Wednesday, May 15th, was an evening to remember as nearly 300 Miami Lighthouse supporters enjoyed our spectacular Music Under The Stars: Bon Appétit Miami. The event, benefiting our Florida Heiken Children's Vision Program, featured our talented Miami Lighthouse Musicians who delighted attendees with a variety of performances including a beautiful rendition of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" by Miami Lighthouse student Silvio. We thank Olga Villaverde, TV host of The Balancing Act and The Health Channel, for being an excellent Mistress of Ceremonies and Miami Dade-County Public School Board Member Susie Castillo who acknowledged the importance of the comprehensive eye exams and prescription glasses our Heiken Program provides for underserved children in an effort to improve academic success and prevent blindness.
Silvio performs "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" at Music Under the Stars.
CEO Virginia Jacko, Emcee Olga Villaverde and Miami Lighthouse Board Chair George Foyo.
This year's honorees were Florida State Senator Anitere Flores in recognition of her efforts in Tallahassee on behalf of our Heiken Program and optometrist Dr. Scott Gartner for his expertise in giving children the gift of clear vision through our Heiken Program and seniors the gift of independence through low vision exams offered by our Low Vision Solution Center.
Aide to Senator Anitere Flores, Nicholas Alvarez, accepts painting made by Miami Lighthouse's Social Group Activities Program participants from CEO Virginia Jacko and Board Chair George Foyo.
Optometrist Dr. Scott Gartner accepts painting made by Miami Lighthouse's Social Group Activities Program participants from CEO Virginia Jacko and Board Chair George Foyo.
A luscious array of delicious culinary treats were provided by Caffe Abbracci, Cantina La Veinte, Perricone's, Black Market Miami, The Big Cheese, Mario the Baker, Season's 52, Roaster's and Toaster's, El Carajo, Zyr Vodka, Whitley Neill Gin and more. We express our appreciation to our sponsors for supporting our Heiken Program which included Eye South Partners, ABB Optical Group, Publix Super Markets Charities, Baptist Health South Florida, Florida International Bankers Association, Grove Bank & Trust, U.S. Ophthalmic, Essilor, Park Grove, H. Angela Whitman Foundation, Genesis Systems Consulting, GrayRobinson, Monster Sound Productions, SFM Services, Inc., Biz Solutions, Susan Conroy Design, and Miami Kids Magazine. The Art of Shaving generously provided a special gift for everyone at the end of a truly wonderful evening.
Miami Lighthouse instructors and blind and visually impaired musicians provided live music for The Great Train Robbery at "Music Under the Stars" benefiting their Florida Heiken Children's Vision Program, a division of Miami Lighthouse. The score was written by Miami Lighthouse instructor Oman Pedreira. Last school year, the Heiken Program provided over 11,000 dilated eye exams and 8,000 prescription glasses at no cost to financially disadvantaged schoolchildren statewide. The celebration included a ribbon cutting dedication of the Trish and Dan Bell East Terrace of the recently completed Miami Lighthouse Learning Center for Children™.
Event Sponsors (left to right): Michael Jimenez, Genesis Systems Consulting; Ralph Niebles, The Art of Shaving; Steven Solomon, GrayRobinson P.A.; Carina and Gustavo Lancewicki, US Ophthalmic; Karla Richey, Miami Kids Magazine; Commissioner Sally Heyman, Miami-Dade County; Michele Pederson, The Art of Shaving; H. Angela Whitman, Pamela J. Garrison and Eileen Camejo, EC Connects.
Miami Lighthouse Board Chair Louis Nostro, President
and CEO Virginia Jacko with
Trish and Dan Bell after ribbon cutting
dedication of Trish and Dan Bell East Terrace.
