Miami, FL – March 23, 2019 – Over 1,500 people from all over world gathered in the Miami Design District’s Jungle Plaza to enjoy Grammy award-winning artist Nelly as he headlined the Little Lighthouse Foundation’s (“LLF”) 10th Hearts & Stars Gala: Vintage Vegas. WPLG-Local 10 News Anchor Louis Aguirre hosted the Gala helping LFF raise hundreds of thousands of dollars, including over $200,000 alone via the Keener Foundation for Giving Matching Grant started by LLF Advisory Board Member, Justin Keener, who matched an unprecedented $100,000 in funds raised at and leading up to the Gala! LLF also held a live auction on-stage for a 3 day/3 night stay on board the luxury 130’ / 40m superyacht “Bunker” from the Hearts & Stars Gala Weekend Official Yachting Partner, World Yacht Group, which raised over $50,000!
Guests, including Nelly, Shantel Jackson, Julio Iglesias, Jr., Drew Rosenhaus, “Rock Star” Russell Weiner, Bill Dean, former Miami Heat player Roger Mason, Jr., former NFL Pro Bowlers, Bryant McKinnie and Jon Beason, Lisa Hochstein and Janice Combs (amongst others), enjoyed sounds from Deep House DJs Kaz James, Pietro and Noel and a performance by award-winning Frank Sinatra tribute artist Brian Duprey. Guests also enjoyed casino-style gambling as well as a “Little White Chapel” with Elvis officiating. The drinks were plentiful with a top shelf open bar featuring Ketel One, Don Julio, Barcelo Rum, Bulldog Gin, Hennessey, Italian wines and sparkling wines from Tita Italia, Michelob Ultra, Stella Artois and food tastings from some of South Florida’s top restaurants and caterers including Red the Steakhouse, Diez y Seiz at Shore Club, Katsuya at SLS, Amour de Miami, Barsecco, Fresh Meal Plan, Delicious Catering, Tamara Bistro at The National Hotel, Fi’lia, Cake Lounge Miami, Lulu’s Ice Cream, BON Chocolatier and LaVela Coffee. In addition, guests enjoyed LaCroix sparkling water, FIJI water, Fusion Energy Drink and cocktails mixed with Tassoni sodas.
David, Elie and Daniel Deshe received LLF’s Shining Light Award, and Jessica Weise and Nicolas Zamora were recognized as LLF’s Volunteers of the Year. One lucky winner took home a raffle package including a five-day stay in a Hamptons House, a ½ day yacht charter on the Unicorn, and prizes from E11EVEN Miami, Miami Dolphins, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Miami Heat, Ermenegildo Zegna, Mikimoto, Ema Savahl, STICHED, Rewind Anti-Aging, Macy’s, Odalys Marino, Michelle Chitlada, Karine Parrras, Eddy Bogeart, Miriam Stranberg, Higher Brain Living Sessions, Red Market Salon, Eclectic Elements, Farfalle, Nikki Beach, Marion, Kiki on the River, Carmen Steffens, Riccardo Malisano Hair & Spa, Notorious Swimwear, Griselda Lechini and more! E11EVEN Miami, the presenting sponsor of the Gala, hosted the official after party. A special thank you to the Official Partners of Hearts & Stars Gala Weekend: Kimpton Angler’s Hotel, World Yacht Group, Carma Connected, WGY Lifestyle and Miami Magazine.