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On Saturday, March 11th, at Soho Studios in the arts district of Wynwood, Miami Children’s Museum thrilled more than 800 attendees at its Annual Be A Kid Again Gala “Le Grand Carnaval,” a world of unique performers, exotic cuisine and a night filled with fantasy! Over $2 million was raised to support educational programming with the help of generous donors, sponsors, an extensive silent auction and a high end live auction. The event, emceed by journalist and former CBS4 Anchor Shannon Hori Cogan, also honored MCM Chairman of the Board, Jeff Berkowitz, for his many years of great leadership and service to the Museum.
Premier Sponsors for the event were Fairholme Foundation, Dr. Brigitt Rok Potamkin & Mr. Alan Potamkin. Presenting Sponsors included Yolanda & Jeff Berkowitz, Bilzin Sumberg, Comras Company, Heidi & Jose Dans, Greenberg Traurig, Susan & Richard Lampen/Opko Health Inc., Medina Family Foundation and Terra. The event was co-chaired by Christy & David Martin and Daniela Swaebe & Michael Comras. The silent auction was curated by auction chair, Melissa Netkin and Wine Auction Chair, Steven Haas.
Among the nearly 800 attendees were: Yolanda & Jeff Berkowitz, Susan & Richard Lampen, Romero Britto, Christy & David Martin, Daniela Swaebe & Michael Comras, Patricia & Phillip Frost, Jessica & Jack Collins, Lisette & Manny Medina, Matthew & Eva Gorson, Tom Wood, Ana & Neisen Kasdin, Vanessa & Lee Krelstein, Melissa & Robert Netkin, Jennifer & Javier Cervera, Bruce & Tracey Berkowitz, Jessica & Gary Reshefky, William Talbert, Jennifer Valoppi & Christian de Berdouare, Michael & Nicole Simkins, Marianne & John Devine, Jenny & Kevin Faith, Miami Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez.
Guests felt like a kid again from the moment they entered “Le Grande Carnaval” at Soho Studios. The night kicked off with a not to be missed cocktail reception with an extensive silent auction filled with unique pieces. Then the curtains dropped opened revealing the large splendidly decorated main room with aerial artists and other performing acts from The Circus Arts Conservatory in Sarasota. Partygoers were also treated to a tempting array of treats provided by Chef David Schwadron Catering and Event Design and then danced the night away to the sounds of the Valerie Tyson Band.
The highlight event of the evening was an energetic live auction, raising nearly $200,000, featuring spectacular items including: a $10,000 Shopping Spree courtesy of Neiman Marcus Bal Harbour, Audi Q5 24 month lease courtesy of The Collection, Personalized Portrait by Romero Britto and once in a lifetime luxury vacations.
The celebration continued with the After Party hosted by our young professionals group the Playmakers and Co-Chaired by Michael Berkowitz and Janet C. Moreira! At 10:30 pm in Soho Studios, Miami’s most influential emerging professionals joined with gala goers and together the party continued into the night with entertainment featuring DJ Twillo and DJ Zog along with a premium bar and late night treats. Sponsors for the After Party included Jolie & Michael Berkowitz, Felicia & Andrew Berkowitz, 13th Floor Investments, Weber Law, Janet C. Moreira / MAVEN Intellectual Property, Ironview Capital Management, 3 Pillars Events, Duffy’s Foundation, Wells Fargo, Golden Sands General Contractors, Donna Melnuk and Ver Ploeg & Lumpkin, P.A.
Miami Children’s Museum (MCM) offers bilingual and interactive exhibits, programs, classes and learning materials related to arts, culture, community and communication. The Museum has 14 interactive galleries as well as housing many exciting and fun traveling exhibits. MCM is dedicated to enriching the lives of all children by fostering a love of learning and enabling children to realize their highest potential. Through arts and educational programs, MCM seeks to include and target all audiences in Miami’s changing and diverse community by becoming the “town center” for Miami-Dade County’s children and families.’
For more information about Miami Children’s Museum call: (305)373-KIDS (5437) or visit www.miamichildrensmuseum.org.
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.