Nancy Harrison, Board Director Peter Harrison, President and CEO Virginia Jacko and Robert Jacko
Miami Lighthouse Chair-Elect George Foyo and Luisa Foyo with Lourdes and Tim Collett
Representative David Richardson, Florida State Health Care Appropriations Democratic Ranking Member, presents check on behalf of Miami-Dade Delegation to President and CEO Virginia Jacko
Miami-Dade Commissioner Sally Heyman presents proclamation to honoree Lee R. Stern
Mercy Quintana, Board Director Jan Morrison and Honorary Board Director Shelley Daniel Rutherford
Miami Lighthouse for the Blind awardwinning musicians perform to the iconic silent movie, The Great Train Robbery
May 24th was the date of our 2017 Music Under the Stars event benefiting our Florida Heiken Children's Vision Program. The occasion marked the 25th anniversary of the program and the 10th anniversary of its merger with Miami Lighthouse. Held at the new Brickell City Centre Mall, nearly 200 attendees were welcomed by Mistress of Ceremonies Emmy-winning Journalist Maity Interiano. Guests enjoyed musical performances by Miami Lighthouse musicians and vocalists. This year, in addition to our traditional silent auction featuring exciting get-away packages, restaurant gift certificates, and much more, attendees had the opportunity to participate in a raffle made possible by Board Director Angela Whitman and Saks Fifth Avenue.
Proclamations from the Miami-Dade County Legislative Delegation and Miami-Dade County Public Schools recognized our Heiken Program's 25 years of eye care for needy schoolchildren.
Representatives Jose Felix Diaz and David Richardson present President & CEO Virginia Jacko with proclamation.
On behalf of Major League Baseball and the Miami Marlins, Claude Delorme Executive Vice President, Operations and Events for the Miami Marlins, announced that our Florida Heiken Children's Vision Program has been chosen as an All-Star Game Legacy Project of Major League Baseball. Legacy funding will go toward a new mobile optometric unit that will be unveiled during the Miami All-Star Game in July.
Claude Delorme and Miami Lighthouse Board Chair Louis Nostro make new artwork design of mobile optometric unit public.
Wednesday, May 24, 2017 was designated Dr. Sidney Stern Day in a proclamation by Carlos A. Gimenez, Mayor of Miami-Dade County, Chairman Esteban Bovo, Jr. and the Members of the Board of County Commissioners. Dr. Stern was honored for his long-term commitment to providing eye care and glasses to underserved children in Miami-Dade County. Dr. Stern was instrumental in the creation of the Heiken program in 1992 during his term as President of the Miami Dade Optometric Physicians Association. Since the merger with Miami Lighthouse, Dr. Stern has provided nearly 56,000 pairs of prescription for needy schoolchildren.
Representing Commissioner Sally Heyman, Mary Juncadella-Ferreiro and Bonnie Michaels present Dr. Sidney Stern proclamation.
We express our thanks to Brickell City Centre for allowing us to hold our event in their new exciting venue and to our sponsors: ABB Optical Group, Publix Super Markets Charities, Marlins Foundation, Essilor Laboratories of America, H. Angela Whitman Foundation, Donna Abood Principal Managing Director Avison Young, GrayRobinson, Genesis Systems Consulting and BB&T Bank. In-kind sponsors were Susan Conroy Design, Monster Sound Productions, Saks Fifth Avenue, Starbucks Coffee, Zyr Vodka and East Hotel.
Music Under the Stars Sponsors: Susan Conroy, Sarah Garcia with Marlins Foundation, Michael Jimenez with Genesis Systems Consulting, Miami Lighthouse Board Director Donna Abood with Avison Young, Miami Lighthouse Board Director Angela Whitman and Marcos Freire with Brickell City Centre.
The rains came, and the stars were nowhere to be seen, but the music was marvelous and the evening a major success with over 100 guests getting their first glimpse of the fascinating Koubek Center. The historic building created a very special aura for this year's annual affair with its wonderful music by Charles "Mr. Casual" DeChant of Hall and Oates and the super talented Better Chance Music Program musicians. Emceed by radio icon Jade Alexander of 102.7 The Beach, the evening honored the Miami-Dade Legislative Delegation as well as the optometric community's continuing leadership of our Heiken Program with special recognition of our two Board Directors Dr. Alan P. Levitt and Dr. Stephen A. Morris.
Miami Lighthouse Band performs with Charles "Mr. Casual" DeChant of Hall and Oates.
The event raised over $55,000 which will enable our Heiken Children's Vision Program to provide over 550 free comprehensive eye examinations and glasses when prescribed for low income-school children who have no resources for eye care.
Jose Diaz of Robert M. Levy and Associates accepts tribute painting in memory of Bob Levy. Left to Right: Emcee Jade Alexander, U.S. Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, CEO Virginia Jacko, Florida State Senator Anitere Flores, Jose Diaz and Miami-Dade County Commissioner Sally Heyman
We express our gratitude to the event sponsors including ABB Optical Group, Ophelia & Juan Roca, Publix Super Markets Charities, Baptist Health South Florida, JM Private Insurance, Signet Armorlite, Genesis Consulting, Gray Robinson, Aetna, and Essilor Laboratories of America among others.
