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Charity

First Annual Lotus House Spring Community Service Day 5/19/13

First Annual Lotus House Spring Community Service Day
Sunday, May 19th, 9am
Lotus House
217 nw 15th Street
Miami Florida 33136

Our goal is to patch and paint every room of Lotus House! We hope you will join us for this heartwarming, fun day of community coming together to make a difference! Here’s how you can help: Organize a team of volunteers from your company, community organization, family and friends to help. Children age 12 and above may accompany parents.

Teams will clean, tape, patch, caulk and paint walls, doors, baseboards and ceilings. Depending on the size/experience of your team, it will be assigned one or more apartments. The more the merrier!! We have 32 apartments in total to be painted, and we will be giving out service awards!

Please be at Lotus House at 9am, Sunday morning, May 19th (when we will assign apartments), dressed in cool but old clothes and close-toed shoes. Remember, we are painting!

Please bring your own safety glasses, gloves, paint cloths, and rollers/paintbrushes and pans. We will supply the paint, pink of course!

If your team cannot paint, you may still help by making and serving refreshments for our other volunteer teams.

Your team leader should email us at anna@lotushouseshelter.org ahead of time to coordinate.

Our teams already include Bank of America, Bellini Williams Island, Bilzin Sumberg, PA, Blanco Painting, Inc., Commercial Real Estate Women of Miami, Lotus House Young Leaders, Navy service members, One Sotheby’s Intl. Realty, and counting. Add your team to our dedicated group of volunteers to make a difference in the lives of women and children in need at Lotus House. Thank you!!

Erin MIA’S Birthday * Fashion Forward * A Spring 2013 Runway Fashion Show to Benefit KGKG ‘Food For The Poor’

Erin MIA’S Birthday * Fashion Forward * A Spring 2013 Runway Fashion Show to Benefit KGKG “Food For The Poor” at Dapur Asian Tappas Restaurant/Lounge, 1620 N Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33005

A Spring 2013 Runway Fashion Show with Special Guest Host, Miss South Florida USA, Gianina Acevedo.Nicole Shelley Models Presents:
Ready to Wear Spring 2013

Runway Fashions by:
* Lingerie/Swimwear by Lingerini
www.Lingerini.co
* Designer Eyewear by InSight Optics
* Contemporary Ready-to-Wear by Elektrik Boutique
* Decadent Evening wear by SHA DIAZ Couture

Hair by Nolan Vincent Salon & Spa
Makeup by Eliza Cosmetics

Hosted by:
Jennifer Judice, Rick Morgan, Nicole Shelley, Maritza Bedoya, Kimberly Bacardi & Kim’s Good Karma Group

Raffle Fundraiser for ‘Food for the Poor’
www.FoodforthePoor.org/goodkarmagroup

With a special appearance and birthday cake presentation to Soul of Miami’s very own Annette Piekert.

Miami Rescue Mission/Broward Outreach Center Host Christmas Celebration to benefit Homeless and Needy 12/21/12

Miami Rescue Mission/Broward Outreach Center Host Christmas Celebration to benefit Homeless and Needy
Friday, December 21, 2012. (See times below)
Miami Rescue Mission
2020 NW 1st Avenue Miami, FL 33127
Broward Outreach Center Hollywood
2056 Scott Street Hollywood, FL 33020
Broward Outreach Center Pompano
1700 Blount Road Pompano Beach, FL 33069

Miami Rescue Mission – Beginning at 9:30 AM, group and individual volunteers will start the day by providing coffee, fruit and pastries for attendees. ARAMARK, State Farm, The Hackett Group and other organizations have helped supply and collect toys for the needy children of South Florida. The Christmas event will last from 10:00 AM – 12:00 Noon with entertainment including the Regeneration Singers (a group of the formerly homeless) as well as performances from various local churches and entertainment groups. The Christmas meal is to be served at 11:00 AM as the street will be blocked off to accommodate the nearly 3,000 homeless and needy families expected to attend on the Miami campus.

Broward Outreach Center: Hollywood – Beginning at 10:00 AM, the Christmas Celebration will begin with dozens of volunteers helping celebrate with formerly homeless men, women and children. Starting at 11:00 AM a delicious lunch will be served by wonderful volunteers. Santa will arrive around noon with special deliveries for everyone. Some of the great give-a-ways and toys benefitting the formerly homeless were donated by Saint Bonaventure Catholic Church, Potential Church and many individual donors.

