Proceeds to benefit 120 local programs, supporting children, families and older adults

The 19th Annual Mayor’s Ball, hosted by Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez and wife Lourdes P. Gimenez, raised more than $1 million to benefit United Way of Miami-Dade’s work in education, financial stability and health. Presented by Suffolk, the event gathered 800 business, government and community leaders for one night to raise funds for local programs that help children, families and older adults in the community.

The Mayor’s Ball took place at the InterContinental Miami hotel complete with dozens of disco balls, 70s musical hits, several dance performances and a packed dance floor. This is the seventh year Lourdes and Mayor Gimenez serve as honorary chairs, carrying on the legacy created by former Mayor Alex Penelas and his wife, Lilliam. Back in 1998, the Mayor’s office chose United Way as the beneficiary, given the organization’s broad reach and impact across the county and its residents.

“We are so grateful to Mayor Gimenez and Lourdes for carrying the torch of the Mayor’s Ball and reminding us that traditions, relationships and collaborations make us a stronger Miami,” Maria C. Alonso, president and CEO, United Way, said. “And, we are so thankful that our amazing sponsors continue to step up in a big way, raising more than $1 million in support of essential programs that help children, families and older adults thrive.”

Mayor’s Ball is made possible by dozens of dedicated volunteers and sponsors. Committee chairs were Michaela and Jeffrey Gouveia Jr., and committee vice chairs, include: Ashley Melisse Abess and Matthew Vander Werff; Shelly and Steve Brodie; Brian Goldmeier; Alexander P. Heckler; and Marcelo Llorente. Event Hosts include: Elinette and Miguel Diaz De La Portilla; Patricia and Dr. Phillip Frost; Jackie and Felix Lasarte; Carlos Migoya; and Anshu and Nitin Motwani.

Mayor’s Ball is presented by Suffolk. Additional top sponsors include: Duty Free Americas, Greenberg Traurig, Lennar, Little River Miami and Norwegian Cruise Line as “Ain’t No Stopping Us Now” sponsors; American Airlines, Assurant, Codina Partners, Patricia and Dr. Phillip Frost, Felix Lasarte, MasTec, the Miami Herald/el Nuevo Herald and Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits as “Pump Up the Jam” sponsors; All American Windows, Bank of America, Carlton Fields, The Collection, Covanta, FPL, Holland & Knight, Prologis, Resorts World Bimini Bahamas, Royal Caribbean Cruises, Stearns Weaver Miller Weissler Alhadeff & Sitterson, P.A. and World Fuel Services as “More, More, More” sponsors; and Aecom, Akerman, American Dream Miami, AMR, Bank United, Bilzin Sumberg, Comcast NBCUniversal/Telemundo, Duane Morris, The Elite Bouquet, GreenspoonMarder, HNTB, Hotwire/Fision, IberiaBank, Jacobs, JPMorgan Chase & Co., Miami Dolphins Foundation, Miami Worldcenter, Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, NV2A Group, Ocean Bank, Odebrecht Construction USA, Parsons, Plaza Construction, Related, Swire Properties, TD Bank, Terra, Uber and the University of Miami as “Get This Party Started” sponsors.