May 6th was truly a night to remember with guests ending the evening by giving a standing ovation to our Miami Lighthouse Big Band Jazz, special guest internationally acclaimed jazz vocalist Nicole Henry and Miami Lighthouse former client and now professional singer, Natalia Sulca. The exciting evening of great food, delicious wines, super music and live and silent auctions was all to benefit our very important Heiken Children’s Vision Program that provides free comprehensive eye exams and glasses to low-income schoolchildren.
This year’s event was emceed by G. Eric Knowles, President and CEO of the Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce, and sponsored by the ABB Optical Group, Publix Super Markets Charities, Baptist Health South Florida, Brown & Brown Insurance, Marlins Foundation, Miami-Dade Commissioner Sally Heyman, Genesis Consulting, Gray Robinson, Aetna, Essilor Laboratories, Perry Ellis International, Monster Sound Productions, Brickell Magazine, Bob’s Barricades and Brazilian Grill Party Rentals. Delicious food was provided by A. Thierry’s Catering, City Hall The Restaurant, Whisk, Perricone’s Marketplace, Shorty’s BBQ, Dr. Barry Burak and Gail Beckham. Wine and beverages were provided by El Carajo, Samuel Adams, The McCallan and Starbucks.
Eric Knowles, Dr. David K. Moore, Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho, Virginia Jacko and Chair Ray Casas.
Eric Knowles, Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho, Senator Gwen Margolis, Virginia Jacko and Chair Ray Casas.
More than 200 guests gathered for “Music Under The Stars: Bon Appétit Miami” on Wednesday, April 30th. School officials and community leaders joined the Miami eye care community to celebrate over 20 years of free eye examinations for more than 80,000 children in need who failed their school vision screening but had no resources for eye care.
Guests dined on delicacies from OTC Restaurant, Whisk, City Hall The Restaurant, Perricone’s Marketplace, Chocolate Fashion, Shorty’s Bar-B-Q, El Carajo International Tapas & Wine and more, while enjoying drinks from Tito’s Handmade Vodka and Rex Goliath Wine. The night also featured a wonderful silent auction, which included fabulous getaway trips, certificates for fine dining, jewelry and exclusive art.
Special recognition was given to the Marlins Foundation and Marlins Ayudan, three generations of Harrison Family board leadership including participation in the founding of Bascom Palmer Eye Institute by Miami Lighthouse, and Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry. The event was emceed by Nicole Maristany Krauss, Media and Communications Manager at Publix Super Markets, Inc. Guests also enjoyed a special appearance by Latin Grammy award winner Paul Hoyle, backed up by musicians from the Miami Lighthouse Better Chance Music Production Program™.
Dr. Eduardo Alfonso, Board Director Peter
Harrison (Honoree),
CEO Virginia Jacko, Board Chairman Agustin Arellano, Jr.,
Board
Director Louis Nostro
Board Director Ray Casas, David Samson (Honoree), CEO Virginia Jacko
Board Director Dr. Stephen A. Morris, Dr. David S. Loshin (Honoree), Board Director Deborah Montilla
Joan Spector, Paul Hoyle, Susan Conroy, Sheila Goodman
The event was presented by 20/20 Vision Sponsor ABB Optical Group, Perfect Sight Sponsors Publix Super Markets Charities, Baptist Health South Florida and Brown & Brown Insurance, Clear Vision Sponsors BB&T and Commissioner Sally Heyman, and Healthy Eyes Sponsors GrayRobinson, Williamson Automotive, Essilor Laboratories of America, Transitions Optical, VSP Optics Group and Signet Armorlite. Thanks to Perry Ellis International for providing custom made guayaberas that our musicians wore throughout the night.
Mary Ferreiro of the Office of Miami-Dade County Commissioner Sally Heyman, CEO Virginia Jacko, Board Chairman Agustin Arellano, Jr.
Marsha Tejeda of Baptist Health South Florida, CEO Virginia Jacko, Board Chairman Agustin Arellano, Jr.
Board Director Steven J. Solomon, Esq. of GrayRobinson, P.A., CEO Virginia Jacko, Board Chairman Agustin Arellano, Jr.