Broward Outreach Center: Pompano – Beginning at 3:00 PM, dozens of individual volunteers, and Broward College – Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society will decorate and Santa Claus will help give over 200 gifts to the needy children in attendance. All adults will receive a Hope Tote bags filled with hygiene products and clothes. A Christmas feast Hosted by Whole Foods Market will be served at 4:30 PM, with wonderful music and entertainment.

Feeding South Florida Offers Festive Ways to Give and Feed Hungry In December

It’s the season of giving, and nearly 1 million people in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach and Monroe Counties who are food insecure need help. This December, Feeding South Florida, South Florida’s leading domestic hunger-relief organization, is offering many opportunities for the public to help these individuals enjoy a memorable holiday season.

The face of hunger in South Florida has changed: less than 1 percent of those who face food insecurity are homeless. Over 50 percent of individuals who experience hunger have one or more employed adults in the family, and over 150,000 are seniors who have to choose between paying rent, utilities and having enough nutritious food. One in four children in South Florida goes to bed hungry every night.

One way the public can help is to simply donate funds to Feeding South Florida at www.feedingsouthflorida.org (for every $1 donated, Feeding South Florida can provide six meals). In addition, Feeding South Florida is offering the following initiatives/events:

Now through Dec. 16: HoneyBaked Ham Fundraiser: HoneyBaked Ham will encourage South Florida area in-store shoppers to donate $1 to Feeding South Florida at the register (100% of the funds raised will go to Feeding South Florida.) The company will donate an additional $500 to the top three stores that raise the most money during the promotional period and the funds will, in turn, be donated to Feeding South Florida. HoneyBaked Ham will also donate an additional $15,000 to the Feeding America national office. www.honeybaked.com

Now through Dec. 25: Winn Dixie Hunger Relief Campaign: At all Winn-Dixie stores, customers can donate any amount they choose at the point of checkout though easy-to-use tear pads/scan sheets found at the register. They can also purchase specially-marked Winn-Dixie brand products, including water, coffee, diapers and condiments, whose manufacturers have generously donated to this program. All dollars raised by tear pads/scan sheets at South Florida stores will go directly to Feeding South Florida, which in turn will provide nutritious, fresh foods to people struggling with hunger. www.winndixie.com

Now through Jan. 7, 2013: Bank of America Holiday Campaign: Bank of America will triple gifts donated to Feeding America’s Give A Meal program at http://go.bofa.com/qc59. Select the “Your Local Food Bank” option when giving.

Entire month of December: TCBY donations (two Miami locations): TCBY University Centre and Mary Brickell Village locations will donate 15 percent of purchases made by customers who mention Feeding South Florida or bring in the Feeding South Florida/TCBY holiday promotion flyer to Feeding South Florida. University Centre, 1230 S. Dixie Hwy, Coral Gables, FL 33146 and Mary Brickell Village, 900 S. Miami Ave #147, Miami, FL 33130

Monday, Dec. 3-Friday, Dec. 7: Stomp Out Hunger: Bring food donations to Lexus of North Miami, and register to win tickets for a performance of Stomp at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County and dinner at Truluck’s. 14100 Biscayne Boulevard North Miami, FL 33181

Wednesday, Dec. 5 through 7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 6: WLRN Winter Membership Campaign: For every $100 contributed to WLRN, $10 will go to help Feeding South Florida. To make a pledge, visit https://store.friendsofwlrn.org or call 1-866-247-9576.

Thursday, Dec. 6, 6-9 p.m.: Tree Trimming Competition and Food Drive at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino: For every five donated canned food items, participants will get bonus entries to vote for their favorite tree and the chance to win a $500 shopping spree. Feeding South Florida is one of the charities competing in the tree competition – come vote for them! In addition, guests will enjoy watching it snow, fashion show, and live entertainment. Free to the public. 1 Seminole Way, Hollywood, FL 33314. www.seminolehardrockhollywood.com/philanthropy/imagine.php

Friday, Dec. 7, 7:30 p.m.: Comedy for a Cause at the Hollywood Improve (Paul & Young Ron’s 18th Annual Holiday Food Drive): Proceeds will benefit Feeding South Florida. Comedian and star of The League Steve Rannazzisi to perform. Presented by Burger Fi. 5700 Seminole Way, Hollywood, FL 33314. paulandyoungron.iheart.com.

