Power of the Purse in Miami

For decades, it’s remained one of Miami’s most anticipated springtime events -- the annual “Power of the Purse” luncheon and auction. Attended by nearly a thousand of the region’s best and brightest, “Power of the Purse” is a social and networking event that raises money for The Women’s Fund of Miami-Dade. This year it all happens on April 7 at 11 a.m.., at BankUnited Center at the University of Miami in Coral Gables. Last year’s event raised more than $450,000 for The Women’s Fund.

Not only do we look forward to this annual event as the place to see and be seen, but also as a chance to be truly inspired by the personal stories traditionally shared at the luncheon. Attendees will also witness moving tributes to the civic leaders and influential philanthropists who are fiercely determined to better the lives of area women and children.

Adding extra glamor to the event is returning Honorary Event Chair Elle Macpherson, a respected businesswoman and, of course, one of the world’s most famous supermodels. She joins Event Chairwoman Mary Young, Director of Ziff Graduate Career Services Center at University of Miami School of Business Administration, and Sissy DeMaria, President of Kreps DeMaria Public Relations & Marketing.

The luncheon and auction has a serious slogan -- “Powering our Community to Change the World” -- but the event itself is anything but staid. Lucky ticket-holders will dine in style at the BankUnited Center, and also have a chance to bid on a range of hotly-contested items.

The auction is slated to be one of the most fought-over (stylishly, of course) in years. Putting the “purse” in “The Power of the Purse” will be a Fendi “3Jours” blue leather tote bag, valued at $5,000, with an expected starting bid of $2,500. More than a dozen other high-fashion clutches and bags will also be available.

Other hot-ticket items are a Parmigiani fine quartz timepiece; a luxury stay at your choice of Sandals resorts in the Bahamas, Antigua, St. Lucia or Jamaica; spa treatments, fine artwork; two deluxe golf foursome packages at International Links/Melreese Country Club; Miami Dolphins tickets; private lessons at the Fred Astaire Dance Studio; restaurant passes; and several exclusive wine-tasting packages.

All money raised will go toward supporting The Women’s Fund of Miami-Dade. Since 1993, this stellar organization -- the only one of its kind in the greater Miami area -- has donated more than $3 million to hundreds of organizations that work to better the lives of women and girls. Among the issues The Women’s Fund tackles are domestic abuse, poverty, reproductive freedom and access to health care.

Tickets are still available. Visit  http://www.womensfundmiami.org for more information.

3rd Annual StyleLuxe in Miami

Spring is a time for beauty, and Miami’s StyleLuxe is delivering a global edition to its stylistic rundown. Created in February 2013, StyleLuxe has repeatedly enlightened crowds, sparked interest and displayed the world’s hottest topics with fashion, beauty and health inclusions. In April, StyleLuxe will return to Miami’s sunny atmosphere, promising a solid environment for business operators.

The Crafty Collaboration

StyleLuxe, originally crafted to provide women with the world’s latest, hottest designs, has come a long way. Now, it’s a massive collaboration of health, wellness and beauty industry professionals. Small, medium and large-sized business owners are involved—aand they're invoking StyleLuxe’s sunny disposition to promote products. Deep connections are fostered, and business attendee growth is the tip of the iceberg.

StyleLuxe might be for the eventgoer, but it’s also a jam-packed collection of professional resources. StyleLuxe will host vendor pop-up shops, expert panelists, performances and fashion show makeovers. It’s an extravaganza tailored to everything beauty, promising fun, insight and top-notch shopping opportunities.

The Business Owners

Attending business owners, meanwhile, spark interest with branding, health and beauty innovations. StyleLuxe ensures an organic approach to brand promotion, harnessing a healthy environment capable of provoking excitement. Eventgoers are urged to “come prepared,” as the all-day event is action-packed with panel talks, showcases and learning booths.

Attending small business owners showcase their products and services, engaging both consumers and other operators. Exciting and informative, StyleLuxe hits a homerun in the connectivity department. StyleLuxe business owners benefit from media coverage, a great location and ongoing, annual support.

An Altruistic Backbone

StyleLuxe maintains an air of goodwill, too. Its goals emphasize community empowerment, aligning small businesses with the area’s charity associations. StyleLuxe, primarily, upholds the empowerment of women. This year, the event will work alongside its beneficiary Lotus House Women’s Shelter. StyleLuxe will also accommodate for non-profit organizations, ensuring total cohesion within a truly altruistic platform.

Each attending non-profit organization will work with StyleLuxe to treat women and teenage girls to an afternoon of pampering. Style makeovers, a fashion show and big product reveals, too, will be entered into the cause. StyleLuxe is open to all, and it ensures a positive environment for communal growth. Vendors are always welcome, as are media partners.

The StyleLuxe Promise

If you haven’t yet, look into StyleLuxe. The event is much, much more than a prize giveaway and business gathering. It’s a celebration of beauty, multicultural lifestyle and the fashion industry. On every level, StyleLuxe encompasses the cultural innovations currently at work in the beauty industry. Vendor pop-up shops aside, the sheer presence of StyleLuxe is reason enough to attend. Miami skies, cultural learning and in-depth industry information persisting, such a strong-willed event will likely become a powerhouse in years to come.

StyleLuxe is the “big sister” to many small businesses, creating unforgettable experiences. StyleLuxe promises to conjoin product outreach and bran image at the hip. By providing an overarching environment of peace, assistance and intelligence, StyleLuxe gives brands the chance to get out in the open, promote themselves and associate with an awesome message.

South Florida Taste of the Nation at Soho Studios

Every single day a child goes hungry in America. Thankfully, there are people and organizations willing to help by gathering the collective resources needed to curb childhood hunger. One such organization is Share Our Strength, more famously recognized as the No Kid Hungry campaign. Here in Miami, Soho Studios will be the 2016 site of the next No Kid Hungry fundraising event.

Helping to Fight Childhood Hunger

South Florida’s Taste of the Nation, hosted on behalf of the nonprofit organization Share Our Strength, brings attention to the importance of ending childhood hunger in America. This culinary extravaganza is the nation’s finest night for all things food. Taking place on June 17, 2016, tickets are expected to sell out quickly. Make your plans now to attend this culinary showcase while supporting a great cause. VIP tickets are $250 and offer early admission at 6 pm. General admission is $125 for entrance at 7 pm. The event ends at 10 pm.

No Kid Hungry Dinner in Little Rock

Last year, the Little Rock No Kid Hungry Dinner raised $70,000 to support the fight against childhood hunger in Arkansas. At this fundraiser, chefs from Arkansas dominated the stage alongside Chef Cassidee Dabnet from The Barn at Blackberry Farm, one of the best places to dine in Tennessee. The goal of the 2016 Taste of the Nation is to exceed the financial reaches of Little Rock’s success.

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What to Expect in 2016

Taste of the Nation is bringing out the culinary champions. Legends in the kitchen, Chef Allen Susser and Chef Timon Balloo are teaming up for the evening. Following the theme of Taste of the Nation, the event will showcase the fine dining experiences of more than 50 restaurants and food vendors from Fort Lauderdale and Miami. As Chef Susser has lead Taste of the Nation here in Miami for almost three decades, his talents and experience will shine, as he helps host one of the city’s favorite culinary events.

The evening involves more than just excellent wine and gourmet cuisine. Prepare to participate in a variety of auctions including a wine, silent and live auction, with all proceeds going to support the campaign. One hundred percent of ticket sales are going directly to the Share Our Strength organization. The Taste of the Nation is a long formed tradition here in South Florida, following its inception in 1988. Become a part of the local community while enjoying a fabulous night out in Miami.