Marta Armas of BB&T, CEO Virginia Jacko, Board Chairman Agustin Arellano, Jr.
Maria Perez of Essilor Laboratories, CEO Virginia Jacko, Board Chairman Agustin Arellano, Jr., Glenn Batteiger of Transitions Optical
Restaurant sponsors included City Hall Restaurant, OTC Restaurant, Perricone’s Marketplace & Café, Shorty’s Bar-B-Q, El Carajo International Tapas & Wine, Whisk Gourmet Food and Catering, Chocolate Fashion, Starbucks Coffee Company, GB Catering, Nestle Coffee-mate and Dr. Barry Burak Crepe Maker.
OTC Restaurant
City Hall the Restaurant
El Carajo International Tapas and Wine
Whisk Gourmet Food and Catering
Shorty’s Bar-B-Q
Chocolate Fashion
Rex Goliath
Nestle Coffee-mate
On May 22nd legislators, school officials and community leaders joined the Miami eye care community to celebrate over 20 years of free eye examinations for more than 75,000 children in need who failed their school vision screening but had no resources for eye care.
Music Under the Stars: Bon Appétit Miami attendees enjoyed musical performances by Miami Lighthouse Better Chance Music Production Program™ students, instructors and special guests, food from great Miami area restaurants, beverages by Miami Club Rum and El Carajo International Tapas & Wine and a silent auction which offered fabulous getaway trips, jewelry and exclusive art. Thanks to Perry Ellis International the Better Chance Music Production Program™ musicians wore custom made guayaberas in the musically themed venues throughout Miami Lighthouse.
Board Chair Agustin Arellano Jr., State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle, CEO Virginia Jacko and Superintendent Alberto Carvalho.
Music Under the Stars: Bon Appétit Miami attendees enjoyed musical performances by Miami Lighthouse Better Chance Music Production Program™ students, instructors and special guests, food from great Miami area restaurants, beverages by Miami Club Rum and El Carajo International Tapas & Wine and a silent auction which offered fabulous getaway trips, jewelry and exclusive art. Thanks to Perry Ellis International the Better Chance Music Production Program™ musicians wore custom made guayaberas in the musically themed venues throughout Miami Lighthouse.
Bob Levy (Honoree), Jessica Berrin, Marsha Tejeda and Christie Grays
Ava Goldman (Honoree), Superintendent Alberto Carvalho and Board Director Deborah Montilla
Joe Carollo, Doral Councilwoman, Ana Maria Rodriguez and Clemente Canabal
Photo courtesy of Marcelo Salup Marlene Quintana, Judge Migna Sanchez-Attorney Llorens, Katherine Fernandez Rundle and Board Director Shirley Press, M.D.
Emily Nostro with Jeannett and Don Slesnick
Board Director Bill Beckham and State Senator Gwen Margolis
CEO Virginia Jacko, Board Director Agustin Arellano Jr., and Alexandra Dominguez aide to State Representative Jose Felix Diaz
CEO Virginia Jacko and Emcee David Bernard
Dr. Craig McKeown, CEO Virginia Jacko and Board Director Dr. Sander Debovy
Photo courtesy of Marcelo Salup Salup Board Director Donna Blaustein, Board Director Deborah Montilla, Board Director Shirley Press, M.D., CEO Virginia Jacko, Board Director Alan Levitt OD., and Rene Gonzalez-Llorens, Esq.
The event was presented by 20/20 Vision Sponsor DLA Piper, Perry Ellis International, Florida Power & Light, Publix Super Markets Charities, Northern Trust Bank, Baptist Health South Florida, Commissioner Sally Heyman, GrayRobinson, Williamson Cadillac, Montica Jewelry, Essilor Laboratories of America, Transitions Optical, VSP Optics Group and Mobile Specialty Vehicles. Restaurant sponsors included City Hall Restaurant, The Oceanaire Seafood Room, Perricone’s Marketplace & Café, Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant, Shorty’s Bar-B-Q, Chocolate Fashion, Starbucks Coffee Company, West Kendall Baptist Hospital Catering, GB Catering and Dr. Barry Burak Crepe Maker.