Friday, Dec. 7 through Tuesday, Dec. 11, 7 p.m.: Palm Beach Food & Wine Festival Give Back Event: A portion of proceeds will benefit Feeding South Florida. This event brings master chefs, premium wines, world-class golf and genuine philanthropy together. Palm Beach, FL 33480 www.pbfoodwinefest.com

Saturday, Dec. 8, 7-10:30 p.m.: An Evening with Le Cirque – A Tribute to Sirio tribute dinner at The Breakers Palm Beach benefiting Feeding South Florida: Chef Jeff Simms of The Breakers Weddings and Celebrations has selected Feeding South Florida as his 2012 Chefs Dish Back™ charity. The tribute dinner offers guests a chance to indulge in the decadence of one of the most famous restaurants in the world: Le Cirque of New York City. The event will pay tribute to owner and maître d’ Sirio Maccioni by bringing together eminent chefs Daniel Boulud (a Le Cirque alum), David Burke, Marc Murphy and Jacques Torres, along with Chef Simms and The Breakers’ master sommelier Virginia Philip, for a dinner of dreams. With the help of the restaurant’s own chef Olivier Reginensi, its iconic décor, and the famed Sirio himself, all senses will be ignited as The Breakers recreates this renowned New York establishment. $250 per person. One South County Road, Palm Beach, FL 33480. www.pbfoodwinefest.com

Sunday, Dec. 16, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.: Man vs. Food Tailgate Party and “Live” Broadcast with Paul & Young Ron at Sunlife Stadium (Paul & Young Ron’s 18th Annual Holiday Food Drive): Proceeds will benefit Feeding South Florida. Feeding South Florida will also be collecting monetary donations and food at every gate during the Miami Dolphins vs. Jacksonville Jaguars game on this day. 347 Don Shula Drive, Miami Gardens, FL 33056 paulandyoungron.iheart.com

Sunday, Dec. 16, 12-5 p.m.: Bamboo Beach Club & Tiki Bar Charity Bike Bash at the Beach: Proceeds will benefit Feeding South Florida. Pig roast, first drink free, silent auction, signed Dolphins jerseys, tickets and many more items, raffle for a cruise for two to the Bahamas, best custom bike contest. 4040 Galt Ocean Dr., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308 www.bamboobeachtikibar.com

The public can also volunteer their time at Feeding South Florida’s headquarters, sorting, packaging, labeling and weighing donated food. For more information, visit www.feedingsouthflorida.org.

“The holidays are a wonderful time of year to think about giving to help those who are food insecure,” said Feeding South Florida President and CEO Paco Vélez. “During December and every other month of the year, we encourage the public to join the fight against hunger in South Florida. This month, we’re happy to offer many fun events for the public to enjoy and at the same time, make a difference in the lives of nearly 1 million individuals facing food insecurity in our area.”

Feeding South Florida™ is a nonprofit organization that empowers other South Florida nonprofit organizations to assist people in need and improve their lives. Feeding South Florida does this by providing food and other grocery products, and by educating and engaging the community to fight hunger and poverty. Through a local network of approximately 450 other nonprofit organizations, Feeding South Florida strives to serve almost 1 million individuals in need, including more than 340,000 children who are food insecure, the elderly, the mentally and physically challenged, veterans and the working poor, in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach and Monroe Counties with compassion and integrity. Feeding South Florida, the largest food bank in the state, is a member of Feeding America, the nation’s leading domestic hunger-relief charity. In 2011, Feeding South Florida distributed nearly 30 million pounds of food valued at over $50 million within the South Florida community. Feeding South Florida’s headquarters is located at 2501 SW 32 Terrace, Pembroke Park, FL, 33023. For more information, please call (954) 518-1818 or visit www.feedingsouthflorida.org .

The 8th Annual Key Biscayne Wine, Food Fest & Silent Auction by Bob Quesada

The 8^th Annual Key Biscayne Wine, Food Fest & Silent Auction at The Links at Key Biscayne featured an array of tables brimming with food delicacies created at 15 prominent South Florida restaurants.

Chefs paired their specialties with 13 varietal wines from the Old World and 13 wines from the New World supplied by Strategic Imports.

“The food tastings are diverse and designed to fit every palate. It includes taquitos al pastor, paella, roasted pig, Chinese cuisine, seafood, beef roast, bistro delicacies and an array of Spanish, Italian and Continental dishes to name a few,” Ruben Weisson, event chairman, said.

Participating restaurants included the Ritz Carlton in Key Biscayne, Novecento, The Island Café, Old Lisbon, Crepemaker, Xixon, Baklava, Chinois Chinois, La Moon, Tuto Mare, Puntino, Rusty Pelican, Archie’s, Doggi’s & More Café and The Links.

