proportions if it weren’t for the record-setting, generous sponsors of “Midnight in Manhattan.”

• Philanthropic Chairs: Trish & Dan Bell. 
• Lady Liberty Sponsors:  Claudia Holliman; Greenberg Traurig; Adam and Chanin Carlin; Rodney & Shelia Barreto.
• Broadway Sponsors: UHealth; Knight Foundation; HEICO; Anthony R. Abraham Foundation; Bermont Gold Wealth Advisory of Raymond James.
• Corporate Sponsors: Amerant Bank; Coral Gables Trust; Ray Corral & Mosaicist; MG Developer; Williamson Cadillac; Ashley Cusack Team; Baptist Health; Ryder; Fiola; Zucca; Evensky & Katz.
• Gala Patrons: David R. Parker & Marian E. Davis; The Dean Colson Family Fund; Ed & Carol Williamson; Mercedes-Benz of Coral Gables; Jayne & Leonard Abess; Alysa Herman & Scott Weston; Coastal Construction;  Pantry Liquors; Trivest; Belmont Village Senior Living Coral Gables; Bacardi; Cultivate PR.
• Media Partners: Coral Gables Magazine, WLRN, Miami Herald/El Nuevo Herald and Miami’s Community Newspapers.

In 2024 the Community Foundation awarded more than $1.4 million in scholarships to graduating high school students, and almost $230K in grants to local non-profit organizations. With the success of this gala, the Board is likely to increase grants and awards again in 2025.

For more information please contact the Community Foundation at 305.446.9670.

The next big events for Coral Gables Community Foundation, are the annual Wine Auction, “Vinos at The Plaza,” on Friday, November 15th, and “Tour of Kitchens,” taking place on Saturday, February 8, 2025. Tickets and sponsorships are at www.Gablesfoundation.org.

ABOUT CORAL GABLES COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

The Coral Gables Community Foundation, founded by community leaders in 1991, inspires impactful philanthropy through charitable funds and programs using local knowledge, expertise and trusted relationships.  The Foundation, through its discretionary, donor-advised and scholarships funds, provides grants to local nonprofits, scholarships to deserving students and has supported issues within the Foundation’s focus areas: Education, Arts & Culture, Historic Preservation & the Environment, and Social & Health Services. Learn more at www.GablesFoundation.org. 

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RELATED LINKS 

Gablesgala.org, informational page about the Gala. Watch this link for photo album links to be published shortly.

Coral Gables Community Foundation logo download: https://gablesfoundation.org/about/logo/ 

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