Sponsors: Maria Jarquin (Montica Jewelry), Gloria Camera (Perry Ellis), Maria Perez (Essilor USA), Board Director Michael Silva (DLA Piper), Mary Juncadella-Ferreiro (Commissioner Sally Heyman), Christie Grays (Baptist Health) and Board Director Steven Solomon (GrayRobinson).
Cameron Sisser, Bayley Davis (Shorty’s BBQ), Steve Haas (City Hall), Matt Malone (Miami Club Rum)
Photo courtesy of Marcelo Salup Carlos and Rick Fonseca from El Carajo International Tapas & Wine
Photo Courtesy of South Florida Luxury Magazine Miami Lighthouse Musicians Harold Cobo, Oman Pedreira and Gerardo Ubieda.
Legislators, school officials and community leaders joined the Miami eye care community April 20th to celebrate 20 years of free eye examinations for more than 65,000 children in need who failed their school vision screening but had no resources for eye care; 75% of these children required prescription glasses and received them at no cost to their family because of the nationally-recognized Miami Lighthouse for the Blind division, Florida Heiken Children’s Vision Program, LLC.
The event was emceed by Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen and began with M-DCPS Superintendent Alberto Carvalho reading a letter from President Obama recognizing the program on 20 years of service. Florida House Majority Leader Carlos Lopez-Cantera and Senate Minority Leader Nan Rich were honored as they complete their service in the Florida legislature. State Senator Gwen Margolis read a resolution she introduced during the 2012 legislative session.
Presenting Sponsor Angel Alvarez, Superintendent Alberto Carvalho, CEO Virginia Jacko, Board Director Ray Casas, Commissioner Sally Heyman, Chairman of the Board Michael Silva and Lisa Pisciotta.
Board Chairman Michael A. Silva, Esq. presented guest musician José Feliciano with an honorary Board of Directors certificate. Alongside José Feliciano, the Miami Lighthouse Better Chance Music Production Program™ musicians entertained guests with a wonderful performance and debuted their latest album “The Big Band Classics and More."
Congresswoman Ros-Lehtinen presents Senator Nan Rich with Woman of Valor Award
Senator Gwen Margolis, Mayor of Pinecrest Cindy Lerner, Board Director Gloria Martin and Senator Nan Rich
R. Kirk Landon and Board Director Pamela Garrison Photo Courtesy of Kathy Fitzpatrick Zirulnick
Honorary Director Shelley Rutherford, Eugenia Beckwith McCrea, Nancy Jean Davis, Jose Feliciano and CEO Virginia Jacko
Representative Carlos Lopez-Cantera accepts award
Board Director Bill Roy, Honorary Director Susan Kelley and Dr. Joel Grossman
Natalie De Maar, Board Director Donna Blaustein, CEO Virginia Jacko and Dr. Arnold Blaustein
Miss Miami Teen USA Yari Marie Truffin Photo Courtesy of Kathy Fitzpatrick Zirulnick
The event was presented by 20/20 Vision Sponsor contact lens distributor and manufacturer ABB Concise and other sponsors included Florida Power and Light, Baptist Health South Florida, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida, Miami-Dade County Commissioner Sally Heyman, and Media Stage.
Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Manny Rodriguez, Wilson Alers, Brandy Wheeler, Glenn Batteiger, Maria E. Perez, Evelyn Rodriguez and Commissioner Sally Heyman.
Beverages were provided by Bacardi USA and food was
provided by local restaurants which included Gordon Biersch Brewery
Restaurant, Perricone’s Marketplace & Café, Gibraltar at The Grove Isle
Hotel and Spa, Chocolate Fashion, Starbucks Coffee Company, Berries in the
Grove, The Oceanaire Seafood Room, Shorty’s Bar-B-Q, and Tamarind Thai
Restaurant.
Shorty’s Bar-B-Q
Berries in the Grove
The Oceanaire Seafood Room
Chocolate Fashion
Photo Courtesy of Kathy Fitzpatrick Zirulnick
Gibraltar at The Grove Isle Hotel and Spa
Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant
Bacardi
Tamarind Thai Restaurant
Photo Courtesy of Kathy Fitzpatrick Zirulnick
Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired held its fourth annual “Music Under the Stars: Bon Appétit Miami” on April 27th to benefit its Heiken Children’s Vision Program. “Over 400 needy children in Miami-Dade County Schools, who without this program do not have the resources to get an eye exam and glasses when prescribed, will receive a comprehensive eye examination and necessary eyeglasses underwritten by the proceeds from this event. Without this intervention, they would continue to struggle in school to see the board and read their assignment,” said Virginia A. Jacko, President & CEO of Miami Lighthouse. This past year 6,500 low-income schoolchildren who failed their state-mandated vision screening received a free eye examination, and 75% of them required prescription glasses, which were also provided at no cost.