“In 1976 the wine world was turned upside down… it took place at the ‘Judgment of Paris,’ where, in a nutshell, Napa wines beat both Burgundy and Bordeaux in this unprecedented competition judged by French wine experts. Our wine tasting will be ever-so-slightly different in that we will be challenging Old World versus New World, just one varietal each. This means we will be leveling the plane field in this competition. It is a little unfair for a Pinot Noir to compete against a full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon,” Weisson said.

Eight guests were invited as “consumer judges” to taste both wines in each category. The participants will decide which wines are the best from each varietal. Their results will be compared to those of the professional judges. Consumer judges provided a charitable donation of $50 towards the event’s fundraising goals. Charities benefiting from the event are ARC of South Florida and Fundacion Manos del Sur.

The “Best in Show” was the 2008 CAW Pinot Noir. Available at Stefano’s Wine and Liquor, Key Biscayne.

If you do not see the images please click on post title.

www.bobquesada.com

www.facebook.com/BobQuesadaPhotographer

Miami-Dade Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce Toy Drive Benefitting the Miami Beach Police Department’s Children’s Holiday Relief Fund 12/13/12

Miami-Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce Toy Drive Benefitting the Miami Beach Police Department’s Children’s Holiday Relief Fund
Thursday, December 13, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
LGBT Visitor Center
1130 Washington Avenue
First Floor
Miami Beach
(Washington between 11th and 12th Streets)
RSVP: karen@gogaymiami.com, (305) 397-8914

HoliGay Celebration & Toy Drive presented by:
LGBT Visitor Center
Miami-Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce
MDGLCC Foundation, Inc.
42 Below vodka
BeachWitch.com
Sobe Jewelry

The event is free and open to the public with the donation of an unwrapped toy

“Don we now our gay apparel” and get to the LGBT Visitor Center for the 3rd annual “HoliGay Celebration & Toy Drive,” Thursday, December 13, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Admission is free with the donation of an unwrapped toy which will then be distributed to local families in need through the Miami Beach Police Department’s Children’s Holiday Relief Fund. The HoliGay Celebration & Toy Drive is sponsored by the Miami-Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (MDGLCC), the MDGLCC Foundation, Inc., 42 Below vodka and BeachWitch.com.

“Last year’s toy drive was an overwhelming success thanks to the generous outpouring of donations from the LGBT community and our allies,” said Steve Adkins, president of the MDGLCC. “We’re really looking forward to turning the LGBT Visitor Center into Santa’s workshop again this year.”

Speaking of Santa, the jolly old elf himself will be making a special guest appearance at the event which will also feature special surprises and Sobe Jewelry selling a special edition Pride ring with proceeds benefiting the LGBT Visitor Center. Complimentary cocktails and a great food buffet will be served against the backdrop of DJ Sayho playing holiday and contemporary favorites.

To RSVP for the HoliGay Celebration & Toy Drive, email karen@gogaymiami.com, or call (305) 397-8914. The LGBT Visitor Center is located at 1130 Washington Avenue, First Floor North, Miami Beach.

The MDGLCC opened the country’s first-ever Chamber-sponsored LGBT Visitor Center in November 2011. The Center is open to the public five days a week and has been the venue for special events for the MDGLCC, MetLife, Miami Dade County Health Department, Yes Institute, Miami Gay & Lesbian Film Festival, and Miami Beach Gay Pride, just to name a few. The LGBT Visitor Center is sponsored by MetLife. For more information, visit www.gogaymiami.com, email karen@gogaymiami.com, or call (305) 397-8914.

MDGLCC is the largest not-for-profit corporation in the county for gay and lesbian businesses. With memberships on the rise, the Chamber’s mission is to promote a unified and thriving, gay and gay-friendly, business and professional community throughout Miami-Dade County. Its goals are to promote networking within the existing gay and gay-friendly business and professional community, to promote business opportunities for Chamber members, to promote Miami as a year-round, gay and gay-friendly tourist destination, to provide resources for its members, and to provide outreach from our community to other organizations. For more information, visit www.gaybizmiami.com, email info@gaybizmiami.com, or call (305) 673-4440.

Miami Foundation Give Miami Day 12/12/12

Miami Foundation Give Miami Day

On December 12, 2012, The Miami Foundation will launch the inaugural Give Miami Day, a unique, online giving event that allows individuals in the community an opportunity to build a greater Miami through philanthropy. The 24-hour, online donation event will ignite Miami to support hundreds of nonprofits making a difference in Miami-Dade County. Nonprofits can create their profile for viewing on GiveMiamiDay.org, allowing existing and potential donors to see the mission, work and impact of each organization. Nonprofits can connect with donors looking to support the work they do in the community.

