Amigos for Kids hosts their 2010 ING Miami Celebrity Domino Night at Jungle Island

On Saturday, June 19th, Amigos for Kids hosted their highly anticipated annual fundraiser: ING Miami Celebrity Domino Night! Jungle Island was overflowing with Miami's hottest celebrities, community leaders and domino players. Among the celebs, I ran into the lovely Mariana Rodriguez, Host of Telemundo's Acceso Total, looking fabulous in a pink cocktail dress (pictured on the right). As far as the celebration, guests were treated to a tropical paradise as soon as they entered the courtyard! The night featured Samba & Salsa dancers, a live Cuban band and dinner-bites from restaurants like Sushi Maki, Giardino Gourmet Salads and Versailles. Since Bacardi USA was one of the official sponsors of this event, there were plenty of open bars for guests to enjoy as well. All proceeds from the evening benefited Amigos for Kids, a non-profit organization that supports South Florida's abused, abandoned and neglected children and their families through education, abuse prevention and community involvement. To become an Amigo by donating your time or other resources to children in need, call 305.279.1155 or visit www.AmigosForKids.org.

Ximena Duque, Kothan Fernandez and Candela Ferro attended the event to support Amigos for Kids.

You cannot have a party in Miami without a little sazon!

Top Left: Guests enjoying the live Cuban Band in the courtyard area. Top Right: The beautiful Claudia Santiano and Melissa Hernandez.

Melissa Marty, Cynthia Olavarria and Martha Escobar strike a pose for Miami Beats & Sazon. Check out Melissa as she co-hosts Acceso Máximo, an entertainment show on Galavisión.

Top Left: Alina Mayo Azze, Univision television anchor, along with Jackie Nespral, anchor of South Florida Nightly News at 7:00 pm and South Florida Tonight at 11:00 pm on NBC 6. I would also like to add that Jackie Nespral is on my "Favorite University of Miami Alumni" list. GO CANES!!! Top Right: Alex and Marisela De La Vega.

An intense domino match in action...that's all I can say!

Top Left: Marko Figueroa and Patricia De Leon. Top Right: Ana María Canseco, host of Despierta America on Univision, accompanied by Alfredo J. Gonzalez.

The gorgeous Brigitte Chio and Casey Garcia along with yours truly!

Overall, the event was a huge success: great music, amazing food, a silent auction, beautiful people, domino tables and a wonderful cause! Remember to visit Amigos for Kids for the latest news on the organization's initiatives and programs. Become involved and see you at the next event!

Event of the Week: Viscaya Museum & Gardens hosts an "Evening Under the Stars"

The stars came out to shine last night...literally! On Thursday, May 13th, Miami's trendsetters and philanthropists attended an "Evening Under the Stars" to help maintain, protect and preserve the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. Upon entering this enchanting estate built by agricultural industrialist James Deering in 1916, guests were led into the indoor courtyard where they could browse through the silent auction. During the night, four rooms on the first floor of the main home were open for visitors. Since Vizcaya happens to be built right along a beautiful bay, it was the perfect night to feature some of Miami's premiere restaurants like El Scorpion, Sugarcane and Palme d"or at the Biltmore Hotel. The best part: enjoying wines from around the world and a variety of Bacardi spirits. It was definitely evident that Miami's sazon had taken over Mr. Deering's estate for the night!

The silent auction included a collection of Romero Britto's artwork.

Carlos Maxwell, Mariana Rodriguez and Carlos Catire were among the guests at Vizcaya. Mariana is the television host of "Acceso Total" on Telemundo (every Monday through Friday at 11:30 a.m.). To check out her entertainment show, visit http://bit.ly/dxvb1u.

Left: Indoor courtyard with live entertainment. Right: Wardrobe Stylist, Natalie Grass, from Stylish Miami along with yours truly! For more information on how you can get personal fashion advising, visit Stylish Miami on Facebook http://bit.ly/afWfIz.

Aslynn Rivera and Arelis Aleman enjoying their evening at Vizcaya.

Ana and Alfredo de Armas as they strolled through the gardens.

With the beautiful, Lana DeSimone. Lana works closely with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade and is the Chair for their annual gala. Of course, Lana gave me the inside scoop so save the date: this year's gala is set for November 6th at the Ritz Carlton in Coconut Grove. For event updates, log on to http://www.bgcmia.org/.

I hope you enjoyed this post! Vizcaya Museum & Gardens is located at 3251 South Miami Avenue and is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Take advantage of this local beauty and bring your friends for a personal tour of the estate and gardens. For more information or to see a list of events, check out http://www.vizcayamuseum.org/. Cheers to a great night and to protecting Mr. Deering's legacy!

A Night with Family Builders USA

On December 12th, Family Builders USA hosted their 2nd Annual Gala, "Una Noche en Familia" in Downtown, Miami. Cynthia Olavarria (pictured above) was among the guests, which included politicians, artists, and TV personalities. Family Builders USA is a non-profit organization that aids Miami-Dade County families in crisis free of cost, providing assistance through counseling conferences and therapies with the support of a group of psychologists, doctors, social workers, and volunteers. To learn more about this organization, please visit their website: www.familybuildersusa.org.

Alfredo Santamaría & Mariana Rodriguez

Mariela Encarnacion & Tanya Charry

Poncho de Andas & Alfredo Santamaría

Melissa Marty & Mary Gamarra