Over 200 community eye care providers, other professionals and philanthropists attended the elegant, tuneful evening featuring live jazz and pop by the talented Miami Lighthouse Better Chance Music Production Program™ musicians. Special recognition was given to Superintendent of Miami-Dade Public Schools Alberto Carvalho and Dr. Lillian Rivera of the Florida Department of Health for their collaboration with the Heiken Program and to the foundations and individuals that support the program. Lynn Martinez, Anchor WSVN-7 News, was the evening’s emcee. The event included delicious samplings from Miami area restaurants and a wonderful silent auction.
Maria Izquierdo, Miami-Dade County Public Schools Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho, CEO Virginia Jacko and Miami-Dade County Public Schools District Director Deborah A. Montilla
CEO Virginia Jacko and Kim Greene
Standard Chartered Private Bank group with (center) Board Director John H.B. Harriman, CEO Virginia Jacko, and Beatriz Harriman
R. Andrew Wiles, Emilio Balius and Kenneth T. Wals
CEO Virginia Jacko and Countess Chapman-Balogun
Chairman of the Board Michael Silva and Board Director Agustin Arellano, Jr.
Chairman of the Board Michael Silva and Immediate Past Chairman Owen Freed
Chairman of the Board Michael Silva, Raquel A. Regalado, Miami-Dade County Public Schools Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho, MDCPS Board Member Carlos Curbelo and CEO Virginia Jacko
R. Kirkwood Landon, CEO Virginia Jacko, and Board Director Pamela J. Garrison
CEO Virginia Jacko, Wendell R. Beard, and Phillis Oeters of Baptist Health South Florida, Music Under the Stars Platinum Sponsor
Alberto M. Carvalho, CEO Virginia Jacko, and R. Andrew Wiles
Harriet Carter representing Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Mistress of Ceremonies Lynn Martinez, and CEO Virginia Jacko
Also recognized at the 2011 “Music Under the Stars: Bon Appétit Miami” were corporate sponsors Baptist Health South Florida, Essilor Laboratories of America, Transitions Optical, SMF Energy Corporation, Essilor of America, Low VisionAids Inc., Sir Speedy Printing and Marketing Services, GrayRobinson Attorneys at Law, Verdeja & De Armas Certified Public Accountants, VSP Labs, DadePaper, and Kodak Lens by Signet Armorlite along with food and beverage sponsors Gibraltar, Casa Juancho, Perricone’s Marketplace, Starbucks Coffee, El Carajo, Chocolate Fashion, Grazie Italian Cuisine, Seasons 52 Fresh Grill, Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant, Shorty’s Bar-B-Q, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse, Barefoot Wine & Bubbly, Gulf Discount Liquors & Wine Merchants, Gold Coast Beverage Distributors, CA Catering, Costco, Dunkin’ Donuts, and Crepe Station courtesy of Dr. Barry Burak and Affiliated Healthcare Centers, Inc.
Gibraltar at Grove Isle Hotel & Spa
CA Catering
Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant
Barefoot Wine & Bubbly
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
El Carajo International Tapas & Wine
Grazie Italian Cuisine
Casa Juancho
Shorty’s Bar-B-Q
Perricone’s Marketplace & Café
Costco Wholesale
Silent auction items
Our third annual fundraiser in support of the Miami Lighthouse Heiken Children’s Vision program Music Under the Stars… Bon Appétit Miami took place on Wednesday evening, April 28.
We extend appreciation to our generous sponsors: Baptist Health South Florida, Morrison Brown Argiz & Farra, LLP, SMF Energy Corporation, Essilor of America, Essilor Laboratories of America, Brown and Brown Insurance, Transitions Optical, Sir Speedy Printing and Marketing Services, New Image Productions, Magnifying Center, and Florida Reading & Vision Technology.
We also thank our participating restaurants and beverage providers Gulf Spirits & Wine Merchants, Gordon Biersch, Casa Larios, Zucchero Ristorante Bistro, C.A. & Company Catering, Starbucks, Chocolate Fashion, Archie’s Gourmet, and crepe station courtesy of Dr. Barry Burak.