“This is a distinctive way to introduce people to the important role of nonprofit organizations and help them learn more about how their donation can impact lives in greater Miami,” shared Javier Alberto Soto, president and CEO of The Miami Foundation.

Donors will make charitable gifts to local nonprofits beginning at 12 midnight on December 12, 2012 and ending at 12 midnight on December 13, 2012. Every donation between $25 and $10,000 received through the Give Miami Day website on that day will have a percentage of it matched by The Miami Foundation.

Nonprofits, register now!

Nonprofits may go to miamifoundation.org/givemiamiNP to set up their free profile now (must be completed by 5 p.m., Monday, November 26). Organizations can also review event details and Give Miami Day rules at miamifoundation.org/givemiamiFAQ. For more information, please contact Marianne Maduro, senior program officer at The Miami Foundation, at mmaduro@miamifoundation.org .

Capponi Group to Help Miami Rescue Mission in Time for Holidays

As the Miami Rescue Mission gears up to feed thousands during the Thanksgiving holiday, Michael Capponi, Chairman of Capponi Construction Group, LLC, and Miami Rescue Mission announced on Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2012, its recent partnership for the expansion of the Men’s Center Annex. Notables in attendance at the press conference included: Capponi Construction Group President and CEO Kenneth J. Gross; Miami Beach Vice Mayor Michael Gongora, General Sales Manager of Clear Channel Communications Gary Reyes; Miami Rescue Mission’s President Ron Brummitt, Development Director Marilyn Brummitt, and Board Director Carlos Acosta.

Capponi Construction Group will increase capacity by adding 78 beds and complete the expansion of the Miami-based homeless shelter, giving the new building at 2031 NW 1 Ct. an avant-garde look and feel. Kobi Karp Architecture and Interior Design, Inc. is the project’s architect and design firm.

South Florida-based entrepreneur and philanthropist Michael Capponi has a long history of leading humanitarian initiatives, focusing his efforts on supporting Miami Rescue Mission’s aim to feed, house and provide services to the local homeless community. In 2008, proceeds from Capponi’s birthday fundraiser benefitted the Miami Rescue Mission, and other non-profit organizations. The following year, Capponi contributed a new health clinic for the homeless, sponsored the Great Thanksgiving Day Banquet, and donated a vehicle named Hope Mobile to the Miami Rescue Mission, for which he serves as an Advisory Board member. Capponi is Chairman of Capponi Group Corp., an assemblage of companies that specialize in the construction, entertainment and nightlife industries, as well as the revitalization of Haiti. Founder of the Haiti Empowerment Mission (www.haitiempowermentmission.org), Capponi has been a driving force in rebuilding Haiti through direct aid to its residents.

The Center for Men at Miami Rescue Mission offers a comprehensive, eight to fourteen month residential program for men who suffer from the deeply challenging problems of chronic homelessness; most often caused by chemical abuse or addiction, medical and mental issues, illiteracy, or lack of adequate job skills.

About Capponi Construction Group, LLC
In 2010, Michael Capponi partnered with President and CEO Kenneth J. Gross, former Senior Project Executive of the WCI Tower Division, Strategic Operations Partner and Board Member Todd C. Pennington, former Executive Vice-President of Bovis Lend Lease, and Executive Vice President of Construction Robert Wrieden, former Vice-President of the WCI Residential Division, to create Capponi Construction Group LLC, a Florida licensed general contractor (CGC045327). Together they have a combined total of over 90 years of industry experience and have built properties valued over $23 billion dollars in South Florida. Capponi Construction Group’s professionals average over 20 years in the industry and all have the hands-on experience necessary to successfully meet the challenges inherent in constructing multiple building types, including new construction and renovation of significant private residences, estates, high-end commercial projects, historic rehabilitation and construction of new hotels, condominiums and shopping centers. Since 2010, Capponi Construction Group, LLC, has completed multiple building types, including new construction, renovations and the historic rehabilitation of private residences, estates, condominiums, high-end commercial projects, shopping centers and hotels. For more information on Capponi Construction Group, LLC, please contact (305) 695-4410 or visit www.capponiconstruction.com.

About Miami Rescue Mission
Miami Rescue Mission, Inc. (MRM) is a charitable faith-based organization providing spiritual, physical, and social services to the poor and needy; including homeless men, women, and children since 1922. As a faith-based organization, we operate with Christian and charitable values and provide our services to all without regard to race, faith, age or gender. The Mission also operates its Broward Outreach Centers in Hollywood and Pompano Beach. www.miamirescuemission.com.

