Glamorous Galas and Fundraisers in the Gables
The Coral Gables Community Foundation sets records with this season’s galas and fundraisers in the Gables:
Under the Cherry Blossom Sky
Kudos for Karaoke, Kimonos and Kyoto! Held Friday, Oct. 13 at the Loews Coral Gables Hotel, and co-chaired by Sissy DeMaria-Koehne and Sadia Raja Alfonso, donations and sponsorships for “Under the Cherry Blossom Sky” topped last year’s “Road to Rio” gala.
More than $500k was raised for the Coral Gables-based philanthropic nonprofit led by President & CEO Mary Snow. This year, the Community Foundation awarded more than $400k in scholarships to graduating high school students, and more than $286k in grants to local nonprofit organizations.
The arrival was fit for an emperor. Patrons were greeted by beautiful women dressed in brilliantly colored kimonos and geisha masks, while a dozen drummers gave a rousing welcome on thundering Japanese drums to the more than 400 guests as they entered the ballroom draped with cherry blossoms. The evening’s honorees included:
Tracy Wilson Mourning received the Community Award
Lisa and Victor Mendelson received the Education Award
Judy and Jon Zeder received the Sports & Wellness Award
Adrienne Arsht received the Arts & Culture Award
Conchi & Tony Argiz received the Philanthropy Award
Silvia Tcherassi received the Gables Beautiful Award
UM Lowe Art Museum received the Landmark Award
Left: Laurie Jennings, Brent Graff and friend. Top right: Couture Designer Silvia Tcherassi receives the Gables Beautiful Award presented by Ray Corral and Alina Meledina. Bottom right: Tracy Wilson Mourning was recognized with the Community Award presented by Norma Jean Abraham for the Anthony R. Abraham Foundation.
In Vinos Veritas
Hundreds of delighted wine lovers joined the Coral Gables Community Foundation on Thursday, November 9th, to snap up good values and rare wines at The Plaza Coral Gables, sponsored by Evensky & Katz/Foldes Wealth Management. The value of wine sold will directly benefit the Community Foundation’s grant making to local nonprofits and awards of college scholarships for 2024 and beyond.
Click here to watch a quick recap on Instagram.
Left: Coral Gables Mayor Vince C. Lago and wife Olga Mari Lago, Foundation President & CEO Mary Snow, Incoming Board Chair Michael Walsh of Evensky/Katz Foldes Wealth Management, and 2022-2023 Foundation Board Chair Venny Torre. Top right: Ray Corral of Mosaicist, Aymee Zubizarreta, Alina Meledina, and Foundation Board Member Peter Zubizarreta of UBS Financial Services. Bottom right: Gala Co-Chair Sissy DeMaria-Koehne and Ed Parnes with Board Member Liz Parnes.