Miami Lighthouse Celebrates 85th Anniversary at the Historic Biltmore Hotel

Three hundred of Miami's leading philanthropists and elected officials spent an extraordinary evening on Saturday, January 28th, enjoying cocktails provided by Bacardi and wine by EI Carajo. Presenting sponsor for the evening was Northern Trust. The co-chairs of the celebration, Mr. and Mrs. Ramon Casas and Mr. and Mrs. Louis Nostro, were announced this past March at the Northern Trust pre-gala event. Entertainment was provided by Miami Lighthouse's nationally-recognized student and instructor musicians and vocalists.

The evening, commemorating Miami Lighthouse's 85th year, highlighted the organization's beginning during an era when Helen Keller challenged the Lions to become "knights for the blind in the crusade against darkness." In recognition of that important moment, CEO Virginia Jacko referred to an original letter from Helen Keller pertaining to a garden party that Keller had attended. CEO Jacko explained that funds were raised in those early years by holding garden parties where prominent Miamians would attend such as Mrs. Charles Brickell, Mrs. Freeman Burdine, Marjorie Stoneman Douglas, Mrs. Charles Deering, Mrs. Harvey Firestone and Mrs. Hugh Matheson. The legacy of those formative years continues today, noted CEO Jacko, recognizing those in attendance as truly "knights for the blind."

The silent auction committee was chaired by Jacquelyn Munilla. Corporate sponsors included Florida Power & Light, Florida Blue, Marlins Foundation, Comcast, Perry Ellis International, Gus Machado Ford, Walgreens, The Miami Herald and others. Laurie Jennings, WPLG-TV co-anchor, served as Mistress of Ceremonies; the keynote speaker was Miami-Dade County Public Schools Superintendent Alberto Carvalho.

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 coveted Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce 2023 Nonprofit Business Innovative Excellence NOVO Award with an organizational budget of $2 million and above.

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.

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 Award1.

Miami Lighthouse received the prestigious 2020 award for "Best in Nonprofit" campaign by PRWeek referred to as the "Oscars of the PR industry".