Dunkin’ Donuts Launches Community Cups to Fight Hunger 11/5/12-11/18/12

Dunkin’ Donuts Launches “Community Cups” to Fight Hunger

Fundraising Campaign to Benefit Feeding South Florida™ and The Dunkin’ Donuts & Baskin-Robbins Community Foundation

Dunkin’ Donuts, America’s favorite all-day, everyday stop for coffee and baked goods, has partnered with Feeding South Florida to collect donations in all of its South Florida restaurants from November 5 – 18 – just in time for Thanksgiving. A portion of the proceeds will also benefit the Southeast chapter of the Dunkin’ Donuts & Baskin-Robbins Community Foundation (DDBRCF). The mission of The DDBRCF is to serve our neighborhoods by supporting initiatives that address hunger, safety and children’s health.

“With almost one million of our neighbors, including over 340,000 children going to bed hungry in South Florida every night, Feeding South Florida is thrilled to be partnering with Dunkin’ Donuts,” said Paco Velez, CEO and president. “We are truly grateful for their leadership and impact this campaign will have on the local community.”

During the campaign, $1 donations will be collected to support Feeding South Florida and The DDBRCF at all participating locations from the Treasure Coast to the Keys. For each donation, guests will receive a “Community Cup” to sign and display in the restaurant. Fifty percent of the proceeds will be donated to Feeding South Florida to help fight the war on hunger in local communities. The remaining fifty percent will be donated to The DDBRCF and will be designated for grants to local charities in the Southeast that focus on hunger relief, safety and children’s health.

"It’s amazing to realize that Dunkin’ Donuts can truly make a difference in our local communities, especially knowing that a $1 donation will provide five and a half meals to our neighbors through Feeding South Florida,” said Melissa Goulette, Dunkin’ Donuts field marketing manager. “Through The Dunkin’ Donuts & Baskin-Robbins Community Foundation (DDBRCF), we are committed to giving back to the communities where we live and work, and look forward to further supporting local charities in the Southeast that focus on hunger relief, safety and children’s health.”

Knight Foundation Grant People Choice Awards 2012

Knight Foundation Grant People Choice Awards
Voting is via TEXT to 305-767-2200.
Last day to vote is October 22, 2012
KnightArts.org/peopleschoice

It’s all about VOTING! Not just in the Presidential elections, but also to support the arts in South Florida.

The decision to choose which organization gets a $20,000 check from the Knight Foundation is now in the hands of the people! The Knight Foundation has chosen five excellent south Florida arts organizations to compete in a public vote for a big grant. You know that Soul Of Miami is totally non-partisan, but we do encourage you to vote!

These organizations have been selected for an opportunity to win this money, un-restricted money to be used in ways they need and the Knight Foundation is moving the decision-making process out of their hands and into ours.

The organizations are:
1) 6th Street Dance Studio, a nonprofit dance studio in Little Havana
2) Arts Garage, a cultural hug in Palm Beach
3) FUNDarte, county wide presentor of multi-cultural exhibits and performances
4) LAB Miami, Wynwood, a co-working space at the intersection of art and business
5) Urgent, Inc. of North Dade, working in part with the arts to revitalize urban communities

Now in its fifth year, the Knight Arts Challenge is a community-wide contest for the best ideas for the arts. Sponsored by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, the challenge has invested $17 million in projects that help bring South Florida together through culture.

This year, as a way of bringing more attention to smaller groups, Knight Foundation is asking the public to vote by text for their favorite of the five. The group that receives the most votes will get $20,000 in unrestricted funds to use for a project.

Each People’s Choice nominee is a finalist in the 2012 Knight Arts Challenge and is still eligible for a challenge grant. Winners of both the challenge and the People’s Choice Award will be announced Dec. 3.

“So much of the exciting art in South Florida is at the ground level. We want to make sure everybody knows about these groups and the work they are doing to engage people through the arts,” said Dennis Scholl, Knight Foundation’s vice president/ arts.

“The five People’s Choice nominees bring credence to the idea that Miami is a place where ideas are built. Our collective creativity is limitless,” said Matt Haggman, Miami program director for Knight Foundation.

Text your vote to 305-767-2200 by October 22, 2012

Text 1 for 6th Street Dance Studio

Text 2 for Arts Garage

Text 3 for FUNDarte

Text 4 for LAB Miami

Text 5 for Urgent, Inc.

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