Celebrating 80 Years of Great Futures: Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade to Host the Wild About Kids Gala Oct. 10

For 80 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade has been a place where childhood memories are made, dreams take flight and generations of young people discover just how bright their futures can be.

On Saturday, Oct. 10, the South Florida community is invited to celebrate The Wild About Kids Gala: Celebrating 80 Years, held at the Loews Coral Gables Hotel. The signature event will honor the people, programs and milestone moments that have shaped the organization’s remarkable legacy of empowering youth, strengthening families and building great futures.

For eight decades, Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade has been part of growing up in Miami-Dade, helping children and teens explore and develop new interests while building lasting friendships. The Wild About Kids Gala will celebrate that legacy and the generations of young people whose lives have been shaped by the Club, while helping ensure even more children have the opportunities and support they need to build great futures.

Proceeds from the evening will directly support programs across the nonprofit organization’s six Clubs, including after-school care, tutoring and homework assistance, STEM, educational enrichment, college and career readiness, financial literacy, character and leadership development, health and wellness, arts, sports and recreation and summer and winter camps. Together, these opportunities give children and teens a welcoming place to learn, explore their interests, develop new skills and prepare for the future.

The black-tie celebration will begin with a cocktail reception at 6:30 p.m., followed by a three-course dinner in the Alhambra Ballroom. Guests will enjoy an exciting silent auction, captivating live entertainment by acclaimed Latin soul artist Lucy Grau, dancing and meaningful moments featuring the remarkable youth of Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade. 

The event is chaired for the third and final year by longtime supporter and Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade Executive Board Member Michelle Zubizarreta, with fellow Board Member Olga Guilarte serving as Special Event Chair. The Host Committee includes Emely Gazitua, Alina Guasch-Bezold, Carolina Isusquiza, Isabel Jettinghoff, Board Chair Rodolfo “Rudy” Lleonart, Lisa Mendelson, Liana De Mena, Yuni Navarro, Kristina Perez Cubas, Karen Rodriguez, Allison and Andy Stuart and Meredith Virnig.

“What an honor it is to celebrate our 80th anniversary year,” said Alex Rodriguez-Roig, president of Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade. “For eight decades, Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade has provided havens, caring mentors and life-changing opportunities for thousands of children who need them most. The evening wouldn’t be possible without the support of our Gala Chair Michelle Zubizarreta, gala committee members, our board members and donors who are committed to creating great futures for our area youth. Their support does more than fund programs; it shapes futures, strengthens communities and builds a lasting legacy.”

“It has been my honor and privilege to serve as Chair of the Wild About Kids Gala for the past three years and I am especially grateful to conclude this journey as we celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade,” said Michelle Zubizarreta. “For eight decades, the Club has opened doors, inspired dreams, and changed lives. As we honor this extraordinary milestone, we also look ahead with the same unwavering commitment that has guided us from the beginning: ensuring every child and teen has the opportunity to reach their full potential. The greatest chapters of this remarkable story are still to be written.”

Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade thanks its generous sponsors, including Anthony R. Abraham Foundation; Ansin Foundation; Baptist Health; Bermont Gold Wealth Advisory of Raymond James; Bilzin Sumberg; CCU; DRRT; First American Bank; Gencom; INB; Ana and Raul Marmol; Murgado Automotive Group; Ocean Bank; Abigail Pollak; Carmen Rebozo Foundation; Allison and Andy Stuart; USI Insurance; Walker Management Group; WSVN 7; and Michelle Zubizarreta and Jorge Xiques.

Current underwriters include Amazon; Ada and Jose Armas; The Bernhardt Family; TASKO; Planning & Economics Group; Meredith and Kenneth “Chip” Virnig; Mark and Greta Walker; and WSVN 7.

Sponsorship opportunities are available for $1,500 and up. To purchase or learn more, visit https://bit.ly/4uDzzCw or contact Rhia Hunter at (305) 446-9910 ext. 108 or rhunter@bgcmia.org.