The Little Lighthouse Foundation’s Fourth Annual Hearts and Stars Gala headlined by former NBA star, Rony Seikaly welcomed more than 1,500 guests on a gorgeous Miami evening earlier this month. The event was hosted by The Nightlife Network’s Buster Cox at Terra Veritatis at a stunning waterfront venue that was recently renovated by Billy Dean, CEO of Virginia-based engineering-services company M.C. Dean, for $40 million. Dean’s estate is considered in real estate circles to be “the most extensive revitalization of a single family property in Miami Beach history.” For the occasion, no expense was spared as the home was transformed to imitate the world-famous Casino de Monte-Carlo—the attention to detail was pristine.
Co-founders of The Little Lighthouse Foundation, Robert Sena, Aaron Resnick, Charlie Venturi and Aracibo Quintana were on site supporting the annual event, which benefits South Florida children and families. Founded in 2010, the foundation supports families who struggle with educational, financial and medical hardships. In addition, the organization raises money for other area charities, such as Women at the Wail, which supports homeless women; Marian Center School & Services, aiding children with developmental disabilities; and The Children’s Home Society, among many others. Savory bites were provided to guests by Catering Concepts, Le Boudoir, Rosa Mexicano, Lyon + Lyon and Thierry’s Catering. Drinks flowed freely throughout the event, courtesy of Ketel One, Ron Zacapa, Dos Equis, Johnnie Walker, Don Julio and Tita Italia’s Antica Fratta Franciacorta.
Mayors Jewelers featured a Rolex Sky Dweller and other high value items. The new 2013 Range Rover was presented by Warren Henry, inclusive of an in-car photo booth while $500,000 worth of Judith Ripka jewelry was also for sale at a “Judith Ripka Jewelry Bar.” A portion of sale proceeds from the jewelry bar were donated to the Little Lighthouse Foundation. Notable guests included retired Carolina Panther’s linebacker Jon Beason, Jonathan Cheban and Lisa Hochstein, as well as many others. The evening concluded another successful Hearts and Stars Gala, leaving the foundation time to gear up for their fall fundraising event — the annual Halloween soiree, Nightmare on The Beach. To learn about upcoming events or other ways to contribute to the organization’s mission, check out The Little Lighthouse Foundation’s website.
