On Saturday, February 28th, at Miami Children’s Museum (MCM), more than 500 attendees had their martinis “shaken, not stirred” at the James Bond themed 2015 Be A Kid Again Gala, “You Only Live Twice”. Almost 1 million dollars was raised to support educational programming with the help of generous donors, sponsors, an extensive silent auction and a high end live auction hosted by Big 105.9 FM Morning Host Paul Castronovo. Premier Sponsors for the event were Dr. Brigitt Rok Potamkin and Mr. Alan Potamkin and the Fairholme Foundation. Presenting Sponsors were Jeff and Yolanda Berkowitz and the Miami Marlins. The event was chaired by Richard and Susan Lampen and Adam and Jackie Malamed. Honorary Chairs were Alonzo and Tracy Mourning.
Among the 500 attendees were:
Upon arrival Guests found themselves swept into the shadow world of spies versus spies. They were titillated with an array Bond themed taste-tempting culinary delights and danced the night away to “Party on the Moon,” considered the world’s greatest party band. They also were treated to a Casino Royale where they matched skills with evil villains or other gala friends in charitable games of baccarat, poker and roulette.
One of the night’s highlights was the exciting live auction emceed by Paul Castronovo which included: a unique “Training Day with the Navy Seals!” (not available to the general public); a three-year luxury car lease from the Collection; an original portrait from Romero Britto; an Aston Martin 007 Race Adventure in Sonoma, California; Custom created paper airplane installation by Artists Blue and Joy, courtesy of Ca D’Oro Gallery; a private dinner hosted by Alonzo and Tracy Mourning and much, much more. In addition to the live auction, guests supported educational programming by bidding on over 200 items in an extensive silent auction.
And then there was the After Party! At “Play After Dark,” inside MCM, Miami’s most influential emerging professionals joined gala goers and together they partied into the night to the spintastic talents of DJ Zog from Power 96 and a premium bar with late night treats.
The Miami Children's Museum is known in South Florida for its fun, hands-on exhibits that turn learning into an adventure for kids. The top five exhibits are favorites among families because they each offer something special. Whether they spark creativity or teach about the environment, these experiences are memorable and keep families returning. Find out why these main exhibits are so popular with both children and parents.
At the Miami Children's Museum, learning is made fun and exciting through interactive play. Kids learn and grow by exploring each exhibit, which encourages curiosity and hands-on discovery. This approach helps children build important thinking and problem-solving skills while having a great time.
We use a hands-on approach to learning, which matches current educational ideas. This way, kids understand more and remember what they learn. They can try activities like building, making music, or exploring a pretend ocean, following their interests and learning at their own speed. This freedom helps kids develop a love for learning that lasts.
We also make sure our exhibits are accessible and fun for all children, no matter their abilities. This focus on inclusivity means every child can take part and benefit from what we offer. It shows our important role in helping kids learn and bringing families together.
We feature exhibits that inspire curiosity and imagination in kids. Here’s a look at some of our most popular attractions that both children and parents enjoy.
The Castle of Dreams welcomes kids into a magical space where they can use their imaginations. Children can pretend to be knights, princesses, or dragons with dress-up areas and storytelling corners. A small castle makes the experience even more fun, letting kids invent their own stories.
The Ocean Odyssey exhibit takes kids on an underwater adventure in the middle of Miami. It shows bright displays of ocean life, including coral reefs and touch tanks where children can feel sea creatures. Kids can also learn about why protecting the ocean matters through fun, interactive panels.
The Music Makers Studio is a fun place where kids can explore music. They can try digital keyboards, drums, and even record their own sounds. Kids enjoy this studio because it lets them be creative and express themselves through music.
The Health & Wellness Center turns learning about healthy habits into a fun adventure. Kids can try activities that teach about fitness and good nutrition in a playful way. They can run obstacle courses, play games about healthy eating, and even pretend to shop for groceries.
In the Construction Zone, kids become young builders and engineers. They use blocks and tools to create everything from simple towers to complex structures. Working together on projects helps them practice problem-solving, teamwork, and spatial skills.
These exhibits bring families together by making learning fun. Each one uses play to spark curiosity and help kids understand new things. Parents appreciate that the museum is a safe and exciting place for children to explore. Visiting us at the Miami Children's Museum helps kids grow and gives families special memories. Plan your visit today and see how interactive learning can be both magical and memorable.