Cristian and Gianni LaCapra: Building a Legacy Through Community in Miami with Love
- Mateo
- May 27
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 18
Miami isn’t just where Cristian and Gianni LaCapra live — it’s where they lead, connect, and give back.
To call them active citizens would be an understatement. For the LaCapras, Miami transcends being merely a hometown or a cultural playground — it’s an ecosystem they continuously cultivate through dedicated service, philanthropy, and genuine community connections. Their story unfolds as a passionate tribute and love letter to the Magic City, not simply for its offerings, but for how it empowers them to create impact where it matters most.
Building Roots in the Magic City
Raised in different corners of the city — Cristian a Miami Country Day alum and Gianni a graduate of Our Lady of Lourdes Academy — their lives eventually converged through a shared belief that success means little if it doesn’t lift others along the way.
As parents of twins, Nico and Celine, and as active community leaders, the LaCapras have shaped their life around the values of family, service, and meaningful engagement. “We both feel a strong responsibility to invest back into the city that shaped us,” says Gianni. “We want our children — and all of Miami’s children — to inherit a more vibrant, equitable and inclusive community than the one we were fortunate to experience.”
Leading by Giving
Cristian and Gianni’s philanthropic work is deeply personal — particularly their involvement with the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD). After their son Nico was diagnosed with autism in 2018, the LaCapras leaned on CARD for support, education, and community. That experience transformed their relationship with advocacy.
“Dr. Michael Alessandri and the CARD team showed us the power of what it means to truly support families through every stage of the autism journey,” says Cristian. “It was only natural for us to get more involved and help ensure other families could benefit as we did.”
In May 2025, the couple co-chaired CARD’s signature fundraiser, Tropical Nights, helping the event shatter records by raising over $1 million. Their leadership, passion, dedication and persistence were central to that success — but their impact doesn’t end there.
They are also active supporters of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami, The Orange Bowl Committee, The Cushman School, Girls Inc. of Greater Miami, United Way of Miami-Dade, and Jackson Health Foundation’s Golden Angels Society. As Gianni puts it, “We don’t spread ourselves thin. We commit ourselves to causes that resonate most deeply with us.”
Investing in Miami’s Future
For Cristian, the foundation of a thriving city lies in education, equity, and leadership.
“If we want Miami to continue thriving, we must sustain our investment in education across the board — public schools, charter programs, and university partnerships, not just private institutions,” he says. “It’s about creating access and making sure we’re equipping the next generation with the tools they need to succeed in tomorrow’s fast-paced world.”
The LaCapras also point to the importance of mentorship, healthcare access, and community-driven leadership. Cristian credits recent arrivals like founder and CEO of Citadel, Ken Griffin — whose investments in education and civic institutions are already shaping the region — as examples of how philanthropy can have a generational impact.
“People come here for the weather and lifestyle, but the real return comes when you invest in the city itself,” Cristian adds. “That’s when you see the real Miami.”
Connecting With Purpose
While the LaCapras are no strangers to Miami’s social scene, their approach is anything but performative. From Padel matches at Reserve Padel to meals at Mother Wolf or Pastis — or the charitable gala of the week — they view these experiences as opportunities to build community and inspire action..
“We use these moments to connect — not just socially, but meaningfully,” says Gianni. “Sometimes the most impactful conversations happen over a casual meal or a quick hello between games.”
That philosophy — connection with purpose — is what makes their presence in the city so resonant.
A Place of Belonging
In a city often painted with brushstrokes of flash and extravagance, the LaCapras represent a quieter, deeper narrative. One of substance, service, and commitment.
“There’s this misconception that Miami is all surface,” Cristian says. “But when you get involved — when you serve on boards, work with local schools, or show up for events like Tropical Nights — you see the real Miami. It’s layered, passionate, and full of people who care and want to make a difference.”
Their story is proof that community here runs deep — if you’re willing to dig in.
Miami Is What We Make It
Cristian and Gianni LaCapra are building a legacy not measured by accolades or visibility, but by lives touched, voices elevated, and futures shaped. They believe that true success means giving others the chance to thrive alongside you.
“Miami has an energy that amplifies what you put into it, and we’re channeling that energy toward creating something lasting for our children’s generation,” says Gianni.
Their journey reveals that Miami’s true wealth extends beyond its vibrant culture to the connections forged within its communities. In this city of sunshine and momentum, the LaCapras’ legacy shines with heart, hope, and the quiet assurance of lasting impact.