Click here for pictures from the 2010 Music Under the Stars… Bon Appétit Miami.
Steve Marcus, President & CEO, Health Foundation of South Florida, Mrs. Ruth Marcus, Virginia Jacko, President & CEO, and William Roy, Past Chairman.
Deborah A. Montilla, District Director Division of Student Services, Miami-Dade County Public Schools receives award from Dr. Alan Levitt, Heiken Committee Member.
Guests Dan and Trish Bell, Board Director Pamela Garrison, and Kirk Landon.
Platinum Sponsor Baptist Health South Florida, George Foyo, Executive Vice President & CAO with Mrs. Foyo, Virginia Jacko, President & CEO, Mrs. & Mr. Wendell Beard.
Click here, for more information on our
Heiken Children’s Vision program.
On April 30, Miami Lighthouse for the Blind hosted Music Under the Stars: A Taste of Brickell. This inaugural event, held at the Lighthouse, benefited its Children’s Vision Care Program, a mobile outreach program that provides free eye care services to school children in need.
Friends and donors were treated to culinary delights prepared by Brickell area restaurants including Morton’s the Steakhouse, Blu Pizza é Cucina, Perricone’s Marketplace, Gordon Biersch, Rosinella, Baja Fresh and Provence Grill. Musical entertainment was provided by Latin Tenor Warren Tesh, international violinist Randolph Margitza, and the talented Miami Lighthouse musicians.
To top the night off, legendary music producer Henry Stone presented CEO Virginia Jacko with the first royalty check from sales of “Instrumental Magic,” the first album produced by Stone since completing vision rehabilitation at Miami Lighthouse, and featuring saxophonist Jeff Zavac, a current client at the Lighthouse.
The event was sponsored by Ambutech, Eschenbach Optik, Florida Reading & Vision Technology, Mobile Specialty Vehicles, Southern Wine & Spirits, and AMC Liaisons/Rain Vodka.
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Miami Lighthouse is AER accredited distinguishing that an agency or school operates at the highest level of quality and is positioned to generate the outcomes needed by the clients.
Miami Lighthouse received the prestigious 2020 award for "Best in Nonprofit" campaign by PRWeek referred to as the "Oscars of the PR industry".
Miami Lighthouse ranks among the elite 1% of U.S. nonprofits having earned 13 consecutive 4-star ratings from Charity Navigator, the nation's premier independent nonprofit evaluator. Receiving such a distinction reflects our sound fiscal management, responsible use of donor dollars, and financial strength.
Miami Lighthouse has earned the Gold participation level through the GuideStar Exchange which is a testament to Miami Lighthouse's commitment to data transparency.
Early Intervention Blind Babies Program Named the Children's Trust 2016 Program of the Year. This most prestigious award recognizes this Early Intervention Program, in particular, for including parents as teachers.
Miami Lighthouse Learning Center for Children™ is a Florida gold seal and nationally Accredited Professional Preschool Learning Environment (APPLE)
Miami Lighthouse was recognized at the 2015 Florida Blue Foundation Sapphire Awards luncheon as an organization that has demonstrated excellence and innovation in community health.
Miami Lighthouse received the prestigious 2015 Beacon Award in Education at the 13th Annual Beacon Council Awards.
Miami Lighthouse is a two-time Charity Partner (2013 and 2014) of the Marlins Foundation and a 2017 Major League Baseball All-Star Game Legacy Partner. Our Florida Heiken Children's Vision Program has received over $300,000 in charitable donations through these partnerships.
Miami Lighthouse received the prestigious 2008 Concern Award from Health Foundation of South Florida.
Miami Lighthouse received a Silver medal at the 2016 Miami Today Gold Medal Awards Ceremony.
Miami Lighthouse named "Best of Miami" Charity 2017 by the New Times.
Miami Lighthouse received United Homecare's 2012 Thelma Gibson Community Service Award at the 18th Annual Claude Pepper Memorial Awards Ceremony.
Miami Lighthouse received the prestigious South Florida Business Journal 2011 Excellence in Health Care Award in the Community Outreach category.
Miami Lighthouse honored by being named the recipient of the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce 2010 Non-Profit Business Diamond Award.
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